Don't know for how long but I am blogging again! Seems that life is busy but uninteresting around here!
Yesterday, I FINALLY sorted and organized (with G'pa's help) all our CDs. I actually found some that I had been missing for ages! I found all my Liz Story albums, and promptly played them! and my Keith Jarrett Koln Concert. I'll play that today.
Meanwhile, I watch all the birds at the feeder, soak in the hot tub, get a big chunk of our tax return completed, and wait now until it's time for the Superbowl later today!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Another poem!
Clara: In the Post Office
by Linda Hasselstrom
I keep telling you, I'm not a feminist.
I grew up an only child on a ranch,
so I drove tractors, learned to ride.
When the truck wouldn't start, I went to town
for parts. The man behind the counter
told me I couldn't rebuild a carburetor.
I could: every carburetor on the place. That's
necessity, not feminism.
I learned to do the books
after my husband left me and the debts
and the children. I shoveled snow and pitched hay
when the hired man didn't come to work.
I learned how to pull a calf
when the vet was too busy. As I thought,
the cow did most of it herself; they've been
birthing alone for ten thousand years. Does
that make them feminists?
It's not
that I don't like men; I love them - when I can.
But I've stopped counting on them
to change my flats or open my doors.
That's not feminism; that's just good sense.
"Clara: In the Post Office" by Linda Hasselstrom from, Roadkill. © Spoon River Publishing, 1987.
by Linda Hasselstrom
I keep telling you, I'm not a feminist.
I grew up an only child on a ranch,
so I drove tractors, learned to ride.
When the truck wouldn't start, I went to town
for parts. The man behind the counter
told me I couldn't rebuild a carburetor.
I could: every carburetor on the place. That's
necessity, not feminism.
I learned to do the books
after my husband left me and the debts
and the children. I shoveled snow and pitched hay
when the hired man didn't come to work.
I learned how to pull a calf
when the vet was too busy. As I thought,
the cow did most of it herself; they've been
birthing alone for ten thousand years. Does
that make them feminists?
It's not
that I don't like men; I love them - when I can.
But I've stopped counting on them
to change my flats or open my doors.
That's not feminism; that's just good sense.
"Clara: In the Post Office" by Linda Hasselstrom from, Roadkill. © Spoon River Publishing, 1987.
Monday, September 27, 2010
I like this poem!
The Return of Odysseus
by George Bilgere
When Odysseus finally does get home
he is understandably upset about the suitors,
who have been mooching off his wife for twenty years,
drinking his wine, eating his mutton, etc.
In a similar situation today he would seek legal counsel.
But those were different times. With the help
of his son Telemachus he slaughters roughly
one hundred and ten suitors
and quite a number of young ladies,
although in view of their behavior
I use the term loosely. Rivers of blood
course across the palace floor.
I too have come home in a bad mood.
Yesterday, for instance, after the department meeting,
when I ended up losing my choice parking spot
behind the library to the new provost.
I slammed the door. I threw down my book bag
in this particular way I have perfected over the years
that lets my wife understand
the contempt I have for my enemies,
which is prodigious. And then with great skill
she built a gin and tonic
that would have pleased the very gods,
and with epic patience she listened
as I told her of my wrath, and of what I intended to do
to so-and-so, and also to what's-his-name.
And then there was another gin and tonic
and presently my wrath abated and was forgotten,
and peace came to reign once more
in the great halls and courtyards of my house.
"The Return of Odysseus" by George Bilgere.
by George Bilgere
When Odysseus finally does get home
he is understandably upset about the suitors,
who have been mooching off his wife for twenty years,
drinking his wine, eating his mutton, etc.
In a similar situation today he would seek legal counsel.
But those were different times. With the help
of his son Telemachus he slaughters roughly
one hundred and ten suitors
and quite a number of young ladies,
although in view of their behavior
I use the term loosely. Rivers of blood
course across the palace floor.
I too have come home in a bad mood.
Yesterday, for instance, after the department meeting,
when I ended up losing my choice parking spot
behind the library to the new provost.
I slammed the door. I threw down my book bag
in this particular way I have perfected over the years
that lets my wife understand
the contempt I have for my enemies,
which is prodigious. And then with great skill
she built a gin and tonic
that would have pleased the very gods,
and with epic patience she listened
as I told her of my wrath, and of what I intended to do
to so-and-so, and also to what's-his-name.
