Leavin' on a jet plane

Thursday morning Chris drove me to the DHL to catch the bus to the airport. He put my suitcase under the bus and asked the driver which stop I should get off at. I didn't know there was more than one stop at the airport. I was so emotional I was trying not to cry. The bus trip lasted almost an hour. Then a nice gentleman helped me get my big suitcase out of the bus. I rolled it into the airport and asked where to go. I was directed to a loooong line where people were checking their luggage. Then I stood in another line to x-ray my carry-on and shoes. From there, all I had to do was go wait at the gate, but I had an hour and a half to kill. There was a place that sold Korean handmade items and had a desk where you could paint on a fan for free. SO I did that. They were playing traditional Korean music for a while, then I realized that some of the tunes were Beatles tunes. Very strange. There was a long line of people at the gate, so I sat until it got shorter since my seat was near the back of the plane in row 52. Thank the Lord I had an aisle seat. My two seatmates were Phillipino, but they didn't know each other. One was elserly, the other maybe a teenager. The flight was fairly uneventful. Every time the older one had to go to the bathroom, we all went. The young one had a puppy. The poor little thing shook the whole time. At one meal, the older lady decided she wanted the seafood dinner instead of the noodle dinner. So I traded with her. Both dinners had a bowl of hot soup, which spilled into my lap. Luckily I had a blanket on my legs, but it still hurt. So the steward ran to get a large bottle of water which he poured into my lap. All I could do was laugh. It was funny, but wet. He did bring me a dry blanket. The rest of the trip I read, or watched videos on the screen in front of me when they darkened the plane. I tried to sleep but the plane engine noise was too loud. The trip was at least 13 hours. That's a long time to sit in one seat.
When we got off the plane, we went directly to immigration where they checked our passports. We picked up our luggage in the very next room. Then looked for the connecting flight counter. I nearly walked out of the airport looking for it, but it was right around the corner from where they didn't rifle through my luggage. Then I had to WALK from terminal 1 to terminal 3 OUTSIDE in the heat crossing traffic, etc. I had to stand in line again, having my carry-on and shoes x-rayed. Out of a 2 1/2 hour layover, I had less than an hour before boarding the next plane, which turned out to be a puddlejumper. And there were several of them all boarding at the same gate. We sat for a while before taking off. The flight was about an hour, then we landed at Richmond. This time finding the baggage claim area was a little more difficult. Then I went outside to look for my in-law's car. Not finding it, I went back inside to the upstairs waiting area (which I had walked past earlier) and there they were, worried that I missed the flight or something. They took me home and I did my best to stay awake. We went to UNO's for supper. Then came home and talked. At one point Cecily asked me a question. I formulated my answer, then opened my mouth to say it but I think I fell asleep before I finished. It was time for bed even though it was only 8. I awoke several times in the night to go to the bathroom. Then I got up to take a shower because day light was coming through the window. And I got on their computer to check my e-mail. There were only about 50. Later I had breakfast and we went shopping. It was nice to see so many Americans, to be able to read all the signs, and to see a huge selection of stuff. I was never so happy to see WalMart. We also went to Good Will (I missed them too), and Walgreens. Then we came home for lunch. After which we went to the bookstore and the mall. It is now almost supper time and I am tired. I had hoped to avoid jetlag by eating local food (blackberries in the back yard) and walking barefoot on the ground. But there is still some adjustment yet to be made. I wonder how stewardesses do it? They must also have adaptable ears. I'll have to get a set because mine don't do well on take-offs and landings.

Training

Last night before I went to bed I cut pictures from magazines - pictures of slender women exercising. Hopefully they will be motivating me to get slender. So, this morning, I listened to my weight loss hypnosis CD. Then I read my e-mail. I found out that my father's cousin died on Saturday, the day my aunt was buried. Very sad.
Then I called the Arts and Crafts Center to find out about the training for our new Statler Stitcher. It was supposed to be today and tomorrow. But he said no, today was training for the staff and tomorrow was for the quilters. Well, since I will be on a plane tomorrow, I went today anyway. Toniette brought me two quilt tops since I thought they will need some to demonstate on. When I got there I found out that training is from 9 to 6. Yikes! I have to pack! But I stayed, and so did Cathy. And it was a good thing because they didn't have a real quilt, just some fabric. And the batting they bought was too dense and not wide enough. So when the staff took a break, Cathy and I seamed some batting together to make three full size batts. Then we loaded the machine with its first quilt makings. Not to complain, but earlier in the day, staff complained that the training was for them and we were asking too many quesions. But when it came time to pin and load the quilt top, they sat back and let us do it all. Then at the end of the day, they tell us that we are slowing down their training and that tomorrow we can see a demo, but then have to leave so they can finish their training. I think the training would be more beneficial to the quilt group members since the staff of the A-n-C Center don't even know how to sew, AND they are being trained in English which is not their first language. But I'm not bitter. No. Actually it was nice meeting Paul Statler, who came with his wife from the states to do the training. He designed the software that moves the machine, and the motors too. It is amazing.
By 6 we had only loaded the first top, then called it quits so it could be demo'd in the morning. I caught the bus home so I could pack. But we had just gotten a new movie from Netflix, so we watched Beatician and the Beast. Funny. But now I really must pack. It is 10 pm. And I have to be at the DHL to catch a bus at 6:30.

