New Years Eve

Midnight is rapidly approaching so I am going to type quickly.
The internet was still out this morning, so I read the newspaper Faye sent, a book that I borrowed from a friend, and made a baby quilt top. I was listening to a meditation session from the Neurotransmitter software and fell asleep. When I woke up, Chris went to post to check the mail. He returned with packages! One had two printer cartridges (apparently they duplicated my order), and one had Christmas presents from my mom. Thanks Mom. I just ran out of cacao nibs, so your timing is perfect! Michele liked her scarves, and Chris was glad to get coffee and fruit cake.
And gee, my 2009 calendar runs out today so the quilt calendar is perfect!
Michele was bored without internet so she suggested Monopoly. That can be a long game but I figured it wouldn't last past the fixing of the internet. The guy showed up as we were passing out the money, but it took him awhile to diagnose and fix the problem. Then life was back to normal.
I opened my e-mail to find 60+ messages waiting for me. So I started digging. I learned that tires should be considered expired after 6 years - whether they have been used or not. Some stores are selling 12 year old tires. You can check the date by reading a 3 or 4 digit code which is the last number on the tire. See "aged tires - hidden danger" on Youtube.
I also learned about the dangers of flouride. Yes, that stuff they put in toothpaste. Read the back of the tube, all of it. It accumulates in your bones and is bad for your thyroid. Google the MSDS on sodium flouride. I now brush my teeth with baking soda.
Its midnight - gotta kiss my husband. Happy New Year, everyone!

Wednesday

I had thought about going to the South Post chapel to cut fabric to make pillowcases, but it was cold so I stayed home to clear out e-mail and clean up clutter in the computer room. Normally I only get a mess cleaned up to the point where it is less of a mess than the other messes. But today I did really well, and got it all organized. Notes scribbled over numerous piles of paper have now been entered on the computer. Other papers have been sorted and filed. In the process I found letters, addresses, tlelphone numbers, and checks. Too bad I didn't find my purple bracelet. I also taped bubble wrap over the open window and made a long rice bag to sit on the window sill.
I was very productive today, and only partially because the internet went out in the late afternoon. I even wrote this blog post on paper 'in hopes that the internet soon would be here'.

The Mushroom restaurant - good to the last drop

Chris gave me a lift to the thrift shop. I wore my "Treble-maker" t-shirt but it was so cold in there I couldn't take my coat off. My hands were cold too because I couldn't wear gloves while processing books and videos. So when Chris called to go to lunch, I was happy to go. We drove to the other side of post, where we were met by some of his coworkers. The three of us followed them off-post to the mushroom restaurant, as it has become known. We sat on the floor and 2 large bowls of soup were cooked IN the table top. It was full of veggies. We also were served kimchi. AFter the veggies cooked and we ate them, large noodles were added to the broth. After that was cooked and eaten, they added rice with seaweed and stuff. Amazingly we ate that, too. It was all very, very good. Then we walked back, in the snow and my feet got wet and cold. We stopped at the post office to mail the Christmas cards. While standing in line, I discovered that the envelopes were not pre-gummed. So no lick and stick. Fortunately the clerk had a roll of tape. Our next mission was to stop by Tina's house for the bags of fabric scraps. And we stopped Chris' office to pick up the mail. I got Christmas cards and printer cartridges. Now I can print in colors other than red and yellow. We came home. I took a nap and made two more pillowcases. After supper I got on my e-mail to clear it out. I am way behind. Too many links to follow.

Post office is open, but my mind is closed

It snowed last night and froze, so driving conditions were hazardous. So I walked to post. Guess what? Walking conditions weren't any better. Cathy picked me up at the gate and we drove to the SPC. I brought fabric for four pillowcases, but didn't get any made. I spent my time helping others and making binding for two quilts. I got the binding machine-sewn on one before we left. (Here is a quilt top one of the ladies made.) Chris came to get me. I guess driving conditions improved. We went to the post office and mailed all the packages, but forgot the letters. Oh well, maybe tomorrow. We had more ham for supper. Oh, it's so good. Unfortunately the commissary no longer sells German mustard. That would have been REALLY good! I spent part of the evening hand-sewing the binding, and part writing a letter to a friend. Then I stayed up until after midnight looking for that friends address!

I saved a life...

We woke up at 9:22. Church starts at 10, so we had to hussle. But we made it. When we went up for communion, I noticed that the pointsettias needed watering. So after church I asked one of the pastors about it. He said no one does that and he expects they will die and be thrown out. I offered to water them, but he declined. He did however give me one to take home. So that is the life I have saved. For now.
Nancy was in church and not feeling well, so I gave her a spinal flush. She is flying to the states tomorrow so I won't find out if it helped. But I wish her the best.
At home I noticed that my tomato plant that I thought was dead from frost, has finally ripened its small fruits. What a surprise!
I made another pillowcase, a purple one, and picked out fabrics to take along tomorrow so I can work on them at the weekly meeting. I don't expect much turnout because most people are on holiday AND it snowed today so the roads are expected to be slippery. I also chose my binding fabrics for the tops I quilted. I figure it'll be easier to sew them on using big tables, than to do it in my sewing room.
Chris and Michele went to see Avatar. I stayed home and checked links on my computer. I learned more about how inundated we are by toxins in our food, air, water, household cleaners, cosmetics, etc. Some baby products are especially bad. On the good side, I learned that most medicines are potent long past their expiration dates. Expiration dates have more to do with marketing and the price of having to do the tests for longer periods of time.
Then I watched a video on Dr. Mercola's site about supercharging your immune system. There are lots of natural ways. If you look for the video on Mercola.com, plan to spend 90 minutes watching it.

Post Office still closed

I was working on another pillowcase when I decided write a few more Christmas cards and then take a shower. That was when Michele wanted Chris to drive her to the subway. But he told her to walk, so he could wait for me. When I was finished, we took all our packaged gifts to base, to the post office. But it was still closed!!! Then we went to the bank to deposit checks. At least they were open. We stopped by Tina's house to pick up some bags, but she wasn't home and the bags weren't outside. Then we parked at Gate 19 and walked to E-Mart to buy eggs and kimchi. The walk isn't bad, but waiting at the stop lights is very cold.
Back at the apt we took a nap (Chris isn't feeling his best) and then I finished the pillowcase. Same base fabric (Christmas flipflops), but I put a green band on it. After supper we drove to post to see Avatar, but it was sold out. Home again, I got on my computer. There is a neat site called ALTUSE.com. It gives alternate uses for different things. I also read about SuperOxideDismutase. It is supposed to be the greatest antioxidant ever. It is present in 2 forms in the cell and one outside it. I also read that what's under your fingernails might be the greatest threat to your health. So I ordered a special soap for that. They also sell a formula to soak your face in that kills germs in your nose and eye ares, but I wasn't ready to try that. Then there was the salt water detox process - some people swear by it, but it sounds like a bit drastic.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day is supposed to be special, right? What makes it different from any other day? Let's see, we had a dusting of snow this morning. Then we opened our presents. Didn't take long with just the three of us. Our cards from Faye included holiday music CD's so we put one on. Chris talked to his parents over SKYPE (and his sister was there, too). I made some oatmeal facial scrub and then some mayonaise. Chris pu a ham in the oven for supper. I worked at making a pillowcase. I started with some dolphin fabric, but it wouldn't play with any of my other fabrics, so finally I cast it aside for the Christmas flipflop fabric. After I finished that one, I sat down to write Christmas cards. Doesn't that seem like an appropriate thing to do on Christmas Day? Then around 10:30 we called my parents on SKYPE. I have been staying away from the computer all day so this wouldn't be like every other day. Tomorrow I am going to have a lot of mail to read.