And then there was another gin and tonic
and presently my wrath abated and was forgotten,
and peace came to reign once more
in the great halls and courtyards of my house.
"The Return of Odysseus" by George Bilgere.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Excerpts from Frank Rich's NY Times Op Ed column
I got a bit carried away below, pasting big chunks of the column! But if you want to read the entire column, go to Frank Rich's column, March 27.
...As no less a conservative authority than The Wall Street Journal editorial page observed last week, the bill’s prototype is the health care legislation Mitt Romney signed into law in Massachusetts. It contains what used to be considered Republican ideas.
...
That a tsunami of anger is gathering today is illogical, given that what the right calls “Obamacare” is less provocative than either the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Medicare, an epic entitlement that actually did precipitate a government takeover of a sizable chunk of American health care. But the explanation is plain: the health care bill is not the main source of this anger and never has been. It’s merely a handy excuse. The real source of the over-the-top rage of 2010 is the same kind of national existential reordering that roiled America in 1964.
In fact, the current surge of anger — and the accompanying rise in right-wing extremism — predates the entire health care debate. The first signs were the shrieks of “traitor” and “off with his head” at Palin rallies as Obama’s election became more likely in October 2008.
...
If Obama’s first legislative priority had been immigration or financial reform or climate change, we would have seen the same trajectory. The conjunction of a black president and a female speaker of the House — topped off by a wise Latina on the Supreme Court and a powerful gay Congressional committee chairman — would sow fears of disenfranchisement among a dwindling and threatened minority in the country no matter what policies were in play. It’s not happenstance that Frank, Lewis and Cleaver — none of them major Democratic players in the health care push — received a major share of last weekend’s abuse. When you hear demonstrators chant the slogan “Take our country back!,” these are the people they want to take the country back from.
...
By 2012, the next presidential election year, non-Hispanic white births will be in the minority. The Tea Party movement is virtually all white. The Republicans haven’t had a single African-American in the Senate or the House since 2003 and have had only three in total since 1935. Their anxieties about a rapidly changing America are well-grounded.
...
After the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed, some responsible leaders in both parties spoke out to try to put a lid on the resistance and violence. The arch-segregationist Russell of Georgia, concerned about what might happen in his own backyard, declared flatly that the law is “now on the books.” Yet no Republican or conservative leader of stature has taken on Palin, Perry, Boehner or any of the others who have been stoking these fires for a good 17 months now. Last week McCain even endorsed Palin’s “reload” rhetoric.
Are these politicians so frightened of offending anyone in the Tea Party-Glenn Beck base that they would rather fall silent than call out its extremist elements and their enablers? Seemingly so, and if G.O.P. leaders of all stripes, from Romney to Mitch McConnell to Olympia Snowe to Lindsey Graham, are afraid of these forces, that’s the strongest possible indicator that the rest of us have reason to fear them too.
...As no less a conservative authority than The Wall Street Journal editorial page observed last week, the bill’s prototype is the health care legislation Mitt Romney signed into law in Massachusetts. It contains what used to be considered Republican ideas.
...
That a tsunami of anger is gathering today is illogical, given that what the right calls “Obamacare” is less provocative than either the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Medicare, an epic entitlement that actually did precipitate a government takeover of a sizable chunk of American health care. But the explanation is plain: the health care bill is not the main source of this anger and never has been. It’s merely a handy excuse. The real source of the over-the-top rage of 2010 is the same kind of national existential reordering that roiled America in 1964.
In fact, the current surge of anger — and the accompanying rise in right-wing extremism — predates the entire health care debate. The first signs were the shrieks of “traitor” and “off with his head” at Palin rallies as Obama’s election became more likely in October 2008.
...
If Obama’s first legislative priority had been immigration or financial reform or climate change, we would have seen the same trajectory. The conjunction of a black president and a female speaker of the House — topped off by a wise Latina on the Supreme Court and a powerful gay Congressional committee chairman — would sow fears of disenfranchisement among a dwindling and threatened minority in the country no matter what policies were in play. It’s not happenstance that Frank, Lewis and Cleaver — none of them major Democratic players in the health care push — received a major share of last weekend’s abuse. When you hear demonstrators chant the slogan “Take our country back!,” these are the people they want to take the country back from.
...
By 2012, the next presidential election year, non-Hispanic white births will be in the minority. The Tea Party movement is virtually all white. The Republicans haven’t had a single African-American in the Senate or the House since 2003 and have had only three in total since 1935. Their anxieties about a rapidly changing America are well-grounded.