Thrift and Dirt

I stepped on the scale this morning and was horrified to see that I don't weigh any less. I feel thinner, however. That must count for something.
Today I worked at the thrift shop. I meant to take a picture so you could see what it looks like inside, but as usual I forgot. Today made up for all the days that there weren't many books to shelve. The bin was full and overflowing. There wereat least 4 grocery bags full lying on the floor and THREE boxes full besides. We now have ALL the romance novels one could possibly sell in a year! Someone must have cleaned out their stash. We also got several years worth of women's magazines and model train magazines. And a whole box full of audio cassette tapes. Unfortunately most of them were home-recorded and we can't sell those. I put them in the free to volunteers box. I worked until 3, breaking only to eat my dried seaweed and squid (only 88 calories an ounce).
Then I walked to the Post Office to mail a package, then to the Four Seasons to get a bigger pot for my tomato plant and some dirt. I also went by the Px, then to the bus stop to catch a ride home. It was almost 5. I spent the evening watching Youtube videos. But I don't think the family watched a James Bond movie. Chris went to bed early because he has a VTC at 5am tomorrow.

Moving Day

After making Chris' sandwich, I stayed up to get as much done as possible before the quilt group met. I had to plan today's sewing lesson for the kids. Then pack whatever might be needed for the group meeting. That included instructions with diagrams for making Stork's Nest quilts. So off I ran to catch the bus. But when I got outside I realized that I had forgotten my fanny pack (with ID and key card). So I had to run back, get that and REALLY run for the bus. I missed it by seconds. Ergo, I had to run to another bus stop and I just caught it there. But at least I didn't have to walk to the ACS building. I wouldn't have made it in time. Once there, I started pulling supplies out of the supply room, only to find that 3 of our ironing boards were missing. And later we discovered our two newest irons missing. Luckily we did find the irons. They had traveled up front to the lending area. I can only assume that the boards got lent out.
Anyway, we worked on Quilts of Valor. Then we broke for lunch. There were no desserts today so I could eat some of everything. Then we pulled out all our supples from the supply room and the kitchen closet. There was more stuff than I thought. As we left, I was informed that the ACS kitchen was NOT being made over into office space and that we could stay. Too late. We loaded three vans of stuff and took it to Tina's house. She stored some in her shed and some in her house. God bless Tina. Then Toniette gave me a ride to Gate 19. The kids were ready for another lesson. They just love to sew. We made pocket necklaces today. They thought it was so neat to have small pads of paper and pencil to hang from their necks. And they did a good job.
Back at home, I worked on another baby quilt top. Then I was overwhelmed with the idea of packing for my trip home. Sure, its not until Thursday, but I don't want to wait until the last minute to panic, I mean, pack. I decided to take a suitcase after all. I liked the idea of only having a carry-on, but it would be heavy and a suitcase will roll nicely. There was a pair of shorts that I wanted to pack, but I have no shirt to match. So I made one, or rather finished the one I started the other day. It's ok, but not what I had hoped it would be.

Dinner and a movie

We woke at 9, just in time to get ready for church. My red dress fit well, but I was hoping it would feel a little loose. Michele slept in. We arrived at church with a few minutes to spare. I was intrigued with the flower arrangements so I took a picture. After church we had refreshments, as usual. Nancy brought a lovely pecan pie. She is also having surgery this week for a detached retina. Yikes! Apparently it is something that just happens all of a sudden for no reason and without pain.
We stopped by the commissary for groceries, then returned home. I spent the afternoon working on two baby quilt tops and Chris and Michele played on their computers. Chris made an outstanding cabbage soup. I limited myself to one bowl, but could easily have eaten more. After supper we went to the theatre to see the new Harry Potter movie. Either it was so long ago that I don't remember it or they changed the story to make the movie.
My attitude towards weight must be changing. We saw a thin woman in a James Bond movie. I said "She's really thin" and Michele said "Yes, isn't it disgusting?" and I said "Makes me want to fix her a sandwich." I discovered on Youtube that there are videos glorifying thinness. They are called Thinspo videos. I guess anorexia has its fans.

