First day teaching for this autumn semester today. It seemed to go well. I had class this morning and then seminar this afternoon. Seemed like a long day. But enjoyable!

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!

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

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!

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.

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!!!

Photos from Thailand and Cambodia

Here are some pictures from our trip.


Tourista!















The Cambodian flag, with Angkor Wat on it.
















This is Banteay Sreay.

















Temple construction details.

This is an antique Thai house





These are Apsara dancers




Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat at sunrise

Temple carvings

More later!