...
After the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed, some responsible leaders in both parties spoke out to try to put a lid on the resistance and violence. The arch-segregationist Russell of Georgia, concerned about what might happen in his own backyard, declared flatly that the law is “now on the books.” Yet no Republican or conservative leader of stature has taken on Palin, Perry, Boehner or any of the others who have been stoking these fires for a good 17 months now. Last week McCain even endorsed Palin’s “reload” rhetoric.
Are these politicians so frightened of offending anyone in the Tea Party-Glenn Beck base that they would rather fall silent than call out its extremist elements and their enablers? Seemingly so, and if G.O.P. leaders of all stripes, from Romney to Mitch McConnell to Olympia Snowe to Lindsey Graham, are afraid of these forces, that’s the strongest possible indicator that the rest of us have reason to fear them too.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Manners
by Howard Nemerov
Prig offered Pig the first chance at dessert,
So Pig reached out and speared the bigger part.
"Now that," cried Prig, "is extremely rude of you!"
Pig, with his mouth full, said, "Wha, wha' wou' 'ou do?"
"I would have taken the littler bit," said Prig.
"Stop kvetching, then it's what you've got," said Pig.
So virtue is its own reward, you see.
And that is all it's ever going to be.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Yummy! Rava dosas.
I made this wonderfully tasty vegetarian dish last night. We thought it was absolutely delicious so I thought I would share it. Most of the ingredients are fairly common, but you probably will need semolina flour and rice flour, and perhaps cumin seeds and unsweetened coconut if they are not in your spice drawer. Definitely worth the effort!
Rava dosas
Rava dosas
Friday, October 30, 2009
Girls' reunion
What a fun weekend! We ate, drank and got all caught up - my daughters my sisters and me. Here are some photos!
First day - out for a walk in Park city - it was cold and windy!
At lunch, Nina had escargot, for the first time ever she said. I caught one going down!
To add to our fun, the girls had three friends for a sleepover that evening and for most of the next day, so we had six littles in tow as we went for a hike by a lovely waterfall.
Here's a pic of the three of us!
And then of course, we visited the littles' school.
They all got new pajamas.
and Vicky showed off her new hat!
First day - out for a walk in Park city - it was cold and windy!
At lunch, Nina had escargot, for the first time ever she said. I caught one going down!
To add to our fun, the girls had three friends for a sleepover that evening and for most of the next day, so we had six littles in tow as we went for a hike by a lovely waterfall.
Here's a pic of the three of us!
And then of course, we visited the littles' school.
They all got new pajamas.
and Vicky showed off her new hat!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
What an enjoyable weekend!
Here's some facts: Washington is the second largest state producer of wine in the US. CA is the biggest.
Walla Walla is an Appellation in the state and is also a town, about 100 miles form here. So yesterday morning G'pa and I and Riley the airedale hit the road for Walla Walla, armed with a map, a few internet downloads and a motel room booked.
We arrived around 1 pm and headed right for a group of wineries near the east end of town. Wow! The first winery was great, and we kept thinking that we would find some bad ones. But we kept tasting, and never found any bad ones!
Late afternoon we retired to our room for a break, and a rest. Later, we walked the dog around town, listened to some street music, and generally enjoyed Walla Walla. What a nice town!
Turns out there are more than 100 wineries in town!
We visited several more this morning (they opened at 10am) and discovered several more that were excellent. I think we came home with three cases of wine altogether!
We stopped for lunch at a recommended restaurant - Brasserie 4 - and had wonderful mussels! Then headed home to Pullman. A lovely relaxing weekend.
BTW, Walla Walla means many waters. It is home to both Cayuse and Walla Walla indians.
Here's some facts: Washington is the second largest state producer of wine in the US. CA is the biggest.
Walla Walla is an Appellation in the state and is also a town, about 100 miles form here. So yesterday morning G'pa and I and Riley the airedale hit the road for Walla Walla, armed with a map, a few internet downloads and a motel room booked.
We arrived around 1 pm and headed right for a group of wineries near the east end of town. Wow! The first winery was great, and we kept thinking that we would find some bad ones. But we kept tasting, and never found any bad ones!
Late afternoon we retired to our room for a break, and a rest. Later, we walked the dog around town, listened to some street music, and generally enjoyed Walla Walla. What a nice town!
Turns out there are more than 100 wineries in town!