Around the house

Chris got up early this morning, but I'm not sure why. He and Michele started an on-line role playing game at 8. It was like talking on Skype, and doing dice rolls on the computer with other players. You could hear it from every room. I tried making a blue top, but am having trouble getting it to lay properly at the shoulders. I also wrote up instructions with diagrams for the baby quilts we donate to the Stork's Nest. Michele and Chris played through lunch and into the afternoon, which was surprising because of the time difference. It was the middle of the night for some of the players. We had planned to see the new Harry Potter movie after supper, but Michele was resting, so we will go tomorrow. Instead, we watched another James Bond movie while folding laundry. One of our neighbors has been burning incense in the evenings with their windows open. I rather enjoy it.

Almost Dongdaemun

After making Chris' lunch I listened to my hypnosis CD for losing weight. Is it working? I hope so. Then I put on a new pair of shorts and decided that I needed at blue shirt to wear with it. Not having one, I pulled out some blue fabric to make one. But the phone rang. It was one of our new members wanting to go to Dongdaemun. But first I caught the bus to meet her at the South Post chapel. She is the new chaplains wife, so we were able to secure a new meeting place for the quilters and storage space, too. Hurrah! Someone gave her a huge bouquet of flowers so we walked back to her house to put them in water. On the way we ran into Toniette who told us that Mr. Kang was selling fabric in front of the Px. So Cathy and I went there instead of Dongdaemun. Then we shared a bulgogi lunch at the food court. We walked to the bus stop in front of the high school to catch the bus to Gate 19. I showed her the place where the painter sells his canvasses and the framers next door. I picked up Michele's picture. We ducked into several shops on the way back, including an office supply store. Back inside gate 19 we caught the next bus: she to her apt and me to my gate. I meant to wash my new fabric, but forgot. I read my e-mail, then raided the fridge. Chris came home late and we watched another James Bond movie. I also took a pic of one of the many noisy cicadas.

Sewing Lesson

I prepared my sewing lesson for the afternoon, and got a letter ready to mail. I caught the bus to the thrift shop. I wanted to walk, but since my foot is alternating between purple and green, I thought that maybe I should take it easy on the walking. There was not a lot of books to shelve, so I got that done and put up videos too. Then I selected books for the book sale this Saturday. A lot of them were computer books from 2000. I hope whatever doesn't sell gets thrown out. Then I caught the bus to the house where I teach. Today's lesson was how to make a pillow case. The kids did really well. But it went long and I didn't get home until after Chris did. Michele went to the awards ceremony for me. I got an honorable mention, and since she picked up the certificate, her picture was taken with Col. Hall. If I had known that I might have cut the lesson short. Chris cooked chicken and potatoes for supper. Then we watched another James Bond video. I finally got a chance to answer e-mail. Now I am ready for bed.

The passing of a saint

I got to sleep in this morning because Chris was going to lunch with some co-workers - so no sandwich needed. When I did awaken, I had breakfast, answered e-mail and prepared a piece of fabric gotten at the thrift store. Through e-mail I learned from my cousin that her mother passed away this week. I am sad that Aunt Barbara has passed away, but glad that her pain is ended. My prayers are with her family.
I got a call from the Arts and Crafts Center asking me to be present at a ceremony tomorrow. Since I cannot make it, they asked me to send someone in my stead. I chose Michele. I entered the contest last week, and I have won a certificate of some kind.
Then I met Cathi at the gate and we went to lunch. We had a great chat about the history of the quilting group, then went to the bank to get my name on the signature sheet for the group bank account. She also showed me where the new community center is. She dropped me off at Burke Towers. I dropped off a paper to be signed with the son of the person who needs to sign it. Then I walked to the thrift shop and bought a curtain rod. Afterwards I went to the ACS building to dicuss the impending renovation of the area we always meet in. Apparently no one told our contact about our space being taken for offices. Still on foot, I checked out the new community center, but it was locked. Then I walked home. On the way I got a call from Michele. She thought the ceremony was today and had gone to the Moyer Rec Center only to find out it is tomorrow. Sorry, Michele. She is a good daughter.
Chris came home to find us reading. He made sauerkraut and brauts for supper. Then we watched one of 17 James Bond movies purchased from the thrift shop. I kept reading and had to tear myself away to make this blog post.

Thrift shop

I don't remember what I did this morning. I do remember not being dressed at 10 when the guy came to fix the door lock. I quickly showered and dressed, then left for the thrift shop. Michele was still in the apt in case he needed anything. At the thrift shop I put up books, videos, DVDs etc. I also threw out such stuff as hadn't sold for some time. I organized the magazines. I bought all the James Bond tapes as Chris requested (there were 17). I also got some knick knack stuff that was being thrown out. I had my seaweed and dried squid for lunch, but couldn't finish the squid. After we closed, MaryAnn drove us to the hospital where we dropped off a wheelchair that someone donated. Then we went by someones apt for a signature, but they were gone. Finally at my gate we parked and talked for awhile. Then I came home to find a completely new lock on the door. But Michele let me in. When Chris got home, he suggested we go see Star Trek at the theatre again. I agreed, but Michele wanted to stay home. However, her phone rang a little later, and she was out the door to go with a friend to a Chinese restaurant. Chris and I had supper and then went to the movie. Michele was not home when we got home, but came home after Chris went to bed. She showered and went straight to bed so I can only hope she had a good time.