Christmas Eve

Chris offered to help me mail packages, so I spent all morning and part of the afternoon wrapping and labeling gifts to ship. Then the three of us went on post to use the Post Office, the Commissary and the bank. But two of the three weren't open. So although I would like to tell you that the gifts are in the mail, they are not. Obama gave federal employees half a day off. So no bank and no P.O. If the gifts are late, blame him. Ha, ha.
Later we dressed for the Christmas eve service. It was funny how some people really dressed us (not just me) and some wore jeans. After the service we had a feast in the fellowship hall catered by the DHL. The choir sang more Christmas songs. We sang along, even when they sang in Korean. (We sang in English)
Then we drove home and each one returned to his/her computer. I watched homemade light shows set to music on youtube. It is now after midnight here so Merry Christmas, everybody!!!

The Day before the day before Christmas

I have lots of gifts to wrap and mail. And I DID do some wrapping, and tagging. Chris said he'd help me mail them tomorrow so I had a deadline. But I still didn't finish. It is odd because I LOVE wrapping presents and always have. It just hit me tonight that I am procrastinating because I am not satisfied with the gifts. They just seem too meager. I even wrapped a few things for Michele and Chris. But they were too few and too unexiting. I feel like I have failed in my Christmas responsibilities. I have let everyone down. Haven't even sent any cards. On the other hand, where is it written that all these things are MY responsibility? But if I don't do it, no one else will.
So, while I was procrastinating, I did some Sudoku and some word searches (my sister gave me the large print edition and I am glad she did), got on my computer and read e-mail, and we all watched Dollhouse (a TV series I never heard of). Chris got the car registration updated and came home with a package - my newest nutritional supplements. That was fast - just ordered them last week. Here is a pic of the shirt MaryAnn gave me. Isn't it a hoot?

Learn something new every day

It is thrift shop day. But I often don't get there until 10:30 or 11. But this morning my husband called around 9 to ask if I wanted a ride. Heck yes! So I met him at the gate at 9:30. The manager was shocked to see me arrive so early. MaryAnn was there, too. She gave me the cutest shirt. I'll have to take a pic to show it off. Chris was going to take me to lunch, so I didn't pack anything. But he called and cancelled. But that was alright because Ella (the manager) bought lunch for the four of us. Most volunteers are on vacation right now. Then Cathy called to ask me to help her quilt a QOV. So a little after 1, I went over to the AnC center. She brought a couple of unfinished pillowcases with her to work on so that she wouldn't 'take over'. It was a good idea because I have to learn to operate the computer by myself. That is the hardest part of longarm quilting. It took a little over 2 hours, and then Chris came and drove me home. I had to have more lunch because the salad Ella got me didn't have enough protein. I had finished up the homemade mayo so I used what was left of the wasabe mayo. Whew!! Goes right up the old nose. I spent the rest of the day doing Sudoku and following links in e-mails. I learned how to make an oatmeal facial scrub, I heard a Celtic group sing Carol of the Bells, I read about the benefits of taking fish oil, I saw a video on anti-aging practices (and how if you can hold on long enough, future technology may make aging obsolete). Apparently taking a nap every afternoon correlates with living longer. I read about contaminants in public drinking water and the filters available to take them out. And I read about homeopathy. Now it's time for bed.

The few, the proud, the quilters

I planned to arrive early at the SPC so I could play Christmas songs on the piano. Since Pam is out of town, I tried to catch the bus, but missed it, so I had to walk. I arrived at the same time as if I had waited for the next bus. So I was not early, but no one arrived for some time, so I still had a chance to be alone and play. People were late and not many came, but we sure did get a lot done. I think it was that those that came brought quilt tops, so all we had to do was sandwich and tie them. To make up for being late, most left early. Lency came to ask questions about a stocking project. Finally she gave me a ride to my gate and I took her to our apartment to embroider some names for her. She offered to help me put the machine away, but I needed to have it out so I could replace the boxes there with PVC and shelves. (which I did. Now I have room for more fabric) After she left, I ate lunch and opened a box Chris brought home from work. It was from my sister and contained decorations for the tree (gee, it must have looked pretty bad in the photo) and assorted gifts. Thanks, Faye. Michele and I put the tinsel on the tree. Then I finished the pillowcase I started Thursday night. We are up to 7 now. Then I took the latest pile of charm squares and made another panel. Oh, I did stop for supper. My nose ran constantly and the only way to get my hands free to sew was to (Karen - stop reading here) stuff tissues up my nose. It worked quite well. My nose was getting raw from all the blowing.
I finished the evening by reading e-mail.
P.S. I remebered what we did Saturday. Laundry. The machine wouldn't drain and it turned out that the water in the drain hose had frozen.

Dark Disney

This is a double post because we turned in early last night. I should have made myself get up and post because now I can't remember what I did on Saturday. I know that I DIDN'T work at the thrift shop even though they asked me to. It was cold outside and I had stuff to do around the house. I am not saying I got that 'stuff' done. A friend of Michele's came over around 5:30. We had supper then all went to the movies. We saw "The Princess and the Frog". It was pretty dark for a Disney Movie. And one of the good guys died. I wanted to stand up and shout 'Nobody dies in a Disney movie, I want my money back!'. But since it was free, I kept quiet.
After the movie, we drove Kim to the subway station. Then we went home to bed.

I woke up feeling guilty for eating a bunch of sugar-covered doughnuts. They were so good I just couldn't help myself. Then I realized that it was only a dream. Phew!!
Then we got up and dressed for church. Church was the usual. Afterwards we had snacks. We went over to the PX for wrapping paper, then to the Arts and Crafts center to cut down a closet shelf. Finally we went to the commissary for groceries. I got 4 avacados. I never had them before, but they are supposed to be a source of good fat. My goal is to add good fats to my diet. It might even be working, because my husband said I looked smaller. And if HE noticed...
I read for awhile, and Chris made me some egg salad for lunch. Then I made three baby quilt tops in preparation for tomorrow. I also assembled all the stuff I plan to take. Only then did I get on the internet. IT is the biggest time consumer I have ever seen.

Look!! More finished quilts!

