Roughing It

Last weekend was wonderful. We went camping at Oconee State Park and hiking at the parks nearby. The only drawback was that I was missing my right hand. The thought of sleeping on the ground, drinking “cowboy coffee”, and getting eaten by mosquitoes, reminded Frank of all the things he had to do, in the comfort of the Smith’s home with the pool, TV, and air conditioning. I didn’t tell him that most of them brought air mattresses, the campground had a bathroom with showers, and one tent had a fan. Plus, the weather was perfect, low humidity with a nice breeze. The bathrooms weren’t pretty, but after China, they were no obstacle.
Food tastes so much better cooked on an open fire. Pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, fried fish, pulled from the lake half an hour before, homemade French fries, corn on the cob, fresh picked green beans, fried pork chops, peach cobbler, you get the idea. And that was only the first two days!!
The fishing was great, especially at the lake. We pulled them one after the other, once Dad found the hole they were hiding in. Terry got so excited he cast his whole rod in the lake. We fished it out but it didn’t help him catch more fish. (Hee hee).
For some reason, I woke up at six am every morning, voluntarily! The early morning hours were chilly, so I made a fire, bundled up in a chair, and caught up on some personal reading. I hadn’t been that relaxed since I got back. It is nice to sit and meditate with only the birds as company. Everyone should try it. I got to spend quality time with Noah and Alexis, which I will treasure. We shared a tent, which had to be pitched on a slight incline. That meant I had to wake up several times a night and pull Lexi back up the hill to her pillow and roll Noah back around and recover him. But, waking up with their arms around me made it worth the effort. I had such a great time, can you tell?
mandy

Me and My Dad

I really haven't had a chance to spend much time with my Dad here. Last weekend though, we went camping and Friday was our day. We fished, waded in the ice cold river, hiked and ate lunch on a giant rock. Just Dad and me. It was great and I was an emotional basket case. I know, I am a sop, but what can you do? We were always together as I was growing up, daddy's little girl and all. He and Mom have been a pillar of support and encouragement for us, never once discouraging us for moving so far away. When I told Dad we were moving the first time he said, "Get out of here, go". Having the support of parents makes it so much easier to expand our horizons. Thanks to you both!

mandy

'Train up a child according to the way, even when they have grown older, they will not turn aside from it'- Solomon

These are my daughters, I suppose. But where in the world did the children vanish?~Phyllis McGinley, "Ballad of Lost Objects," 1954

Laughter is Good Medicine

Tonight we laughed more than we have in months. You know the friends that you can laugh until you cry with? The ones that after you leave, make you smile and chuckle all over again just thinking about the time you just had? Yeah, it was like that. Some friends drove 2 1/2 hours just to spend a few hours with us. We met them almost halfway and had dinner and coffee and stomach wrenching laughter. It was good medicine. Thank you guys!

mandy

"There is a time to laugh"-Solomon

Family

It has been so nice to spend time with friends and family. Here are some of the people we have been with.

Tragedy Strikes

It is with a very heavy heart that I write this blog. This morning my camera, my pride and joy, took a bad fall. The lens dented and will not turn properly to focus. I was glad for the distraction of work this morning so I did not have to think about it. I do have some pictures in reserve for future blogs but I do not know when I will be able to repair or replace the lens. I know it is just a possession, but it serves as a creative outlet and stress relief for me and a window into another world for our readers. Today, I am sad.

mandy

Total Consumption

I am really enjoying the challenge of teaching English to adults. I am grateful that the hours are part-time because I could find myself becoming completely consumed by it. I love creating class curriculum, adapting to the progress of the students. Sometimes we have in mind an entire plan of action but may only have two students show up and have to change on the spur of the moment. There is a little thrill that comes with the challenge of holding their attention and pushing their limits. Our students are all making fine progress and we are proud of all of them. Teaching adults also means you can get to know them better than you can little kids. This helps us know how best to reach them and we can discuss real issues that affect them. Most of them have at least a basic hold on English. I have always enjoyed teaching and this new opportunity has not disappointed.

mandachino

Isn't it Ironic? Don't You Think?

Isn't it ironic that we come all the way back to America, with all its conveniences, only to have trouble finding internet access and more trouble getting Blogger to open. Funny. The way we stress over having access in China, you might think all Americans have wireless. The truth is, some still don't have computers and more still use dial-up or plug in the phone jack. So, here we sit in the McDonalds or the local mall food court, catching up. Frank is back in his world of electronics, Wii, Rock Band, and Sportscenter on the radio and TV. He is a happy clam. I am enjoying swimming and just being with family and friends. We started work this week too. Teaching English! We had four students show up Monday and five today. Who knows how many we may have by the end of the week. One is from Russia, one from Turkey and three from Mexico. They are all adults. I am enjoying it very much. But the best part is the time spent with my niece and nephew. Because of work, we are two hours away from them. Its as if we are still a world apart. But this weekend we will be together for a huge three day party. I can't wait! They have grown so much and Noah is talking up a storm. He barely said hello before we left. I will treasure every moment spent with them. It will have to hold me over until our next visit.

Mandy

"Want to enjoy the beauty and wonder of children without the cost? --Become an Aunt!"- Aunt Mandy

Country Wedding

Many of our international friends have not experienced life in the country. This is how I was raised. On a farm, around hay and barefoot most of the time. My sister carried this idea as the background for her wedding. I will allow the pictures to speak for themselves. We enjoyed homemade barbeque, coleslaw, baked beans and cake soaked in Jack Daniels Whiskey. Delicious!! Frank utilized his Chinese trained karaoke skills and serenaded the couple with a few classics. Apparently a goat was invited because he could not be chased away. It was all very quaint and a lot of fun. I got the chance to see many of my family from out of town as well as friends from far away. Hey Ya’ll! Welcome to the Country!
Mandy

“Country Roads, Take Me Home”- John Denver