We visited several more this morning (they opened at 10am) and discovered several more that were excellent. I think we came home with three cases of wine altogether!
We stopped for lunch at a recommended restaurant - Brasserie 4 - and had wonderful mussels! Then headed home to Pullman. A lovely relaxing weekend.
BTW, Walla Walla means many waters. It is home to both Cayuse and Walla Walla indians.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Washington wines
Record heat again today - I think we hit 100.
But with the end of the first week of classes Irv and I have booked a motel in Walla Walla and we and Riley are off there tomorrow to do some Washington wine tasting.
It is supposed to be cooler tomorrow so it should be a fun day and a half! Looking at the map there seem to be about 50 wineries in the Walla Walla area. We probably won't get to all of them!
But with the end of the first week of classes Irv and I have booked a motel in Walla Walla and we and Riley are off there tomorrow to do some Washington wine tasting.
It is supposed to be cooler tomorrow so it should be a fun day and a half! Looking at the map there seem to be about 50 wineries in the Walla Walla area. We probably won't get to all of them!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Passed my motorcycle driver's test today, so look out! Here I come!
I was nervous about it and hadn't really practiced the moves. But I did fine. The only problem was with the "swerve and stop" maneuver. I lost a few points on that one, but otherwise I rather impressed the two young kids who were also taking the test. We all passed so it was a joyful morning!
I was nervous about it and hadn't really practiced the moves. But I did fine. The only problem was with the "swerve and stop" maneuver. I lost a few points on that one, but otherwise I rather impressed the two young kids who were also taking the test. We all passed so it was a joyful morning!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Incongruous
G'pa is in Atlanta and I have been working hard getting ready for this coming semester. It has been nice to have lots of uninterrupted time to get work done. And yet ... this evening I wrote this...
Incongruous
I miss my partner – is that what you call love?
Love every new idea for fifteen minutes says Dr Phil. What a good idea – we should try that.
I don’t feel right with you half (or more) a continent away. We are somehow partners, even though we rub each other the wrong way many times.
You are my familiar. I am your grounding.
This house is somehow empty and vacant and wanting and missing something.
What is it about traveling around the world?
Yes it’s fun and interesting to see places I’ve never seen before.
But, there are lots of places here that we can explore.
And also, I think that perhaps there’s something of an element of escape in travelling.
What am I running from? Why am I not content with place?
I can think of lots of reasons to stay home for the summer and not travel.
Mostly gardening.
Being attached to place.
Being grounded.
What are we waiting for?
Libby
August 11, 2009
Incongruous
I miss my partner – is that what you call love?
Love every new idea for fifteen minutes says Dr Phil. What a good idea – we should try that.
I don’t feel right with you half (or more) a continent away. We are somehow partners, even though we rub each other the wrong way many times.
You are my familiar. I am your grounding.
This house is somehow empty and vacant and wanting and missing something.
What is it about traveling around the world?
Yes it’s fun and interesting to see places I’ve never seen before.
But, there are lots of places here that we can explore.
And also, I think that perhaps there’s something of an element of escape in travelling.
What am I running from? Why am I not content with place?
I can think of lots of reasons to stay home for the summer and not travel.
Mostly gardening.
Being attached to place.
Being grounded.
What are we waiting for?
Libby
August 11, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Let me try some pics and news about our latest trip. It's turning out to be the most expensive trip ever - it cost plenty, but we had a leaky pipe in the downstairs of our Lolo house while we were away and --- Oh, well, it's under control but the bill is out of this world!
But, Greece. We went first to the island of Naxos. Loved it! If you ever go there, be sure to stay at the Hotel Grotta! The family owned and run hotel was great, and the family members were all so friendly and helpful.
Here's the link: http://www.hotelgrotta.gr/
We enjoyed four days there - time enough to explore the town, the archaeological sites, the Venetian connection, the beach, the shops and the restaurants. we also explored the island, one day by car and one day on a four wheeler - that was another adventure! Thank goodness for the icecream truck!). Lots to see and we had fun.
I then went to my conference while G'pa stayed in Athens. We both enjoyed our stays. Then G'pa traveled to Thessaloniki to meet up with me and we left next day (separately because we lost each other! But I will not go into that debacle)for Halkidiki and the town of Sarti. Great fun! I planned that part, and my only requirement was beach and sun and swimming and eating and drinking and relaxing! It met all of those! Great! I recommend Sarti. We bought a snorkeling set and had lots of fun with it. We found an isolated cove which we had to ourselves for two days. Perfect!