I was later than usual finishing my morning routine. And it was colder than usual. But Chris was kind enough to leave the car just inside the gate for me. So around 10:30 or so I took my quilt tops and Cathy's order and walked to post, then drove to the arts and crafts center. I could have used a second pair of pants, but at least my hands and feet were warm. Cathy couldn't make it, so I was on my own. And it was HOT in there!!! 30 degrees Celcius. Had to open the window and the door.
IT took forever (or so it seemed) to get the backing (enough for two)loaded, and the batting and the first quilt. It was particulary difficult because the batting was hardly bigger than the top. IT had to be EXACTLY right. I got one pass, then Cathy dropped by. I could have finished that one without her because it was an edge to edge design, but since she was there and since she kinda took over, I let her finish it. Then, we just kept rolling and put the second quilt top where the first one left off. The first one was a large stipple pattern, but the second one we did a clamshell design in the middle and ginko leaves in the border. It took all day. I didn't leave until 7. Thankfully Chris, who took the car earlier, returned to pick me up. He drove me home and made supper. I was so tired from being on my feel all day! I spent the rest of the evening checking e-mail and SITTING.

Colorful pillowcases

I woke up this morning with a sore throat which I felt coming on during the night. So I got up and put a cottonball in my ear. As I went about my morning routine, I felt better. I dressed warmly and walked to the thrift shop. Does the phrase 'colder than a brass toilet seat' ring a bell? Brrr.
There weren't a lot of books to shelve, so I spent most of my time reorganizing videos, cassette tapes, and the discount media. We did have some records to shelve, and they go on the top shelf. Luckily someone had put a toy box in the bookroom so I stood on it. About 3, Maryann took Helle and I to our gates so we didn't have to walk. God bless Maryann. I made sure I had everything for class, and read through some of my e-mail. Chris came home and made a chuckroast, but I had to leave. So he helped me carry stuff to the car. Not only did I have fabric, but also the Joanns order. I went to the SPC only to find that someone had filled our storage room with a drum set. That made getting the tools and such very difficult. But then some ladies came and got their husbands to move it. I was a little afraid that with temps in the teens no one would show up. But we had a great turnout. Some were first-timers. And more kids. We made pillowcases for kids with cancer. The girls were so excited with their first ones that the mother asked if they could keep them and make others to replace those. I was able to hand out most of the Joanns order, with only 1 item missing. Then everyone helped to clean up. And it was even colder. I drove home. I got on my computer to finish checking e-mail. But it is cold in here because the window is open. That is because the airconditioner cable was run out the window. I have it stuffed with batting, but can still feel the breeze.

Nothing particular

I did not go out today. There was nowhere to go and it was too cold anyway. Not sure tomorrow will be any better, but am scheduled to go to the thrift shop. I only had three things on my to-do list and didn't do any of them. Not that I didn't try, but one involved website problems, another cost so much I have to think about it some more and the third is just complicated. Don't have the right materials, etc. But I DID put the final border on a quilt top that I hope to quilt on Friday. I DID put some more PVC in the closet (only to find that I have measured incorrectly and the shelves don't fit). I DID find the list of what people ordered from Joanns so I can make sure everyone gets what they ordered and nothing more (or less). I read about how baking soda was used to treat the flu (and possible cancer).
And now I am going to bed.

Cold day

I tried to get to the thrift shop early, like 9 or 10. But till I read my most important e-mails, ate, showered, and took out the recyclables, it was after 10. In fact I missed the 10:20 bus and had to walk to the thrift shop. And it was COLD. I distinctly remember ordering a mild winter. Oh well. I shelved all the books, and videos. I had to do a little rearranging to get them to fit. MaryAnne was there for awhile and we made each other laugh as usual. She offered me a ride to my gate, but I wanted to stay longer. I need to get my hours in because there are so many conflicts this season. I only had 45 minutes last week. At 2:45 I walked to the DHL to check on our travel plans. She still hadn't heard if hotel rooms were available. I called Chris to ask for a ride home, but he was busy, so I took the bus. It was still cold! When I got home, I had some egg salad with homemade mayo and curry. Mmmm. I got on my e-mail for awhile. Then the lady upstairs started practicing her piano. Well, since I couldn't concentrate on e-mail, I got out my trombone and played through a book of Christmas songs. By the time I finished, she had quit. I went back to my e-mail until Chris came home and cooked hamburgers. They were sooo good. He said so himself. Then I watched 13 back-to-back Youtube videos of Wayne Dyer talking about the info in his new book "No excuses". Chris went to bed and I wanted to go with him, but I still have to wrap gifts to ship. It would be nice if I had them ready to go tomorrow.
I left my camera at home today since pieces keep falling off of it. So here is a pic of the teacher from yesterday. He sews AND he's buff.

Korean Patchwork

I got up at 7:30 to shower, dress and eat. I quickly checked e-mail and made Chris a sandwich (since I didn't get up at 6 to do it). I walked to post where Chris was supposed to meet me, but he was delayed in a meeting. So I started walking. He met me along the way and drove me to Gate 19. Instead of having our regular meeting, we had a Korean patchwork class at Sungshin University. The group was already assembled. So we walked into the subway and attempted to put a gift basket together. But we had too much. So we took our stuff and headed out to Sungshin. They did not meet us at the station like usual. So we went on foot and uphill. In the main building, we stopped again and this time got everything in to the basket. To say thank you, we put in chocolates and stuffed ornaments. Then we walked more and up steps. Lots of steps. We went to the room we'd gone to before and there we were met and taken to another room. Our teacher Mr. Kim (go figure) was buff and had long hair. He is considered a Korean intangible treasure for his hand sewing skills. He taught us to sew stiff poly squares together in the manner of English paper piecing. See pic. Then we sewed a backing on in the same manner - no batting. All materials were provided and they gave us the leftover yardage to take home. Then we followed them upstairs for lunch. I should have asked how many stairs before going up. I think it was 5 or 6 flights. Well, we ate well. Miso soup, fried tofu, rice, chicken(?) and veggies, and kimchi. Then we went back to the subway and came home, Although Carina and I stopped off at E-Mart for some groceries. I got kimchi and eggs (30 to a pack). Carina drove me to my gate. At home, I hardboiled the eggs and made mayonaise. I put the kimchi in jars in the fridge. I attempted to clean the kitchen afterwards. I cleared out my e-mail. I finally found a piece of paper someone had written their e-mail on. But there is a big pile of presents that need to be wrapped and sent. I can't believe that Christmas is less than two weeks away. I havne't written a single card. Oh, there's an ANT. Anxious Negative Thought. I imagine myself flicking them back to their anthill when they assail me. They have been swarming lately.