Quilters on the Move

I wore my new top to quilt group today. No one remarked on it. I also rode the bus there for the first time. I had planned to bind the official Yongsan Quilters quilt as a demo. But although it was basted, it was skewed. We tried to straighten it, took some basting out, etc, but in the end the group voted to take it to the longarm demo next week and let them finish it up as a practice piece. Then we can bind it and be done with it. Hope that works. Then we worked on baby quilts for awhile and broke for lunch. Some people were standing in the hall whispering and looking into the kitchen. So we invited them in. Turns out they are contractors here to measure the space and convert it into offices. They plan to start work in two weeks. HELLO! When was anybody going to mention this to us or the many other people that use this space on a regular basis? Not that I am bitter, but it would be nice to be NOTIFIED in ADVANCE! So after lunch we visited some rooms at the South Post Chapel, where the quilt group used to meet. All we have to do to get that room back is fill out a form and get a signature. Nice big room, windows, outlets, 6 foot tables. Everything but storage. We generated some ideas for that too, but need permission from the South Post Chapel chaplain to implement. So next Monday after lunch we will move all our stuff to Tina's shed, temporarily.
Then I walked out gate 19 to pickup the picture I commissioned from a photograph. It turned out well, and is now next door at the framers. Ready for pick-up on Friday. Then I took the bus to my gate. Michele had to let me in because the electronic door lock is not working. After supper I adjusted my neckline by threading a string through it to take up the slack and keep it from gaping. Worked well. Then I watched a movie on selp hypnosis. Then I went to my computer to check e-mail, and watch Youtube inspirational videos.
Oh, the videos I mentioned yesterday won't load to Blogger so they are on my Facebook page. Sorry.

Insadong

Although I didn't stay up so late last night, I still had a hard time getting up this morning. So we missed church. After breakfast I needed to get out. So Chris suggested a garden place circled on his map. We took the subway there, which involved lots of steps. I wasn't how much my foot could take, but only my legs complained. The place was near Insadong. We had a little trouble finding it because they had changed the name. It turns out to be a rectangular shopping area that spirals around a courtyard. You just keep walking up and around, passing shop after shop. I also took two videos, one of just walking down the street, and one of a man making the honey strings. This is not a typical Seoul street, btw. We tried to walk to several nearby palaces, but they were closed or not open for just walking around. Finally we stopped to eat at a sitdown restaurant. As in sit DOWN on the floor. I had the kimchi pot stew and Chris had the spicy beef stew. They brought the bowls to the table still boiling. (Shoulda ordered something cold). It was all good. Then they brought us some cups of cinnamon tea. That was good, too. Seemed to take the kimchi taste away. But then a few minutes later it came back with a vengeance. Whew! There was a subway entrance nearby which we took. We got home and told Michele what she missed but she wasn't impressed. Later I finished my shirt and made a pair of shorts to match. Michele says the outfit looks like pajamas.

Wind and rain

Chris had a late teleconference last night and didn't get in until 1am. I was up reading thinking it wouldn't be that late. Then the howling wind kept me awake Anyway, we slept in this morning. Then we went to post to talk to the Arts and Craft Center people about the new longarm coming in next week. He wants the whole quilt group to come in for training along with his staff, but he is not promising that he will allow anyone other than staff to use it. This is a very new thing and there are many decisions to be made.
We also stopped by the commissary. I wanted some oranges but they were all soft, so I got grapefruit instead.
It rained again in the afternoon. I took a video of the wind blowing. We had to shut some windows. One of my lamps was blown over, but thankfully it didn't break.
AFter supper I decided to make a pair of shorts. After cutting out the pieces, I decided to make a matching shirt also. Instead of facing the neck and arm holes, I used a bias binding. I was so intent on pinning it flat that I hardly noticed when the pointy embroidery scissors fell on my foot. When I was finished pinning, I looked at my foot and saw a smear of blood. But that was nothing compared to the pool of blood under my foot. But it didn't hurt. And I found myself amazingly calm. The sight of my own blood usually freaks me out. Chris brought me some towels to wrap my foot and clean up the floor. The wound seems to be a very tiny dot. Who would imagine it could bleed so much?

