Turkey day at our Home.

This year Qing and I were to have Thanksgiving at home for a change. We also invited some of our Chinese friends to join us. At our yearly Chinese reunion Brunch, which we are members of... we met a couple that lives not far from us. The Lady is also married to an American with a little 2 year old child. She had her Brother in-law (married to her Sister) that is visiting California for the time being. He has bought property here and plans to build a home in the near future. Besides them, one Male friend of the couple that was nearing a divorce from a Chinese Lady. he himself has made over 100 trips to China doing Business. I suspected it to be quite interesting taking to all and certainly there was no shortcoming here.

Anyways, doing the Turkey was in my hands. I was all ready to "Deep-fry" this Bird, as I have done only once before and it happened to be the most moist.. if I remember right. I prepared the Bird early in the morning, so I could lower it into the Peanut oil about one hour before the Guest's arrive. I should mention too, ones my Neighbor found out what I was up to... he ask me if he could bring over "his" Turkey and fry it after I was done with ours. Of course I said "yes", as the oil was hot already.
I had the Bird in the "Pot" just 15 minutes when our Friends pulled up into our driveway. Funny, even before going inside.. they stopped and had to have a look at the Turkey frying nicely just inside the Garage with the door open. Qing was inside and busy with all the other dishes to accompany my finished Bird later. It took 1 1/2 hours for my 14 pounder and later 45 minutes for my Neighbors smaller Bird. Two Birds in little over two hours... not bad!

All together we all had a wonderful time and when the Pumpkin Pie came for Dessert, it was already after 10pm. How time goes by, when having great Food and great Guest's?

Here are a couple photo's before starting out with Qing's special salad and beyond.

I think I've lost my Mei-Mei Lily?

Last week, I was ones again thinking of my little Sister Lily from Kunming (China). I have written to her a few weeks back, but I did not receive an answer back as of yet.
Does this worry me? Of course it does and not just a little!
Having found her in 2008 (before Qing actually), keeping/thinking of her as my own Sister (because  having only brother's and in reverse no brother's on her side) making me her "Ge-Ge" (older brother in chinese).
Anyway, writing a new letter last week... I found out the E-mail address she had given to me is not in use anymore. This is/was all I had for contact now and then.
This worries me, thinking of the worst.. which I really shouldn't. I can't help it though, why and what happened? Knowing her "Dad" was also not in good shape physically (confined to a Bed), it would have left Lily "Parent-less" only a younger Sister to comfort her... if this was the case. Maybe, not having Internet at the time due to an PC not working or for Financial reasons... just don't know?
This made me look back on my Blog to a very special Post of an Letter she had send me. Even to this date, everytime I read it... it not only warms my heart... but it also bring me to the edge of tears. For two simple reasons; one being, how little it took for me to do this and second, how strong it touched Lily and her family.
Reading it, one can see... why I would miss my Sis so much. I certainly hope all is okay with her? Til' I receive a Letter from her (she does have my E-mail) I just rely on my patience and wait.
One other thing, knowing Chinese Woman somewhat well now... I hope she's not thinking that she's interferring in my marriage with Qing. Besides, Qing is not in any way... seeing this as a reason to be jealous!
Miss my Mei-Mei!!!

So here is that special Letter....


Guy's , this is what flower's can do !


From: Lily Tang (Profile ID: P688090 ) To: arnold dusch Date: Apr 2, 2009 GMT Mail ID: P688ECJCFHG