8th Army Band Concert

Shortly after 6am, I heard the door open. It was Chris, returning from his class in the states. I also heard him talk to Michele. It seems she got up before 3am to play an on-line game with others from the U.S. Then he came to bed, not wanting to wake me. Ha. Well, I did finally get back to sleep, because I awoke at 9. Jumped in the shower and had a quick breakfast before heading out to church. The pastor talked about Advent not being about Christmas. Nancy played her cello in a cello trio for some of the hymns and communion. It was very nice. After church I asked several people at the fellowship hour if they were going to the 8th Army Band concert. They all said no. So I drove over to the Moyer REc Center where they buses meet. They didn't know much either. All they had was a flyer which has a phone number. So I called and was told that there would be buses going from 12:15 to 1:40. I drove home, had lunch, then Chris drove me back. On the way we stopped at the Arts and Crafts center to get one of the shelves cut down 3/8 of an inch. Chris dropped me off at the buses. A lady asked me if I had a ticket. Didn't know I needed one. The e-mail I got was that the concert was sparsely attended. She said she wasnt sure any were left and asked me to wait for the last bus. So there ended up being 11 of us with no tickets. We took the last bus to Seoul Arts Center. The lobby was packed. We were able to get tickets (free) and programs. We sat in the nosebleed section. Not a place to be if you are afraid of heights. The first half of the concert was not very Christmasy, more classical. The second half was better. During intermission some men were trying to get people to move down to the first floor. But we stayed where we were since we had a really good view from the center. At one point Santa came out and directed. There were a number of amazingly talented Korean soloists. Here is one standing with the lady I sat with on the bus. She gave me her e-mail address but now I can't find it. The band lined up in the lobby so I went down the line and shook each hand. I asked the director if I could join, but he said they already had 10 trombonists and had to leave some behind. (Do I sense the makings of a trombone choir?)
We took one of the buses back to post. When it stopped at the gate to check ID's, I got off and walked home. Chris had just finished making brauts and sauerkraut. Mmmm, a homecooked meal. So good I had two. Then we watched the 4th Indiana Jones movie that Chris bought while he was in the states. He went to bed afterwards though it was still early. I went too. Don't ask why. But I got up again around 11 to read my e-mail and post to my blog.

Clean up, clean up...

I promised myself that I would clean the apartment today. Stuff everywhere! Then Cathy called about 11 to say that she was finished on the longarm and it was open if I wanted to use it. Well, I do have a top that needs quilting, so it was a tempting offer. But I stuck to my plan. Probably because I also have another plan, to finish the top's twin and quilt them both at the same time, same backing and batting.
So after sweeping the place and picking up here and there, I finished the twin top except for the final border. I also made a piece of woodland scene fabric into a wallhanging. I put my computer in hibernate mode while I did all of that because according to my history file, my computer surfs the net more than I do. And I just don't think it is old enough to be out on its own. Ha. Actually I think someone may be accessing somehow. Even when I am away from it, the screen goes blank, but then comes right back, as if I were moving the mouse, but I am not. So 'Hibernate' is the good word for today.
Yesterday I was reading that some people claim eating apricot seeds cured their cancer, and that is what Laetril is made from. Today I didn't have time to read much on-line. I did read a few chapters in a book. That was kind of nice.

Would you eat an octopus?

I had to get through my morning routine early to be ready to go to Dongdaemun. I tried to arrange a ride, but couldn't get a hold of anyone going. Michele assured me that there would not be backed up traffic at 8:30 and she was right. I drove myself and didn't have a problem. I met Toniette at Gate 19 and we walked to the subway where we met three others. The five of us went to Dongdaemun to look at fabric, batting, thread, etc. One lady had e-mailed me to ask me to buy some fabric for her for making the pillowcases. Well, I kinda went overboard. Mr. Kahn took me to his secret stash so I bought extra to make it worth his while. And he gave me free fabric too. Then Kelly took Monique and I to lunch. It was great. She ate an octopus. I had a tentacle or two. Then she left and Monique and I wandered around a little looking at jade. Then we came back to post. I drove to my gate and carried my fabric home. I checked e-mail, then went back to post to the DHL. I stopped by the travel agent to sign up for their Angkor Watt trip. We got plane reservations but she'll have to let me know about the hotel next week. Then I drove home. I think I spent the rest of the afternoon and evening on my computer. Right now I have a headache and can't remember.

A thrift shop Christmas

I happened to wake up before 8am this morning and for some reason had no trouble getting out of bed. So I went into my sewing room and cut strips of Christmas fabric for tonight's class. Then I did my exercises, had breakfast, checked my e-mail, pretty much the normal morning routine. I did dress up in a red top and green pants with a green necklace and snowflake earrings. I hopped in the car and drove to the thrift shop. I planned to shelve the books quickly but was stymied by the droves of Martha Stewart magazines that greeted me. Magazines are part of my job, too. But we didn't have room for them all. Ella suggested that I weed through and throw out anything we'd had that was 6 months or older. But that would take time we didn't have, because we were quitting at 10:30 to go to the Christmas party. So I grabbed a laundry basket and filled it with Martha Stewart. Then I started in on the children's videos. Same dilemma. But no new places to put them. Finally I had to leave them for next week. We drove to the DHL. The room filled slowly and then we were send into the food line. I made some very healthy choices, but just in case, brought some powdered fiber to sprinkle in. After eating, we had our gift swap. The rules they picked declared a gift 'dead' after it had been stolen twice. Well, by the time the first person got to pick again at the end, the good stuff was all off-limits. And I was the second person. Oh well, I have a new pair of fuzzy socks.
After the party, I drove Chrissy back to her truck. She has quite the gift for gab, so I turned off the car, on the lookout for people trying to come through. What I didn't do was turn off the lights. When I finally realized that they were on, the battery was to weak to start the car. She felt terrible. She brought her truck to jump it, but had a higher voltage battery. So she went into a nearby building and talked someone into bringing their car over. A KATUSA did the honors and I was relieved that no one's electrical system was fried, although sparks flew. Then I drove to Chris' office to get the mail. There was a meduim size but heavy package waiting for me. My parents send me PVC for my birthday. It may sound like an odd gift, but its like tinker toys for adults. I have already made some new shelving for my fabric closet:) I made and ate some salmon salad before I took a short nap, then made sure I had everything assembled for class. I walked across the bridge to the gate, then took the car to the SPC. I set up tables, machines, ironing boards, got out the cutting tools etc. The class was a continuation of tablerunners, but at the last minute we had to add making ornaments as thankyou gifts for the staff at Sungshin university. It turned out to be a popular activity. Only one person worked on a tablerunner. Then I came home, and checked my e-mail to find that I had to send an e-mail to the group to tell them this, then another to remind them of that, and another to ask them something else. Being president sucks. I was ready to tell her to e-mail the group herself.

Take care of your brain

Today I drove the car onto post. I left just before 10 and didn't have any trouble with traffic. I drove to the DHL to speak to the travel agent. Chris suggested going to Angkor Watt for Christmas. It costs $1153 per person. Yikes! Then I drove to the thrift shop. Actually I had to park down at the Arts and Crafts Center just to get a space. At the thrift shop I bought a set of icicle lights and a cardboard picture frame. Then I walked to the Chosun to get something small and inexpensive for the gift swap tomorrow. I got some ornaments from Japan. Then I left the car in the parking lot by the gate and walked home. I put the icicle lights on the tree and wrapped up an ornament for the swap (along with the keychain). I finished ironing the fabric from yesterday while watching a video tape a friend made of American TV. Who knew you could get homesick watching American ads? I also put aside some fabrics for class tomorrow night and next week. I chose the fill-in fabric and border fabric for one of my purple 9-patches. We discovered that one of our 5-gallon water bottles is leaking. SO we turned it upside down. I hope it doesn't fall over.
Then I got on the computer. I have been watching Youtube videos featuring psychologist Daniel Amen who wrote Change Your Brain, Change Your Life. Fascinating stuff. Two good thing you can do for your brain are 1) take fish oil and 2) learn to dance. Now they have discovered that brains DO grow new neurons during your lifetime.

And the winner is....