Rain again

This morning Lency picked me up at my gate. We drove to Gate 19 where she lives. From there she, I and two of her kids caught the subway to Dongdaemun. I took her to see the Happy Quilt guy. She picked out some fabric to make two baby quilts. Her kids each picked out 3 fabrics to make their next projects with, and I got some for me (of course). The owner was so pleased he gave each of us some free fabric samples. On the way back it started to rain. She had brought an umbrella so we stayed relatively dry. By the time she dropped me at my gate, the rain had let up. I was inside before it started again.
I also got an e-mail from Col. Hall, the garrison commander inviting me to go for training on the garrison's new longarm machine. Yes! Hopefully it can be arranged before I leave for the states. The company reps won't stay long once they are here on the 27th.
Chris showed me the invitation he received to pick up his job in Texas. His current position is being eliminated. But he can stay until next fall like we were planning to. Then we'll see if Michele wants to stay here to continue college, etc.

Hot and humid but sunny

This morning I played a Richard Simmons tape called "Tone and Sweat". He was using a stretchy band with handles, which I didn't have. So I might not have toned, but given the heat and humidity, I made up for it in sweat. I intended to go to the thrift shop on time, but started listening to an internet call-in pgm and it didn't end until 11. Then I walked to the thrift shop, not bothering to try to catch the bus. Donated books were few (this never happens) and many video tapes had been sold. So I took the time to arrange all the health and fitness tapes in one area and all of the childrens tapes in another. Hoopefully they will sell even better. At 6 for a dollar they are hardly worth any time at all, but if they sell off, we can use that space much better. I also threw out all the reel-to-reel tapes. Then I was going to go through the records, but it turns out that most of them are lazer discs, giant CD's. I wonder if anyone has those players anymore? Some one donated an expensive weightloss sysem. I bought the stretchy bands and the videos. I think it has something to do with hypnosis. The staff had just finished lunch when I got there at 11:30, so I ate my dried squid after we closed. I was eating it on the bus on the way to the sewing lesson when the lady sitting behind me opened her window. The driver stopped and walked back. She told him that it was better for her to open a window than to throw up inside. Well, I don't know what her problem was, but just in case, I closed my bag of odiferous squid. When I got off, I looked at the side of the bus, but didn't see any mess. The lesson took awhile because they had to finish their projects from the lesson before. Then they made pocket tissue covers and seemed pleased with the outcome.
After supper we watched Pride and Prejudice while folding the laundry.

This-n-that

Ah, Wednesday, no place to go so I can sew! Sounds great, but it didn't happen. No, instead I spent my time reading, planning the next few sewing lessons and charting the fabric requirements, cutting charm squares from some scraps I bought at the thrift store, and entering a contest. In June a contest was announced on post. June 15th was the last day to register. Well, when Michele took her item to post, the place was closed. I tried looking up the announcement to see if it listed another place to register, but no. There just wasn't much info out there. Then yesterday I see a sign on the building saying JULY 15 is the last day to enter. So I thought about taking a quilt in. Luckily I called first because it turns out to be a web contest. All they want is a picture of the object. Well, a special password is needed, then a form to fill out. But it won't take my pic because it is over 2MB. The lady in charge offered to reduce it for me if I e-mailed it to her, but then she never got back to me. So after supper Chris was able to reduce it and I submitted it on-line, hopefully not too late in the day.
I also took out the recyclables, then spent some time sitting on the swing with my bare feet on the ground. It was a balmy night, and it felt good to just listen to the soft sounds of the city.

Rain

Another rainy day and I missed the bus to the thrift shop again. I think it must come early on rainy days. I walked to the shop in the rain and the wind. Fortunately the rain was light at that point because the wind was so heavy I had to put my umbrella down. At the thrift shop there weren't as many books to put up as usual, so once I finished that, I spent some time committing a neatness in the book room. It needed it! Then Mary Ann bought a big box of chicken to feed us all for lunch. But being on a diet, I had brought roasted seaweed and dried squid. Yum, yum. Hey, the squid is so tough that eating it must burn more calories than it contains. Anyway, when we called it quits, MaryAnn drove each of us to our gates. The road to the commissary was blocked off and I declared that I had enough seaweed and squid to last me a week. The others said they weren't coming over to my house to eat. It was pouring rain when I got home. The playground rippled in the wind because it was submerged. Later when Chris got home, he brought Michele her first paycheck. See pic. Chris also found a leak on the porch that allowed rain to pour in. This is not a good thing during monsoon season.
I spent the evening finding a flight and buying a ticket to the U.S. I have been doing this for 4 nights. Finally I have looked at all the flights and found one that doesn't require an 18 hour layover in Japan or three stops, etc. I hate to think of what it cost, but its only money, right?