Ni hao, wo qing ai de ge ge,I don't know how to give my appreciation to you my dear ge ge, you touch me so deeply, thank you ge ge, because of you, I light up hope again in this dark period, zheng de hen xie xie ni ge ge¡­.Dear ge ge, I just come back from my mother's grave, I have say thank you for you and I can feel she would smile when she heard that, thank you ge ge, maybe you don't know your concern means what a great power to our family, all of us are so warm and touched, so I must say thank you to you my dear ge ge, thank you¡­.Ge ge, I didn't receive your lily until today, I went out and I didn't bring phone with me yesterday, the agency call me many times but I didn't know, when I came back home I found there are so many calls so I called back, but there was nobody receive it, so I didn't know they wanted to send flowers to me, this morning, I went out again, but I take phone with me, so they told me there is flower from you and they will send to me at noon, when I get home, my father has receive for me and he is going to put the flowers into the vase, I told him this flowers are sent to mother by you, my father was so touched and say thank you many many times, he said it is our honor to have such a good ge ge as you, he said you are really a good person, he ask me must say thank you to you for him¡­.dear ge ge, you must be the angel that the god sent to comfort me through this hard time, there is no friend can remember to send greeting or flower to my mother except you, you are the only one who put my mother in your mind, thank you ge ge, you said thanks my mother for you, to let you have such a nice mei mei in your life, I also want to thanks your mother to let me have such a nice ge ge as you, and thank you for my mother because you support her hopeless daughter in her dark period, thank you ge ge, if you were beside me, I really want to give you a warm hug to express my million of thanks :)dear ge ge, about the man you are going to introduce to me, I am so thankful, I believe any man who introduce by ge ge must be a good man because I trust ge ge, I believe if he isn't a good man, ge ge would not introduce to me, right? so ge ge, yes I would like to know him, please tell him I would like to write with him, does he in Chnlove too? how old is he? How far he lives away from you?my mood is much better today, thank you ge ge, this is the result of your care:)your niece and her friends are beautiful, they are so young, envy, hehe, say hello to Qing :)thank you again ge getake careNi de mei mei,Lily

"Trouble is lurking near and far"!

Having seen all kinds of trouble

couples reading each-other less

before they join in a celebration

leaving much to ones imagination.



Building a marriage on such little time

only to find later in a short while

things are not rosy or primed

drifting apart fast and with no chime.



Here Qing and I often wonder

being together not that much longer

why then is our love blessed and free

just the way we want it to be.



Living absolutely with no trouble

daily life passes oh so loving

working together as a mature couple

moment for moment- day by day

enjoying marriage what else can I say.



So where's the lurking trouble

not that both of us really care

can't let it be part in our lives

seeing no reason really to dare

where others go in quite despair.    


As I see some of my Friends go through some rough times with their Marriage (for one reason or another), I felt that I must write a Poem regarding this subject.

A Handshake.. is a Handshake.. but?

Yesterday, Qing and I happen to be in Simi Valley to visit a Friend of ours.. not to shake hands though.
No, that was for other reasons I don't need to get into.
What was added to our visiting, was.. that my Friend and Son/Daughter were going to an Ice Rink to see some of the "Kings" players (like Drew Doughty) for one. Ones we got there, I could not believe the Line of People waiting for Autographs. Let alone finding parking.
After getting tried looking, I just double-parked the Car.. as we only had about 25 minutes to spend because Qing had to work that afternoon.
This is where we ran into none other.. then the one and only "Bob Miller" the Kings longtime TV announcer. I did see "Him" many times before, but I never had the opportunity/pleasure of shaking his hand.
Well, as I was doing that.. I noticed that Bob looked much younger (10yrs. at least) then on the Tube.
It might sound a little crazy, for a grown Man to be excited meeting a TV personality.. but me being a Kings fan since 1973 (40 yrs.) makes it special to actually get to shake hands with him.
On a side note though, I kind of felt weird.. because I was wearing my German National Soccer Jersey instead of a Kings sweater. I know.. I know, most Fans that saw me must of thought..? You know what I mean!

Yesterday was... break out the Champagne day!

It certainly was a day to Celebrate!

The reason? All my LaoPo's hard work/studies had finally come to an successful end.

She passed her GED test with flying colours!


Finishing three of  the five (5) categories (Math-Writing-Science) with a score over 500+ and the other two (2) with an average of 430... even running out of time and not answering all of the questions.

I am so proud of my Sweetheart, considering being Chinese (where Characters are a norm)... makes it even more so a success for her without a doubt.

Makes me think, would "I" be able to equal "Her" accomplishment? Then again; I would only worry about my Grammar, having to do the Test myself.