I was having the strangest dream this morning and then I realized where I was and and that I was lying in bed like I had nowhere to go. But I did have somewhere to go. Today was the AFSC Make it, bake it, fake it luncheon. So I ate, showered, checked e-mail, and dressed. It is a somewhat dressy function anyway so I wore the outfit that I was going to wear to the Christmas party IF Chris had been here to take me. Turns out that red silk jacket is VERY warm and has NO pockets. I borrowed a black scarf from Michele's room. (It was one I'd bought years ago which ended up in her room so that was ok). I walked to post and Pam picked me up. Then we picked up Tina. AS we drove away from her house, Michele S. flagged us down to take her donation to the luncheon. Then we parked at the DHL, and went upstairs to check in and drop off our donations. For each donation we got 10 tickets. Then we placed our items and ticket bags on a table in the luncheon room. There were tables all around the room for items. Then we hit the fabric man's tables. Well, there went another $100. Actually I had 46 yards of fabric, but he only charged me for 40 of them. Does any fabric shop in the states do that? Ok, so then we sat down to lunch. At 11:50 they started pulling tickets and announcing winners. I didn't win anything, but then I had so much fabric that I couldn't have carried it anyway. But certain other people won lots. Sure they bought extra tickets, but not like 100's of them. Anyway, afterwards Pam took 4 of us home. I walked home from the gate, toting my fabric and still took the stairs in the apartment building. I spent the afternoon sorting, washing and drying the fabric. I have just spent the evening ironing one load. I have another to do tomorrow.

I forgot to mention that it snowed heavily during the luncheon, but was about gone by the time we left.

Oh Tannenbaum...

The people upstairs got up early. Hence I woke up early too. Like 4:30am. But I stayed in bed trying to get a little more sleep. I finally got up about 7:30. After my morning preparations, I met Pam at the gate. We drove to Gate 17 where we waited for the other quilt members to arrive. Then we all walked to Hannah's house for our first meeting of the month. She had snacks ready for us when we arrived. The potato and cheese soup was outstanding. We sat around talking for awhile. We had a Chinese gift exchange. I was worried that the quilt book I wrapped up would not be liked (since I didn't want it), but it was one of the most stolen items. I ended up with a Louis Vitton keyring and cell phone thingy. Why would anyone want them unless they had the purse those things match? And the purse probably comes with those accessories (for the astronomical cost). I am thinking about putting it in the next gift exchange on Thursday. But I really can't complain, because right after that Hannah brought out a large box of fabric that she didn't want to ship when they leave, so she let us all descend upon it. And we reduced it quickly. I think I got the lion's share because the other ladies kept handing me colorful pieces 'for the kids'. We are going to have a night of making pillowcases for children with cancer, and now we have the fabric to do it with!
On the walk home from Hannah's apartment, Pam took me by a Korean market where I could find Korean eggs. Too bad I just bought 2 dozen at the commissary. But I will know for next time. Back on base she drove me to my gate. She and some other ladies were going to go to Dongdaemun, but I am going to wait until Friday because I am taking Kelli there. I spent the rest of the afternoon putting up our Christmas tree and decorating it. Some of the decorations are from my sister who sent us Christmas in a box last year. Thanks Faye. The tree is from Richard Lund who found it while cleaning out his office last spring. I also discovered a box we had never unpacked. Along with a wastebasket, power strip, and swag, I found our jingle bell shapes - two canes, and two wreathes. We can't put nails in these walls, so I hung them on the curtain rod. Later I ironed the swag and hung it in the computer room on pushpins. I went through my e-mails and sent out a few to the quilting group. I hope I didn't forget anything.

Is it a rug or a quilt?

I was determined to get to church early since I got there at the last minute last week and had no time to look up page numbers. Cathy wanted me to bring her a piece of batting so I was going to drop it off for her, but I remembered it as I was going down the steps of the apartment building. I didn't think I could go back for it and still be early, so I let it go. I did get there early and had time to get my hymn and worship books marked so I could follow the service. I also had time to speak to a few people. Nancy asked me to page her after the sermon so she would know when to end Sunday School. I did page her, but she never got it because her phone fell apart. After the service, the pastor asked if anyone had a birthday. This time Hyon told on me. But I claimed that it was over now, and since they didn't know about it last Sunday, I get another year of the same age. The pastor's wife liked my theory. Then we had food in the fellowship hall. One lady brought jabchai. And since I liked it, Hyon asked her if I could take it home. Well, with my cook being out of the country, it was very welcome. But first I took it to the commissary. It sat in the car while I bought a few things. But the weather was cold so it didn't suffer. I parked in the underground garage and hauled it all up stairs. Michele didn't help me put it away because she was playing a mod. I had a bite to eat, then made my first batch of mayonaise. They said to add the oil slowly and I did. Seemed to take forever. They also warned against using olive oil because of the stong taste. Now I know why. So I put a few other spices in it, like garlic and curry. I spent the afternoon making a rug/quilt. I really thought it would go much faster than it did. Then I cooked up some bison burgers and the jabchai with rice. The burgers weren't spicy like Chris makes, but I added a little cayenne pepper to mine. Boy, did I have some cleaning up to do after supper and making mayo! I took a break to do e-mail. AFter Michele went to bed I discovered that she did not finish the laundry. So I had to do it. If I didn't, what would she wear tomorrow? What would I wear tomorrow? Anyway, I just hope I am ready for tomorrow.

The best laid plans...

I planned to wake up at 8 but still stayed in bed until 8:30. My back was still bothering me so I skipped my exercises and went straight to breakfast. I text-chatted with Kurt until Chris SKYPED. His parents are visiting so I got to see them on the monitor. I cleared out some e-mail, then went to my sewing room, but kept getting distracted by stray thoughts about things I might forget. So I kept going here and there trying to clear my mental plate so I could focus on one thing. Any thing. I did spend some time doing Sudoku puzzles, but I think that was procrastination. At 1pm when Michele finished her on-line game, we were planning to go to the French Christmas market. But when we got on the transit website and mapped out the route, Michele lost interest. Also, it snowed (but didn't stick). Michele started the laundry. I boiled several dozen eggs. Some of them I put in a jar of kimchi juice, just as an experiment. Tomorrow I want to make some homemade mayonaise with olive oil to prepare egg salad.
I didn't take any pics today so here is one from Hongkong. These trees send down arial roots. I forgot what Chris said they were.

The all-day quilt

Usually I get to stay home on Friday so I kinda let time get away from me while reading my morning e-mail. Cathy J invited me to help her quilt Cathi F's top this morning at 9:15. Well, by the time I arrived, it was after 10. I drove instead of walking because it was faster and hurt less. But they were just getting started. Cathy J had to leave part way through, so I took over. I actually did better than I thought I would running the Statler. But it was a big quilt and it took all day, what with thread breakage, etc., even though it was an edge-to-edge. Cathy J did come back, thankfully. At 4:30 I left to pick up the mail at Chris' office. There was a box (of vitamins and supplements). Its always nice to get a package, even if I already know what's in it. I drove home in the evening traffic, but I did surprizingly well, since I tense up in such situations. Michele wasn't home, so I raided the fridge again. Soon I will have eated or thrown all the leftovers. It will be nice to see the back wall again. Some things have been in there for months. When the beef is gone, I plan to cook the bison burgers.