Quilting group

Carina picked me up at the gate and drove to the ACS building. A new lady was waiting for us. Yea! We need more members. Cathi was bringing in the 4 new sewing machines we ordered. Then she left because she didn't feel well. So we got to try them out. There was much excitement over the new machines. And over the fact that we have no place to store them. The new lady offered to take one of the old ones to use until hers comes in. Carina is storing the other two old ones, making room for the new. We broke for lunch around 1, having made 6 quilts. I brought pickled eggs and most of the others brought salads, so it was a healthy meal. While we were eating, another new lady came. She'll be back next week.
Carina dropped me off at Gate 19 to meet the kids I teach. Today's lesson was to make a potholder with a star zigzagged on it. They did very well, but it took too long. Then she drove me to my gate. When I got home, Michele was there. I didnt hear Chris come home, but he made pork for supper. We all spent the evening on our computers.

Sewing in the rain

It was really raining this morning which made it hard to get out of bed. I am afraid we missed church today. My in-laws called this morning, and it was good to hear their voices.
I got a lot of sewing done today. I re-did one of my earlier charm square panels. It was a little too random. And I made another one with all the new squares I got. See pic. Then I made two baby quilt tops, which are not shown because they are just like the last ones I made.
Chris made roasted green peppers and a rice and beef dish for supper. Both were good although I don't usually like green peppers when they are soft. Yesterday while I was gone, a lady in our building brought us some food items because she is moving back to the U.S and cannot take perishables with her. I was able to find places for some of them this afternoon.
I spent the evening searching for a sewing lesson for tomorrow. I need something easy, but that will take them an hour.

English Camp

Chris drove me to Gate 17 where I met up with the rest of our group (same group as yesterday at DHL). We were taken by taxi to a school somewhere in Seoul. Our job was to teach English to disadvantaged Korean kids by reading and doing vocabulary exercises for the story "The Lion and the Mouse". There were 5 sessions of 40 minutes each with a 10 minute break. The first session we were to write our names on our camp t-shirts. That didn't take long so I read them the story of the cloud and the sun. In the second session we were to read them the lion and mouse story. Again, that didn't take long so I read the story again and asked them to growl when I said 'lion' and squeek when I said 'mouse'. But only one child did. So I asked them to circle the word 'lion' where ever it appeared in their packet. This they did easily, so I figure they had more English than I had been led to believe.
Then we had an hour and a half for lunch. It was like a cafeteria line in the front hallway. Ladies in plastic gloves put food on our plates: rice, pieces of fruit in cream, sweet and sour chicken, kimchi, jobchai, thick Korean noodles, and finally we went outside for pork from the roasting pig. It was all good but I couldn't finish it. The kids had no problem. Then helpers passed out sodas and canned coffee and ice cream products on a stick. Just what these kids needed: sugar. Then in session three we had flash cards and a worksheet. I was able to stretch that out to fill the time. In session four, we had a wordsearch, and a list of questions. We had each bought a bag of lollipops to give to each child as they answered a quesion correctly, amking sure each child got one. I had enough in my bag to give each one two suckers. In session five all children got a piece of paper to draw on while each child had their picture taken with me. Then the helpers took a group photo. There wasn't much to do after that so I showed them how to paper fold a cube. But only one child did it. Soon they were all running around the room. Each room had two groups in it. The groups ranged in size from 5 to 8 kids. I was kinda glad when it was over. Then we all went downstairs for the closing ceremony. I didn't understand the words, but there was more picture-taking.
When we got back to post I had Chris bring me home. He had a cabbage stew on the stove and it was good! We watched a little TV and each retired to his own computer.

Namedaemun

It was a normal morning until it was time to catch the bus. As I ran out of our building I realized that I had forgotten my fanny pack which contains my ID and key card for getting back in the building. Fortunately the cleaning lady was just inside the door and let me back in. I grabbed the elevator up to the 6th floor and rushed in to the apt. I rushed back out with the pack, down the elevator, and over to the post. But I missed the bus, so I had to walk to the DHL for a meeting. I knew I'd be late, but as it turns out, everyone else was late also. After our meeting, several of us decided to go to Namdaemun for lunch. We had a great time walking around, looking. Here is a pic of tree fungus (aka mushrooms). I bought some dried seaweed and dried squid. Then we ate at a small place in the alley. I ordered what looked like liver. But it didn't taste quite the same and it was full of holes. But it was good.
Afterwards, we walked and shopped some more. We looked in a building marked 'Imports'. See pic. I bought a pair of sandals to wear in water. On the way back to her car, we each bought fruit on a stick. I got the watermelon. MMMM. Toniette drove me to my gate and I walked home in my new sandals. I fell asleep listening to a mp3 of a call-in health show. When I woke up I was hungry so I ate some seaweed and squid. The seaweed comes in paper-thin rectangles. The squid was whole and flat (and hard to chew). Chris came home to make spaghetti, but I wasn't hungry. Later we went back to post to see Ice Age 3.
It was pretty good.