So, I did take her out for Dinner last night and opened a Bottle of my favorite Champagne.

Well now... the LA Kings have a new Fan!

That's right!

For Tianchi's birthday, we took him to Staples Center for his first "Live" Hockey Game on Sunday. Of course I conditioned him beforehand, by watching several Games at home first. Also made sure he knows that the other Team always "Sucks" and to let them know/hear it when ever possible.
This worked quite well at home, the Neighbors must of heard his vocals at each lesson.
I had four Tickets for the encounter with the Edminton Oilers, besides Qing-Tianchi-Me.. I also invitied my Uncle to join us.
Ones the Game got going, it was obvious there was a "New" Fan in the house!
I noticed three (3) things during the Game;

1st: My Uncle and I laughed about Tianchi's vocal interest in the Game.
2nd: Qing was even embarrassed, almost to a point...  "He's not my Kid"... haha!
3rd: So loud, that one of the Guy's behind us... (I could hear him say) "This Kid is really into it"!

So you see, practice at home pays off very well!

On a side note; Qing's second Game with me... Kings won both! Told her that she brings them good luck, we must come more often.

Arrrrgh..... sometimes I wonder?

Really!!!

Qing and I thought today was a good day, to go out and look for new Bath Towel's/Wash Cloth's for ourselves. I never imagined this would lead to an multi-store shopping experience. Our first stop was... give you all one guess! Of course, Bed-Bath&Beyond... figured they have nice and not the cheap stuff. We guessed right! The only thing about those Towels, was that they got me kind of upset with the Manufacturers of these Towels.
Okay, first let me explain... that we were looking for large Towels "with" hooks for hanging. Well, we did find large Towels... but the problem number one arrived.
Those lovely Towels were a good five-six feet long and some "Genius" thought of putting the hook into one of the corners. Now, two things need to happen for you to be able to hang those; 1st: You need to have a hook on the wall/door about 6 feet off the floor, so the Towel doesn't hang on the floor. 2nd: If one is a short Person and can not reach that high... well get the Ladder out.
Why didn't they put the darn hook in the "Middle" of the Towel? Ohhhh... that would make Sense!

Good thing I have a lot of Patience, because this took some away from me. Then, after giving up on those... we checked out the "Personalized" (with Letter) next. Loved them! Ones again, we get the cold shower... there is no "Q" for my Sweetheart. All the Letters are there except Q-X-Y-Z! Time to talk to the Manager! You bet I did!

I was gentle though and nicely ask him, "What if someone choose's a Letter for their "Last" Name instead of "First"? I'm sure there are a few with those missing letters, which he agreed fully with us. Of course I wont hold my Breath, that anything gets done or even mentioned to make a change.

Anyway, we did find some nice ones at Dillards (Ralph Loren), no hooks though. Being tired by now, I told Qing... I will add/sew some hooks to these. The reason we need the hooks and not hang the Towel straight on our Towel-hanger, is because it's made out of Metal and would leave stains on the Towels... especially when placed on them "Wet". On the way home, I had a Idea... why not put some plastic "Finger" cut from a plastic glove over the Metal? Bingo, problem for today... solved!
Glad this is over now for a few years to come.

The Qing and I!

... or I and Qing, have been thinking?

Hence next year on Tianchi's Summer vacation, his Dad is asking for him to come and visit for a couple weeks back to Shanghai.

We are planning to use this opportunity for a Trip by ourselves to Hawaii. To spend a few days in Honolulu (Oahu) and hop over to Maui, also for a few more days.

So we were busy last night checking Flight's/Hotel's/Rent a Car and figure out what and  how much this will set us back $$$ wise?
Anyhow, I'll be making Reservations most likely before the this year is over. I can see Qing is very excided, after all... she's never been there before. I have been, but that was way back in 1983 for Nancy's and my 5th Anniversary. One thing I reget this time around, Qing wont see Mr. Hawaii ( Don Ho) and his Show and that is kind of sad. I look back to when we were watching his Show, especially when "He" himself gave us a Bottle of Champagne (Tiny Bubbles) to celebrate our 5th with.
I am sure though, we'll have a wonderful time anyways.