God sends help

After exercising and breakfast, I took a shower with my organic soap and shampoo. I read e-mail for awhile and talked to Chris. Then I walked to the thrift shop to help out. I was able to quickly process and shelve all the books, videos and DVD's. So I had some time to weed through what was already on the shelves. I sat on the floor for some of it. Well, about 1:30 I started feeling twinges in my back. Normally that means drop to the floor, but this floor was cold and dirty. So instead I signed out and started walking. Walking wasn't helping, so I stopped by the commissary to get a taxi. The first one I came to wouldn't take me because he wasn't first in line. I told him it hurt to walk, but he insisted that I go to the head of the line. So, ok. That man took me to my apartment. I took the elevator instead of the steps. I had a bite to eat (flubber) then laid down. The pain was intense and I considered calling Michele to come home, but I didn't want her to miss class. Finally I very slowly made my way to the bathroom to get some oxycontin and naprosin. I lay back down figuring I would be asleep soon, but that didn't happen. I started feeling a little better so I got up and prepared for class. I ate a persimmon and some chicken. Then I walked to post and took the car to the SPC, going the back way to avoid the tree lighting ceremony that I would have attended had I felt better. I arrived by 6, unsure of how I was going to set up the room without hurting myself further. But a man and wife were there thinking the class started at 6 and offered to carry the heavy stuff and set up the tables. Thank God! Ladies started arriving, some bringing their own machines. I drew cutting diagrams on the whiteboard. One lady needed help learning to cut. Another wanted help squaring up her top and backing (from a previous class) to be quilted. Another 2 worked on placemats from last class. I thought we'd all be making the tablerunner. Silly me. So I took a few moments to do a quick demonstration of the hotdog pillowcase technique I learned on www.conKerrcancer.org. Several are interested in joining me to make them for juvenile cancer patients. Everyone helped pack up the tables, etc. Someone remarked on my ski gloves. Sadly I have lost the others. As I drove home, I was able to enjoy all the Christmas lights turned on at the tree-lighting. Michele was home when I returned and we gave each other backrubs.

Someone must have told me to take a hike...

After exercising, having breakfast and SKYPEing Chris, I hopped in the car to go to post. The traffic was better this morning. When I arrived at the car care center, I checked the car in, and handed over the key. I was getting ready to walk, when the supervisor offered me a ride to the Px. It would save me almost 30 min. of walking so I agreed. But after he dropped me off, I realized that I had left my ID in the car, so could not get into the PX. Well, since I was there and that's where I last saw Chris' keys, I checked with the Px and each shop to see if they had been turned in. No luck. So I walked to the MP station, no keys. Then I started worrying about my ID so I took the post-run bus to the nearest bus stop to the car care center. It took so long I thought it would have been faster to walk. And it was hot in that bus. At the car place, I grabbed my ID and inquired about my car. They had ordered a part and said they'd call. So I walked to the YRC building to see if keys had been turned in there. No luck. Being near Chris' office, I walked down there to pickup his mail. I hoped to slip in and out, but I was spotted. Which turned out to be a good thing because one of Chris' coworkers offered me a ride to the post office. I didn't need to go to the P.O. but it was near the Moyer Rec center and I needed to go there. My gloves were missing and I must have left them on the bus. However, I asked around, and they even called the driver and he found no gloves. Then I walked to the Px to find products that don't contain suspected carcinogens. I have a list of what to look out for. Well, I looked through EVERYthing and found little. I got a 100% cocoabutter product for moisturizing, and a Buf-puf for a facial scrub (all the scrubs had sodium lauryl sulfate). In the baby aisle, I found a shampoo/bodywash. I had to go to GNC to get a lip balm that met my needs. I couldn't find an acceptable perfume. Ok, so then I walked through another mini-mall on post and found nothing. I sat outside then to eat the nuts I carry with me. Then the car care place called. So I walked back to south post. I went through the DHL, hoping they sold gloves. Nope. Then continued on to the car place. My bill was $35. Not bad at all. As I was about to drive away, my phone rang. So I parked to answer it. Afterwards, I drove to the parking lot by my gate and left the car there, and headed on foot to our apartment. Michele wasn't home yet. I was still hungry, so I ate some kimchi, an egg, and a persimmon. I read e-mail, and listened to a recorded interview with a woman that studies the interaction between men and women. She says women multi-task not because it is a good idea, but because everything in their environment is calling out to them and driving them nuts: 'clean me', 'fix me', 'put me away', 'mend me', 'wash me', 'pick me up', 'fold me', empty me', etc. It is true. I hear those voices too. Michele came home while I was following a link to ConKerrcancer.org. Their mission is to provide colorful pillowcases to children with cancer. I think I can make a few pillowcases. For supper I was going to have a protein shake. Well, I usually take my fiber after supper, so I combined the two. It was kinda like flubber, but tasted ok. Michele thought it was disgusting (and funny). Chris called then, and we talked a little. After admitting I had lost his keys, I then found them. They weren't there last time I checked! Ok, so maybe there is hope for my gloves. As I looked through the mail, I discovered a movie, "Batteries not included". It was cute and depressing and unreal, all at the same time. Movie ended about 11. So Michele went to bed, even though her paper wasn't finished. She is thinking about skipping her first class tomorrow. Of course the paper is due later that day.
**This is my car door, the only pic I took today.**

No car care today

After reading through my e-mail and talking to Chris over SKYPE, I decided to take the car to get the door fixed. I was told that the car care center was closed on MOndays. So I went today. But even though the gate was open and 5 people were there, and the man who runs the place was there, I was told that they were closed on Tuesday as well and would I please come back tomorrow. SO I drove to the thrift shop. I shelved books for 2 hours. We had a LOT of donations. Then I spent a few minutes putting up videos. At one I walked over to the Arts and Crafts Center. SEveral ladies were watching the quilting machine go through its motions. So I 'helped'. Actually I ate my lunch and leafed through some quilting magazines that the thrift volunteers had set aside for me. I chose 5 and two other ladies chose some. After Toniette's quilt was finished, I returned the other quilt magazines, and drove Cathy to the SPC to get her car. I went over to the DHL to check prices for travel over the holidays. Guam had the lowest, but the dates are suboptimal. I drove back to the apartment complex before realizing that I could have left the car on post and walked home. It took me almost 20 minutes to drive there in traffic this morning. I had a proper lunch then, and worked on my silk tablerunner. I backed it and quilted it and put the binding on one side. I will hand finish it later. A Jackie Chan movie came on TV and that slowed me down.