Monsoon season

Monsoon season is here in full force. I walked in the heavy rain to the bus stop. The bus must have been early because I missed it. Before I walked to the thrift shop, I called ahead to make sure someone was there, and they were. So I started to walk. The water was deep and my feet were soaked. Still I was glad to see MaryAnn when she stopped to give me a ride. There weren't many books to put away because the recent donations were under a tarp outside. So I assigned myself the task of putting the CD's in categorical order. That was a lot harder to do with Cd's than with books. Most are not marked. At one point I considered two categories: Artists I have heard of , and Those I don't have a clue about. Eventually I settled for a few categories like Childrens, Classical, Seasonal, etc. and a big stack of "Who Knows?"
The lady who kids I teach came and picked me up so I didnt' have to walk in the rain to catch the bus. Her yard was flooded as you can see in the picture. Her kids made a card with a cutout lined with fabric and they sewed around the edges as well.
Since I didn't stop for lunch at the thrift shop, she warmed up a bowl of Portugese stew. It was very good. After the lesson she dropped me off at my gate and I walked to the apartment building. For some reason the door wouldn't open. I called the guard and it wouldn't open for him either. Finally a man called his wife to open it remotely (can be done from inside any apartment) and he pried it open at the same time. I was very glad to be let in as it is the only door to the building.
By then it had finished raining. After supper I went outside with the recyclables. I wanted to walk in the sand like yesterday, but being wet made it very rough. So I had to postpone that idea until tomorrow.

A big surprise in the mail

When I opened my mail this morning I got a big surprise - probably over a hundred 3-inch charm squares from my quilting friends in N.C.! Wow! I had already shared some before I took this picture so there were more than you see here.
Afterwards I went to the post office to mail a package. I missed the bus and was afraid that branch would close early so I walked as quickly as I could. It was mighty hot and I was glad I brought a water bottle. Then I went over to the DHL to deposit a check. I wanted to catch the bus over to the PX, but it would have been a 15 minute wait. So I walked there, too. I was not feeling so well, but lingered in the store to cool off. I quickly found the construction paper, but took my time trying on every shoe in my size. Nothing fit. What will I do if or when my current shoes wear out? I bought some toe wraps instead, making my current sandals a little more comfortable. This time I had had enough walking in the heat and waited for the next bus. I got off at the commissary and bought some cans of red beets for making pickled eggs. Then I had to walk back to the apartment. I needed to cool off for awhile before cooking the eggs, so I checked my e-mail and followed links. When Chris came home he offered to cook the eggs for me. What a guy! After supper I made the brine and put in the eggs and beets to soak. I plan to have them Monday for lunch with the quilters. Then I took out the recyclables and stopped at the playground to go barefoot in the sand. Its supposed to be good for you. Then Michele and I watched "A flash of genius" from Netflix, based on a true story. It seemed depressing at one point, but ended well.

Company's coming

Because Chris had told me we were having company for supper, after fixing the sandwiches I started cleaning up. I vaccuum on a regular basis, but this kind of cleaning involves clutter - not my strong point. But I was able to clear the kitchen table and throw the tablecloth into the washer. Then I went to the thrift shop. I intended to leave there at 2, but no one else was leaving and there were more books to shelve, so I stayed. I selected about 6 books to go to the swap shelf at the library. The shop was throwing out items that had been around too long, so I got a juicer for $2 and some small wooden shadow boxes. Mary Ann and I collected some things for the Stork's Nest and delivered them to the hospital. We also dropped the swap books into the book drop. Maybe not what they wanted, but I can't stand throwing books away. Then she dropped me off at my gate. I went home and cleaned some more, clearing the coffee table and end tables and Michele's bathroom. Then I put the food that Chris had prepared in the oven. While I was putting the vaccuum away, Chris came in with 2 young KATUSAs (Korean Attachment to the U. S. Army). One had been Chris' assistant and was leaving. The other one was his replacement. We had an interesting chat, then dinner. They brought a box of small bottles of juice as a hostess gift. They were impressed with Chris' chicken, saying that it was easy to chew, as opposed to the dining hall chicken. Then Chris took them back to post.