Ps: Road to "Hana" we are coming soon!

Getting Tianchi into Sports!

That is not an easy thing to do, by no means!

Why?

In a way, it is easy to explain. See, as most Shanghai People live in high Buildings... they selden have a opportunity to go out and play as us Westerners are used to. They do have wonderful Parks throughout the City, but these Kids come home from School and stay stay put in their Apartment... especially if it's multiple stories/floors high.

Thus the lack of most or any Exercise during their young age. So, here we are with Qing's Son. In a way, I feel sorry for him. He can not (he tries) do a single "Push-up", because there are no Muscles to do so. Qing and I would love to place him into a Team Sport like Soccer-Baseball-Basketball, but there is no energy level beyond 10 minutes. How could he ever get a chance to play, the Coach would see this with the first try-out.
Well, we could put him into Soccer as a Goalie... right? Having "Never" played "Catch" with any ball, again... you see why this is also a problem.

What we came up with, let's try a Karate/Kung Fu class and see what comes out of that?

Another Sport he finds now interesting is "Ice Hockey" the LA Kings to be exact. He watches Games with me on the Tube and he's has gotten quite Vocal. By that I mean, while watching last year's Games.. the Kings were playing Dallas. Anybody that been to the Staples Centre, knows about Fans yelling that the "Other" team always "Sucks"! So Tianchi is now ready to join these Kings Fans, as he loves to shout "Dallas Sucks" or whomever the Kings play at the moment.

Anyway, as his Birthday is coming up (Oct.25)... I have Tickets to actually take him to a game in Person. He'll see the Edminton Oilers coming into Town on Sunday the 27th and like I've said, he will be ready with "Oilers Suck" to fit right in!

For Qing, well... let's say; She thinks the Fans are all crazy to take it "That" serious everytime!

...continued pain of the Solar kind!

..... here I thought agreeing to upgrade was going to be the final touch moving towards having Solar Power.
Wrong!
When it came to the final inspection this time around, the City ones more did NOT okay the setup. What was now the problem, had to do with the "Gas Meter" ... yes the Gas Meter!

Back in the day (2000) when I bought the House, it was legal (Code) to have the Main Electr. Box and the Gas Meter one foot (12") apart. This doesn't fly anymore today. The NEW code is now 24 inch apart from each other.

This now is not my fault by any means! I am not going to Pay one single Dime for the moving of the Gas Meter (this is the cheaper way), as I feel they (the Solar Co.) should have known all this beforehand... when starting with the Job.
They can use the $2000 for upgrading and be nice enough to throw in the moving of the little Gas Meter.............. or they can come and pack all their Stuff back up and haul it away.

I can live with them saying, they try'd to get it passed with 100 amps panel... but they should have known about the new Code that is now in effect. So, lets see what is going to happen.....??? 

Knowing the Chinese Folks and ....

.... some of their Customs/Beheaviors certainly helps living with them a lot easier.
This came in handy yesterday on Qings Birth-
day. See, the day before we had it all set to be having Dinner at the Rib place near our Home. Well, the Chinese love to change pretty much everything (even if it's set in Stone) at a moment's notice.
Like she called me at work to ask me "Where" we should go, as if we never even talked about it the day before. So, back and forth it went... Restaurant after Restaurant.
This was going on and most likely still would, if I didn't mention that I received just the day before an $10 discount Card from the "Yard House". That was like Music in my LaoPo's ears and she made up her mind on the spot, nothing was going to change it now.
Anyhow, we did have a wonderful time/dinner to my Sweetheart's delight.
I think those great "Beer's" they serve at the Yard House help us along with having a good time... haha.
After arriving back home, Dessert was waiting in the Fridge. Qing's favourite Ice Cream Cake from Coldstones. She felt "Special" and that's
what it is all about!

LaoPo's special day!