My birthday

Being my birthday, Michele gave me a present this morning. It was a 500 piece puzzle of almond blossoms. Other than that, it was a mostly normal Monday morning. I prepared for our weekly quilting session, met Pam at the gate. We drove to the SPC. As people trickled in, there was so much to talk about that we got a late start. No one had any quilt tops made, so all we could do was start a few people making them from scratch. Those who wanted to press or tie had to wait, and wait. I got some QOV fabric out to cut, but kept getting side-tracked into cutting strips sets for those doing the baby quilt kits. I finally got ONE kit cut. Kelly brought her tablerunner pattern and we made copies. It is good to have since I plan to teach it Thursday night. After quilting and lunch, Pam drove Tina and I to the post office. It is right by the thrift shop and the thrift shop ladies yelled "Happy Birthday" to me. Does everyone know? I even got birthday wishes from a young lady in China who has never contacted me before. Anyway, I spent the afternoon working on a tablerunner in silks. I wanted to try out the pattern AND make an item for 'Make it, bake it, or fake it' next week. It is a fundraiser and tomorrow is the last day to tell them what you plan to bring. I wanted to have something made before I made any promises. Other than that, all I did was clear out some e-mail and talk to my husband on SKYPE. All in all, a pretty good birthday.

Kinda normal Sunday

I woke up this morning a little before 8. I was worrried that without Chris here I might not wake up in time for church. I got on the computer until 9, then showered, dressed and went to church. It was the usual church service, except that the flowers on the side were now under the altar. That meant that I couldn't smell them on the way back to the pew after communion. At the end of the service the pastor asks if anyone is having a birthday. Then he gets them to come up and he prays with them. I almost got up (since my birthday is tomorrow) but another lady got tagged by her husband and had to get up. So I kept quiet. Since Chris and Michele were not there, nobody told on me. But afterwards, Rick asked if my birthday was soon and I admited that it was. I talked to Rick and Nancy in the fellowship hall too, so long that all the food got packed up. Oh well. He was telling me that in some Christmas traditions St. Nicholas is accompanied by a little guy named Black Peter who who puts coal in the stockings of misbehaving children.
I then went to the commissary to buy some groceries. It was raining so I gave the bag boy $2 for carrying groceries to the car. They work for tips only. I drove to the apartment building and Michele came down to help. I was going to put the car away, but was parked in. So I went up with her and came down later to move the car. After parking it in the garage, I thought of removing the door panel to see if I could fix it. But there wasn't enough light and I couldn't find any screws holding it on.
I spent some time with my computer instead, reading about foods most and least likely to be contaminated with pesticides. I also organized my trading stash of charm squares by color. Someone is coming tomorrow who wants to trade a stack of 50. I cut more charm squares from the international fabrics that I bought in Hongkong. I was going to cut up some Australian fabric too, but can't find it.
Here is a picture I took of a diagram of one floor of one building in Dongdaemun so you can see just how big and confusing it is.

Chris leaves and the @%$ hits the fan.

Chris finished packing and took a shower, as did I. Then he drove us to the DHL. He left the car running, took his luggage and got in line for the bus to the airport. He is on his way to the states for a 2 week course. I got in the driver's seat and drove to the PX, around 10. I got my hair cut and went by GNC. Then I got back in the car to drive home. But the car wouldn't start. I called Chris and he said let it sit for awhile and try again. So after awile, I tried again, then called a friend to jumpstart my car. When I hung up, the man next to me returned and offered me a jump. But, after the cables were hooked up and his car was running, I discovered that I was locked out of mine (with no money, ID or phone). Don't ask me how that happened. So I went looking for an MP. I found a marine doing Toys for Tots. He called someone to call the MP's for me. I returned to my car where the man who tried to jump it said he had called the MP's and they wouldn't come; that I had to go to the firestation and check out a slimjim. So I waited for the marine to finish his shift. Then he drove me to the firestation and checked out the slimjim (I had no ID). He picked up his wife and we all drove back to the PX. He had a heck of a time using the thing because cars these days are made to be slimjim resistant, which normally would be a good thing. Something he did to the driverside door popped the lock on the passenger side door. He crawled in that way and turned the key. The car started right up. So he went back to return the slimjim and I drove to the thrift shop. It was then 1:15. I spent 2 hours shelving books. I finished all that was there, but while I was doing it, someone dropped off 8 boxes more. What did I do to deserve this day? But it was time to leave, so I left them for next week. I drove home and had lunch/early supper. Michele was still playing a mod. I read through my e-mail and finished the 16x16 Sudoku puzzle. It might be the first one of that size I have ever finished.
I didn't take any pictures today so here is one of the jade market in Hongkong.

Last day in Hongkong

Tuesday morning we awoke leisurely, having no tour to meet. After breakfast we went back to the fabric market to see if we had missed anything. Also, we had Hongkong dollars left and HAD to spend them, right? So I bought more Chinese silk brocade.
We walked back through the park. We packed our suitcases and checked out of the hotel. Chris waited for the bus to the airport while I checked out one more store. Then we caught the bus. At the airport we went through security and immigration, etc. After waiting an hour for the plane, we boarded and settled in. There was a camera on the nose of the plane so we could see ahead of the plane as it taxied for take-off. Luckily my ears did really well on ascent and descent, so I had no problems. It was colder back in Seoul, but not as cold as when we left. We landed before 8pm, then waited an hour for a bus to the base. Our car was waiting and we drove it home. Michele had gone to bed so we did, too.


Wednesday Chris had off but he went in to work for awhile anyway. Michele had classes to attend. But she didn't leave before asking if we'd bought her anything. So I showed her the commemorative plate with our picture in it. She didn't want that. So I gave her the scarf we'd bought her. She wore it to college. Chris came home early and fixed a beef roast and some pumpkin pies. It was a big pumpkin and we have plenty left over. Michele brought home a friend for supper. She was very nice. We all talked for hours. Then Michele walked her friend to the bus stop. And it was time for bed.

Thursday was Thanksgiving, but not for Korean university students. Michele had classes to attend. So Chris and I went to Rick and Nancy's house for a late lunch. Nancy made steaks for everyone, and stuffed mushrooms. We brought rolls and bean salad. Another family came and they brought kimchi, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie. It was a feast. After eating, the mother took her daughter went to have a wisdom tooth removed. The rest of us sat around the table telling stories and anecdotes. We had pie (pumpkin and pecan) and whipped cream. After several hours, the mother and daughter returned. So we had more pie, except for the daughter who just wanted to go home. So we all eventually found our way home. Chris and I stopped by his office to check his orders for going to the states next week. But they weren't finished. When we got home, Michele was already back from classes. They were let out early. Nancy had sent some cornbread home with us and Michele made it disappear quickly.

Friday morning was the day after Thankgiving for us but the evening of Thanksgiving in the states. My in-laws were going to Skype us so that my parents could see and talk to me (my in-laws always have my parents and family over for Thanksgiving). We suggested that they call at 8am our time because I had promised Mary to take her to Dongdaemun at 9:30. But the call never came. I put Mary off as long as I could, but finally I called them. It wasn't a Skype call so we couldn't see each other, but at least I did get to talk to my parents and family. Chris then rushed me over to the subway to catch the train. Mary had hooked up with Cathy, Robin and Annette. So the five of us shopped together for awhile. Cathy had to leave after noon, so Robin and Annette went with her. Mary and I stayed a little longer to get trims and fiberfill. Then Mary got us a taxi back to post. We stopped briefly by the Chosun gift shop to buy more silk yardage. (I am thinking of making a silk handbag for the gift swap). She dropped me off at my gate and I walked home. But only Michele was home because Chris had gone to work. Yes, now they had finished his orders so he leaves tomorrow. Later he made chicken and chorizo for supper. He also washed the sheets on all the beds. That is really good because although I can remove the sheets from our kingsize bed, I cannot put them back on. After re-dressing the bed, he started packing. I spent several hours working on a 16 x 16 Sudoku puzzle. Michele left about quarter 'till 4 to go to college. Only today's class was canceled. Instead, she had volunteered to help cook a Thanksgiving feast for 50 international students. The university put up funds for the food. Michele made the mashed potatoes and gravy. She and others had planned for 50 people, but she said twice that many came. So they ran out of food, but all in all it was a success.