Quilting Day

Today was a training holiday. Michele had to work, but Chris didn't. But he got up at the regular time and drove her to work, then went to his own office for a while. I packed my bags with all the stuff I needed for the quilt group meeting and the lesson I would teach later. Carina picked me up at the gate. We opened the room and got out our supplies. Then Darlene joined us. It was just the three of us for over an hour. Then several more people arrived. I think we did as much talking as working but we got at least the three tops I brought in finished, and several more in process. Then we packed up and had lunch. Debi brought vegetable sushi which was very good, and sections of grapefruit. Carina brought pickled cucumber slices and strawberries. MMMM. And I brought mixed nuts. But we had enough for all those who stayed. And we made plans to go to Dongdaemun on Friday morning.
Carina drove me to Gate 19. I walked to the home where the kids were having lunch and waiting for me to teach them. Todays lesson was to sew around a shape and make an ornament. Also to thread the machine and put in the bobbin. They all did very well. Then I walked out gate 19 to the painters place. I gave him a picture to make into a painting and he said he could. But it wasn't cheap. Then I walked back and got a ride to my gate. Michele and Chris were both home on their computers. I worked a bunch of Sudoku puzzles, then folded laundry as we watch a DVD.

The fifth of July

Chris and I went to church this morning. There were few people there. During the passing of the peace we got tapped to collect the offering, which was the very next thing. I had never done it before but I just followed Chris. After church we had the usual treats: a large fruit platter, kimbap, and pickled radish. And a few that were unique to the day: sausage balls and a cake decorated like a flag.
The most exciting thing about church this morning was that I wore my red dress. That may not sound exciting to you, but two weeks ago I could not fit into it. Last week it was really tight, and this week it was just snug.
After church we stopped by the commissary for food and drove home. In the same place that we had seen the pretty furniture, I saw a fancy mirror. It seemed like the sort of thing the Stork's Nest will need to decorate their rooms, so I asked Chris to get it for me and he did. I spent the afternoon doing Sudoku puzzles, and rearranging shelving. After supper we watched a movie and I vaccuumed the livingroom and gathered materials for tomorrow. Here is the baby quilt I made a few days ago.

Fourth of July

Mostly it was a stay-at-home-and-do-laundry day. I watched some exercise videos as I sewed another baby quilt top. After supper we put in a movie, another Swartzenegger film. After dark Chris and I drove to post to watch the fireworks.
Driving out of the apt parking lot, we saw a three unit dresser by the recyclables. When we got back, it was still there. So we called Michele down. She and I carried one while Chris carried the next up to our apt. We came back for the third but some other people were carrying it off. Still, what a find! It looks like it's inlaid with mother-of-pearl.

To each his own path

Today was a day off for Chris and Michele in celebration of the 4th. All the celebratory activities are tomorrow. They went to the bank, drew out like $6000, took it into Itaewon and exchanged it for won, then deposited it into the Yonsei University bank account at the local bank. I would have gone but I wasn't dressed when they left. So I did some reading and cleaning up. Oh, and I removed a skin tag that was bothering me. I tied thread around it, pulled it up and snipped it off. Michele says I should not post the picture. It looks like a brain with a stem on it. Hopefully that means I got the root and it will not grow back.
When they returned from paying tuition, I met Chris at the gate and we drove to gate 17. From there we walked to Yongsan Park. They have a barefoot path and I wanted to try it after reading about the health benefits of walking barefoot on the earth. Well, the path starts with a large stone foot marked with the massage areas. Then, the path continues with different kinds of rocky surfaces to walk on. Walking on them hurt my feet, but then I weigh more than the average Korean. So I did most of my barefoot walking in dirt paths.
We came home, then Chris and Michele went to see Transformers at the theatre. I stayed home and played my trombone.

I finally threw something away

AFter packing lunches, I did some more mopping on the porch. It is so dirty that I have to change the water often. That could be hard on my back so I do a little each day. Cleaning it once a year is the least I can do. Ha, ha.
I took the 10 am bus to the thrift shop. I stopped briefly at the furniture store to look at shelving but it was expensive. Then I spent 4 hours getting videos out on the floor. It looked like a video store had gone out of business and donated all their videos. Well, the only way they would fit in the assigned space was to throw some out. And I really did. I might have thrown over a hundred away. But it felt good to get rid of stuff that wasn't selling. Debi stopped by to talk about our getting stuff donated to the Stork's Nest. Then we closed up shop and MaryAnn came over to my apartment. I had seen hers last week. I doubt she was as impressed with my home as I was with hers, although she did remark on the amount of fabric I had. Michele came home, and then Chris. Mary Ann had to leave. So we had supper and they played on their computers while I played on my new keyboard. I am topping off the night by watching Schoolhouse Rock videos on Youtube. It really takes me back.

A day at home

I went back to bed after making the lunches and putting bread ingredients in the bread machine. I awoke to hear it beeping to let me know it had finished. So I did not get to the park as I had planned. I did some reading, some cleaning, watched a video that came in the mail, and some sewing. Michele came home for while, then went out again to see a movie with her father. It was one I didn't care to see. While she was gone, I put on a tape and got a little exercise. I had to turn on the AC because it was beastly hot. It seems like there was more to report, but I can't remember it now.