Today is my Sweetheart's 45th Birthday and last night, she did mention that she would like to at least go out for a special Dinner after all.
I am glad she decided to make it somewhat special and not stick to her earlier guns of not wanting anything.
Here is the surprise though! She tells me, that "She" wants to Pay/Buy "Us" Dinner, because it's her Birthday. I know Customs are different in China, but how can I keep my "Face" allowing that to happen?
Anyway, we (she) have picked "Dave's" BBQ Rib Restaurant, the one I took her for an Anniversary ones and she liked it very much.

This is Qing's fourth Birthday here and whallah... she doesn't look one year older. Guess, it's time I try to keep my looks (Stomach)haha... to a minimum! Not easy with her good Cooking getting in the way!

Yikes...going Solar is a pain in the Sun!

As mentioned on earlier Blog, we are under way to have Solar Panels installed on our home. Well, all seems to be ready to turn the switch "Off" the Grid and power us to the good ole Sun.

But wait a minute said the "City" (of Palmdale) during the final inspection. These new installed Panels (17) are too powerful to be handled with "Only" 100 amp's coming to the Main Circuit Breaker Box.

"This system needs to be up-graded to an 200 amp system now" said the nice Man (Inspector) from the City Office.

Now let me see here; 1st: it is encouraged to switch to Solar, by getting a Rebate check from Uncle Sam.
2nd: even a check from Edison for going Solar.
3rd: from the City you live in, your getting the "Shaft"... by having to up-grade now(something that was never in the Cards during the work).

Makes me wonder, is it really the City or is it the Solar Co. wanting to make a little ($2000) more on the "Side".. so to speak? Anyway, they are willing to give us two options here.
One being, Pay cash in Full or pay on an twelve month plan with NO interest (isn't that nice).

I am sure glad they waited til all was 99% ready. As usual, the 1% gets you and bites you in the Butt.

Just the other night...

.... while lying on the Bed and watching the nightly News, I happen to take a look near our Bedroom door.

People I know well and some of the other's that do read my Blog, know that I have a Photo frame hanging next to the door on the wall. Only difference with this, it is not a Photo at all. It's a framed "Rose" from my late Wife's Casket.

Looking at it that night, it reminded me actually of a "Real" photo I took, way back in 2009... October to be exact. Yes, one month before my LaoPo finally came to be with me for good. It also was a time, when my Hot water heater took a dump and soaked some of my walls in the Master bedroom. That's why the plastic cover that is showing in the Picture.

This is not what I wanted to tell about. What is so interesting in this very Photo that reminds me of something that happened almost four years ago, is something seen just above the Rose.

What it is... is easy to see, but why and how it got there is a whole other thing?

Was it there for me to see? I'm sure it was! Why was it there though? Was it, to tell me something from the "Other" side so to speak?
That with Qing arriving soon, that it was okay and a sign from Nancy that she still loved me?
That last sentence, I do very much believe is true. Even if other's feel, it's only a reflection from something... from somewhere. Hey, it's still a "Heart" anyway you see or call it!

(FYI.. I did take Photo's of the same area later on... nothing but the color of the wall above the Rose.)

One now can see, why I do "Kiss" this "Rose" many times... as I walk by and being reminded for what it stand's for.

Photo # 218   dated October 2009

What can I do? When my LaoPo...

.... doesn't want anything for "Her" Birthday?

With Qing's Birthday coming up this month (26th), I thought.. I'd better check a few things she might like/enjoy doing or going to.
So, she's been here in the USA now almost four (4) years and Tianchi over one year. I was thinking, maybe she would like to go to Disneyland?
Wrong!

First, she'd ask me... how much is that going to cost? I tell her, about $300+ for one day... the three of us.
Her response... "Too much"!!

I have been to Disneyland in Tokyo and as it turns out, the Rides are a perfect duplicate to the ones here. How did I know? I ask her about each Ride that we have here.

Plan "B": How about Seaworld in San Diego? That will be around $100 less, without the drive to San Diego of course ( didn't even bring that up).

No...No...!!! Was the answer once more!