Monday in Hongkong

At the end of my last post we had just gone to bed on Sunday night. Monday we got up early to have the hotel breakfast before meeting our tour bus for the day tour. First we went to see two suspension bridges (which our guide pronounced 'britches'). Then we stopped at a beach to walk on the sand. The water seemed dirty to me. After that we went to a 500 year old fishing village. Our guide said it may not be around much longer because the kids leave and get jobs elsewhere. There was all kinds of dried sea animal parts hanging up for sale. We also saw the two village temples. Lest you feel too badly for them, I saw a concrete inset that said "Broadband".

After the fishing village, we went to see a huge bronze Buddha, sitting on a lotus flower. We went inside but were not allowed to take pictures in there. For 50,000 Hongkong dollars you can buy a ceramic tile of yourself or a loved one to hang in the temple. Many people do apparently because it is the richest monastery in the world. Nearby, was the monastery restaurant where we had a vegetarian lunch complete with tofu. We saw all kinds of flowers there. I was surprized how familiar they were: vinca, begonia, mums, azaleas, allemanda, salvia, etc.
After lunch I sat outside eating the cashews I had bought the day before. Then we walked around to the tourist stands (all proceeds go to the monastery of course).
From the tourist stands we took the skyrail back to the suspension bridges and were bussed back to our hotel.
Again, we were so tired we took a nap. After we woke up, we walked to the harbor to see the light and sound show put on by 68 of the buildings on both sides. We were early so we checked out the planetarium to see what we could watch later. We got spots on the wharf and waited. The show was not as spectacular as I had hoped. Stone Mountain was better. So then we went to the planetarium and saw a dinosaur movie on their IMAX. It was a pretty good documentary (in english on headphones). Then having missed supper we went in search of a restaurant. Chris ordered for us both. My eel and garlic dish was excellent. Chris had chicken. We went back to the hotel and fell asleep.

Hongkong

So much has happened in the last few days. We got on a bus for the airport at 6:30am. It was quite cold. We got to Hongkong about 2:30, and got a ride to our hotel in Kowloon, which is the peninsula side of Hongkong. Hongkong is a lot like Seoul. It is busy, crowded, full of highrises, smog, and signs you can't read. Unlike Seoul, there are also lots of signs you can read, and they reach out into the street to grab your attention, just like their owners. I can't tell you how many tailors tried to sell Chris a suit, or a Rolex. Within an hour of checking into the hotel, I was in the spa having a massage. Sounds wonderful, doesn't it? But I was sore for three days afterwards. Watch out for the Chinese accupressure massage. Our room was, well, adequate. There was no dresser and no room for one. But we had a bed, nightstand, desk and 2 chairs. The hotel boasted of a workout room on the 8th floor. But it was just a regular hotel room with 4 exercise machines and no furniture. Anyway, we weren't there for the room.
We walked outside and found ourselves a hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant where we each had an entree and shared an order of dim sum. The next morning we had a hotel breakfast (included) and walked to the fabric market. It was warm. Many were closed but we kept walking around waiting for them to open. I was able to buy fabric from several countries for charm squares, and a bunch of chinese silk brocades. . We also visited the jade market, but it was too overwhelming for me so we didn't stay long. We bought a bag of cashews for $32 a pound.
Sounds expensive until you know that it takes 7 Hongkong dollars to equal one U.S. dollar. We walked back through a nice park. We sat for a few minutes here and there on the benches. They had an aviary, and a pond with turtles and flamingoes When we got back to the hotel, we were so tired of walking that we took a nap. Then we got dressed for the night tour. We boarded a tour bus that took us to the harbor for a cruise (all the alcohol you can drink, wasted on us). That was chilly. But the skyline was beautiful. Then we went through the mountain to another harbor. This one had a floating restaurant. We ate dinner on the 3rd floor. After that we were taken up the mountain to see the city from a different view point. We got back after 10pm and went straight to bed.
** to be continued **

Last post before Hongkong

I slept in this morning being very tired from last night. When I did get up, I did laundry and put away all the stuff from the sewing class. I discovered that my two Christmas blocks had bright pink splotches on them, like from a leaky pen. Try as I might, I could not locate the source. So I tried getting it off with rubbing alcohol, but it didn't work very well. Finally I put them in a bowl of water to stay wet until I returned. You see, there was a dietician giving a tour of the commissary and spotlighting healthy choices. So I walked over there at noon. Some of the choices she highlighted were: brown rice, whole wheat tortilla shells, Darigold milk, korean eggs, and bison burgers. She also gave me the name of the website she orders her probiotics from: Swansonvitamins.com. Good to know.
I walked home, and had some lunch. I finished up the laundry and started packing. Chris can pack in 5 minutes but I have to put a lot of thought into what I pack. And I pack more than just clothes. We are flying to Hongkong in the morning. Michele has classes and will stay home. So we get some alone time, and so does she.
I didn't take any pictures today so I will post another picture from last night's class. I will not get to post again until Tuesday so I want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving in case you don't check in again before then.

Obama comes to Yongsan

I arrived on post for the mandatory meeting for volunteers at the thrift shop. No one had adequately explained the 'or else' implicit in the mandatoriness. It might have been an attractive option. Anyway, I went. The meeting was shorter than advertised and Ella, the store manager, brought in enough food to feed everyone. After lunch I shelved books, CD's, videos, and DVD's. We had sold a lot so there was room to put everything out. I had finished almost all of it when the other volunteers went outside to line up along the road to see Obama drive by. It was a might chilly to standing and waiting but we did. Finally he came and went. I hadn't time to notice which car he was in. He was whisked to the helipad and flown to Osan for a townhall meeting. All the school children had lined up too. One person said he stopped to greet them, another said that he kept on going. So I don't know what he did, but I know he was scheduled to be in Osan at 3 and he drove by us at 2:45.

After that, I went back to the thrift shop, bought some shelves that Maryann said were there for a year, and took them to the Arts-n-Crafts center to cut to the sixe of my closet. I walked them home. After some snacks and a short nap, I gathered what I needed for class and made a template for the placemat. Chris came home and I picked up my bag and left. I walked to post, and drove the car to the SPC. I began setting up and thankfully others arrived to help me. I passed out rectangles of batting and showed the class how to flip and sew strips to cover it. We had several girls doing the project as well. Everyone seemed pleased at how their project turned out. Afterwards I drove home and read my e-mail. I read about the harmful effects of cell phone radiation and other electrmagnetic fields. I found out that you can buy a fabric that will protect you from these fields for $20 per linear foot.
It was tempting.