Then we traveled to England to visit both my brothers and my mother. Quite a change, climatewise. But great to see all my family members. We had some fun too. Went to Billy Elliot the musical in London, and to As you like it at the Shakespeare theater in Stratford.
Also went to the car boot sale on sunday morning at Long Marston with my younger bro!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
I am back from my travels again! Greece and England this time. More on that later. I am too tired to talk about it.
Here's a neat poem I read this morning:
Patriotism
by Ellie Schoenfeld
My country is this dirt
that gathers under my fingernails
when I am in the garden.
The quiet bacteria and fungi,
all the little insects and bugs
are my compatriots. They are
idealistic, always working together
for the common good.
I kneel on the earth
and pledge my allegiance
to all the dirt of the world,
to all of that soil which grows
flowers and food
for the just and unjust alike.
The soil does not care
what we think about or who we love.
It knows our true substance,
of what we are really made.
I stand my ground on this ground,
this ground which will
ultimately
recruit us all
to its side.
"Patriotism" by Ellie Schoenfeld, from The Dark Honey. © Clover Valley Press, 2009.
Here's a neat poem I read this morning:
Patriotism
by Ellie Schoenfeld
My country is this dirt
that gathers under my fingernails
when I am in the garden.
The quiet bacteria and fungi,
all the little insects and bugs
are my compatriots. They are
idealistic, always working together
for the common good.
I kneel on the earth
and pledge my allegiance
to all the dirt of the world,
to all of that soil which grows
flowers and food
for the just and unjust alike.
The soil does not care
what we think about or who we love.
It knows our true substance,
of what we are really made.
I stand my ground on this ground,
this ground which will
ultimately
recruit us all
to its side.
"Patriotism" by Ellie Schoenfeld, from The Dark Honey. © Clover Valley Press, 2009.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
If anybody is still out there... I am back! I have been gone since May 9th. I went to Thailand and Cambodia and I posted a few photos but never got back to the rest, as I promised. Then, it was off to Texas (see my daughter's blog (Nina's blog) for pictures from that visit. Then to Park Cit, Utah, for two other grandchildren (the third was off at her other grandma's). More about all this later.
But now, I have to tell about my latest acquistion: A Bajaj Legend, a scooter! But what a scooter! It is big and heavy and more like a motorcycle. It weighs 250 pounds and has 145 cc! which seems powerful to me - never having ridden a motorcycle (except as a passenger).
here's a picture of it:
Here's another!
I picked up the study guide for motorcycle riding and studied it today. Then I went and took my written test, and passed it!!! So now I have a permit to ride the bike during daylight hours, and without any passengers. I have to take my "driving" test within 90 days. So, I have some time to practice. It is fun to ride!!
More about my summer later. I jsut want to say that taking care of four (or even two) children is a full time job. DOn't let anyone tell you otherwise. I had no down time espeically with the younger ones, and felt quite tired when the two weeks were over. Very enjoyable, but it took lots of energy. I am used to having lots of quiet time these days.
My Grandaughter (Miss D) decided she liked to take naps with me so she and I slept most afternoons for an hour or two. That saved me!!!
But now, I have to tell about my latest acquistion: A Bajaj Legend, a scooter! But what a scooter! It is big and heavy and more like a motorcycle. It weighs 250 pounds and has 145 cc! which seems powerful to me - never having ridden a motorcycle (except as a passenger).
here's a picture of it:
Here's another!
I picked up the study guide for motorcycle riding and studied it today. Then I went and took my written test, and passed it!!! So now I have a permit to ride the bike during daylight hours, and without any passengers. I have to take my "driving" test within 90 days. So, I have some time to practice. It is fun to ride!!
More about my summer later. I jsut want to say that taking care of four (or even two) children is a full time job. DOn't let anyone tell you otherwise. I had no down time espeically with the younger ones, and felt quite tired when the two weeks were over. Very enjoyable, but it took lots of energy. I am used to having lots of quiet time these days.
My Grandaughter (Miss D) decided she liked to take naps with me so she and I slept most afternoons for an hour or two. That saved me!!!