How about we just go out for a nice Dinner then?

No...No...!!! Ones again!

This Woman drives a hard bargain, for wanting "Nothing"!

I now hope a beautiful Birthday Card wont be too much for my LaoPo? As she even looks at those prices as well... no kidding! Good Grieve!!!

By the way; I also mentioned to her... why is it, that "My" Birthday is more special then?
Answer: Because your my LaoGong... she say's!!!

Okay!!! Poor me?

Ahhh... found something to do....

... when I find myself with not much to do in our Backyard, I just make myself some work. Which is the case this weekend or two.

Hence I had to cut one of our trees in the back, because it was in the way of the Solar Panels (as mentioned earlier)... I had a thought. Why not make a "Sculpture" out of this cut down poor little tree and have something to google over later.

So, what will it be?

In our Livingroom (by the bay window) I have my own little "Pudong", Pearl Tower- Jin Mao Building- Financial Tower in miniature size's.
Of the three, only the Financial Tower is the shape I can duplicate from a tree stump four feet high.

Here is a Photo of the early progress from this morning. I am pleased with it so far, now it's mostly details and doing the final shape/color to finalize it.

sorry, but if I turn them over.. they seem to be smaller/shorted then they really are. I wanted to show true hight, four feet.

Our Guest has left...

Yesterday started real early for me and Edwin (english name), like 04:00 am. Because the Airport is some 70 miles away and you know how long the check-in/security can sometimes take. We arrived at the Terminal 4 (American Airline) a quarter to six and his Flight to Dallas/Tulsa was to leave at 07:30 am. So plenty of time for sure.

Walking into the Building to check-in, I was surprised by the fact... there were no more Counter People. everything was "Self Check-in". What are they trying to do, automate everything.. so People can lose more Job's. I see this happening everywhere lately. Whats up with that, thought we needed to create more Job and not get rid of them?

Anyhow, we managed to get his Boarding Pass' for both Flights after much hassle with the PC, that would not take his Credit Card to pay ($60) for the extra Suitcase. Ahhh.. for that they have a Counter Person.. to take your Money! One more reason, I would never fly American Airline. Didn't like them before, now even less!

Edwin's stay and talking to him, made me further realize... how the "Chinese" really think about their Education/Future at a very young age. This young Man (18), knew already at 12 years old, that he was to be coming to America and get a Master Degree in Business/Finance. Age 12? It does make me compare "Our" kid's here and what I have seen now many times in China's "Youth" on my Trip's to the Far East.

Doing the "Learn-Learn-Learn" & "Work-Work_Work" to make as much Money as possible.. they forget to "Live" Life the way we like to enjoy it before getting old and you can't do it anymore. This is somewhat hard to understand in our Society, but easy to see... why they are so much better at saving Money... then most in the modern world.

Anyway, he's here for most likely for 6 years and head back to China with his Master's to follow in not only his Family's way, but the Chinese way.
We wish him good luck, that he may forefill his dream by choosing this path to success.

Next week (actually from Saturday on) it will be an interesting time...

... first on Saturday, it's off to my Uncle's 70th Birthday Party. Then, on Sunday morning going to LAX to pick up somebody from Shanghai. Qing's brother's old Class-mate's Son (18) is coming to the US for four years of College in Tulsa OK. So we have the honor of him staying with us for two days, til' Tuesday morning... when he needs to catch his next flight out. To LAX ones more, but early enough for me going to work and get there on time too.

After our Guest left, we will get ready on Wednesday to receive our Solar Panels. All of them will be to the backside (facing east) of the house. For this, I had to take down one of our Tree's. In a way, it was good for more than one reason. First, it was in the way of the Sunlight.. as it was as big as the house itself. Second, it was a very "Messy" (no not the soccer player) tree. Our Patio had to be sweept every other day and that all year around. The only nice thing, was that it blumed for one or two weeks.. before the wind blew the flowers all off and you know where they landed. Yes, by the back door!

