Sunday, March 28, 2010

Back to the U.S. and blogging.

Going to China was simply going to be the highlight of this year for me. So many preparations and work went into this project. But as we all know, plans are made to be changed.

For the past couple of months, I have had a strained back. Ahhh...so much to think about that I really let it go. I did extra stretches in the morning, longer time in the gym and double the work on the weights. I noticed the week before the trip that it was difficult to get out of bed in the morning, but still too much to do to think about such things. I did go to Urgent Care, let them know my situation and got a muscle relaxer and pain pills, I mean we are talking about the Great Wall here.

The long flight was disastrous for me. I could hardly stand it, then on the very first morning I fell. That probably was the end of a disc that was going to give me grief. By afternoon I hired a wheel chair driver who spun me all around the Forbidden City of Beijing. I saw everything first as no one could keep up with him. I paid him cash at the end of the day. By now I was becoming aware that my trip to China would be just one day. Tomorrow I will share with you the first two hospital visiits!

Lou Ann

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Kimberly and I packing for China!!

The day has arrived that Kimberly and I are leaving for China! We have spent a lot of time getting ready the past few months; studying the culture, getting our shots, shopping, packing and now we are ready to go.

We will be traveling to Indy, then to Washington D.C. and then to Beijing, China for ten days. I hope to update here and there on my blog, but am not sure about internet connections!

My journal is packed and I know there will be many stories to share when I get back!!

Sunday, March 07, 2010

A Sapphire Winter Morning


A snapshot of this morning's sunrise from my front porch...

This winter has been spectacular with winter weather from Halloween on. We never did have a January thaw or even a cold rain, just the snow and wind and, well, how it should be.

March is proving to be on schedule as well. The sun is bright and the temperatures are above freezing as the snow begins to melt and the sap is beginning to drip in the sugar woods.

Yesterday folks were out on bikes, skateboards, and just filling the streets. Some had on shorts, flip flops (the temperature was mid-forties) and tank tops. I hung laundry out, surveyed the garden and filled all the feeders.

It was great to see some of my neighbors for the first time since November! So today a pot of soup, bread rising on the stove and a walk in the park!

Here is a haiku for the day:

sapphire mornings
gamble away winter snows
piercing light of day


Friday, March 05, 2010

Cahoots Coffee Shop


Photo from the Staircase of Cahoots


Fundraising at Cahoots



High School students sharing their music and their art!

My small town has a wonderful coffee shop just for teenagers and roving adults! Cahoots is located just five blocks from my house and a great place to have lunch or their specialty, White Mocha. This cafe is set up with a piano, pool table, games, books, areas for guitar playing or just conversation.

The past few Saturdays they have hosted a fundraiser for Haiti and an art show! I bought a great photography piece by Lily Green which sold for "$15.00 or best offer." I paid her $15.

Saturday night is another fund raiser which is the Spring Fashion Review. This will feature local downtown merchants, musical entertainment and make overs for all the barristas! I will also be sharing my love of storytelling as well.

So, if you are in the area and need something fun to do, come on out to Cahoots to share in the fun. Doors open at 6:30 and the cost if $20.00 with all proceeds going to Cahoots to keep this great little cafe open to our teens.

Wednesday, March 03, 2010

March comes in like a lamb...

After this long, long winter, there are signs of spring all over my small town. I came home from school yesterday and there was a patch of bare, brown earth. It was beautiful sight. I hung my laundry out even though the clothesline is still over a snowdrift. I had to pull the ends of the sheets of back over the line. However, how delightful those sheets were with that fresh air.

It was also rumored that someone saw a robin and a crocus. Now, those sightings are not confirmed, so I will keep you informed.

Yes, there are many topics to cover in the world, but for a few minutes how nice to just focus on signs of spring and the sweetness it brings to my small town.

Spring break in St. Pete...

  Adam and his pups! The late-night flight is full. Everyone is heading out for spring break. Students and teachers, moms and dads, kids and...