Monday, June 1, 2009
Photos from Thailand and Cambodia
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Hi everyone! I arrived safely in Thailand two weeks ago now (has it really been that long?!), and after recharging for a couple of days and visiting with Kbaba and family, G'pa and I set off on the train to Cambodia. We rode the train from Bangkok to the Thai-Cambodia border. It took about 6 hours and cost 48 baht for each ticket - thats' about $1.50! Once safely across the border (we had to take a tuk-tuk and then walk through the checkpoint, and then another minibus) we got to the big bus depot and found our bus to Siem Reap. It took about another 4 or so hours to get to Siem Reap by bus. then another tuk-tuk to our hotel and we collapsed! The trip was tiring but enough of an adventure that we rather enjoyed it!
The next day began or three day tour around the many ancient temples in the area, with the most famous being Angkor Wat. Cambodia - and especially Siem Reap, the town near to Ankor Wat, is an interesting place. It still has a French influence with several french type restaurants and lots of fresh baguettes and bread available to supplement the rice and noodle dishes. Although the official Cambodain currency is the riel, dollars are accepted everywhere and widely used. You hardly need to have local currency.
After our three days in Siem Reap we went (by bus again) to Phnom Penh. We spent two days there visitng temples, museums, the Royal Palace (and the killing fields, ugh!) and also taking a short cruise on the Mekong River. Phnom Penh is a big bustling city and we had had enough of crowds and people. So after two days we hopped another bus for the southern Cambodian city of Sihanoukville. This is definitely a beach town and I regret that we did not have more time to spend there. We arrived about midday and sat on the beach, drank beer and swam, and chatted with the locals until sundown. Next morning we were on the bus again back to Thailand - a 9 hour trip this time! with a change of bus at the border. We had a fast and furious ride from the Thai border to Pattaya in a small minibus. I think the driver was in a race to get somewhere and was definitely late! He was a crazy driver. But we arrived in Pattaya - a Thai beach resort just east of Bangkok and met up with Kbaba and family for a relaxing weekend at the beach there. We have had mostly good weather - a few rather heavy rainshowers but nothing prolonged. Good news, since the rainy season is fast approaching.
We are now in our hotel room relaxing and catching up. I plan a "spa day" tomorrow. I will have the works at a local place where I had a great massage last week.
Hope all is well out there in the rest of the world. If I find some energy perhaps I'll post some photos tomorrow.
The next day began or three day tour around the many ancient temples in the area, with the most famous being Angkor Wat. Cambodia - and especially Siem Reap, the town near to Ankor Wat, is an interesting place. It still has a French influence with several french type restaurants and lots of fresh baguettes and bread available to supplement the rice and noodle dishes. Although the official Cambodain currency is the riel, dollars are accepted everywhere and widely used. You hardly need to have local currency.
After our three days in Siem Reap we went (by bus again) to Phnom Penh. We spent two days there visitng temples, museums, the Royal Palace (and the killing fields, ugh!) and also taking a short cruise on the Mekong River. Phnom Penh is a big bustling city and we had had enough of crowds and people. So after two days we hopped another bus for the southern Cambodian city of Sihanoukville. This is definitely a beach town and I regret that we did not have more time to spend there. We arrived about midday and sat on the beach, drank beer and swam, and chatted with the locals until sundown. Next morning we were on the bus again back to Thailand - a 9 hour trip this time! with a change of bus at the border. We had a fast and furious ride from the Thai border to Pattaya in a small minibus. I think the driver was in a race to get somewhere and was definitely late! He was a crazy driver. But we arrived in Pattaya - a Thai beach resort just east of Bangkok and met up with Kbaba and family for a relaxing weekend at the beach there. We have had mostly good weather - a few rather heavy rainshowers but nothing prolonged. Good news, since the rainy season is fast approaching.
We are now in our hotel room relaxing and catching up. I plan a "spa day" tomorrow. I will have the works at a local place where I had a great massage last week.
Hope all is well out there in the rest of the world. If I find some energy perhaps I'll post some photos tomorrow.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
I give my last exam tomorrow, then I must grade it, and post the grades. Then I can focus on pakcing for almost 3 weeks in Thailand and Cambodia. I am looking forward to the break. I need some down time. It has been a very busy semester. I added it up today and found that I have written or co-written $10 million worth of grants this semester! Now we just need to get a couple of them funded!
Winter still has not relinquished her grip on the Northwest. It was rainy yesterday and cold today. I am ready for some warmer weather! So are my baskets of flowers - they look decidedly cold!
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Winter still has not relinquished her grip on the Northwest. It was rainy yesterday and cold today. I am ready for some warmer weather! So are my baskets of flowers - they look decidedly cold!
Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)