So we're looking forward to be powered up by the Sun and not be effected by the Power Company's 22% price raise over the next three years. Yeah.. and might have enough to sell "Them" some back!

5th Anniversary has come and gone...

08-08-13




It is hard to believe, that Qing and I have been married (Ceremony-wise) for five (5) years already. It also makes my Mom/Uncle/Aunt/Friend that joined us in Shanghai back in August '08 wonder for themselves... has it really been that long ago? They say, when you're having "Fun" time flies. Well, it also must fly when your obsolutely "Happy" as well.. it certainly seems that way.

So here is a little something Chinese Women receive never or very seldom from their Chinese Male counterpart... which are "Flowers"!



First thought, I was thinking 5 Roses... then I tell myself.. not enough! So, it happens to come out to 15 instead, as 12 (Doz) didn't seem to fit into the picture of a 5 year Anniversary.

Five Red's= 5 years for Qing's sweet "Love"!

Five Orange= 5 years of warm "Sunshine"!

Five Pink= 5 years of a colorful "Marriage" with my LaoPo!

Our Home resemble's a Classroom.. in a way!

I can't believe it's August already. Which means, Tianchi's School will start soon. Actually, his school never ended and come to think of it.. neither has my LaoPo's.
For Tianchi to learn more/faster English, he is besides having regular School (6th grade), he has a private Tutor for three (3) hours a week. Plus we now added special reading Classes/Lessons for his benefit at Antelope Valley College once a week.
That'll keep him busy and less time playing games on his Phone/Computer. It's of course for "his" own good, he just doesn't know it yet.

This is not all of course, as Qing is studying for her GED as well for most of the year now. She did take her Mathematic Test a couple of weeks ago and passed it easy, even not answering all questions.. due to not having enough time. I'm so proud of her, then again.. I never had any doubt she wouldn't pass it.

So, I find myself many times having extra time for myself and just do what I please to relax. This I have no problem with, just need to outside our Home to do that. I also spend some time, to think about getting (buying) Solar Panels for our Roof. This investment will finalize in a week or two. This is after all, one think that we discussed for months already. We will then run on Solar power and as promised by the Company doing the job, we could have that "Energy" for at least 3-4 more billion years (the live of our Sun). Not sure we need it that long, but if we do.. we're ready. haha

July marks a special place in my Life...

Yes... indeed! The marriage I have now with my LaoPo, all started back in July '07. The time, I first saw the "12 Girl Band" perform in front of the Pearl Tower in Shanghai (China) on PBS channel at home.

I still want/need to give "Thanks" to each one of them in Person the first chance I'll get. Having seen them perform live at the Anaheim Grove in Oct. '07, Qing and I are desperately awaiting for them to have another Concert in the US (hopefully in the Los Angeles area). Personally, I would travel a 1000 miles to see them again. Just so Qing and I can finally thank them for guideing me towards Shanghai, for what actually was to be in honor of my late Wife (Nancy) and not to look to get married again.

This is how wonderful Life/Love can be, it comes unexpected and knocks on your door... if your ready or not! I certainly wasn't ready, but I wasn't about to let a given blessing slip away!

We both know what we've been given, we "Cherish it"- we're "Thankful for it"- we let it "Grow with each day"!

Grand Canyon-Sedona Trip... part 5 !

Finishing up the Skywalk part of the trip, it was back to Hwy 93 on the way to Hoover Dam. Again, not the first time for me, but it's been many years that I've been there.  Figure, need to stop and show "Our" great Dam (they do have great ones in China) which holds back the very River that made the Grand Canyon what it is today. What I have forgot to write about, was that going to the Skywalk... there was still an Un-paved road to master of 20+ miles. This meant, we'd be doing this ones more the other way. "Good Grief"! Not as wild as the Pink Jeep Tour, but not that much different. Except the Mountain/Cliff's of course.

We got to the Dam around 5:30pm and let me tell you. It wasn't the Dam that left us breathless, it was the "Heat" ones getting out of the car. No wonder, the Lake was the lowest I've ever seen it. Dozens of feet from having or be even near an Over-run. Asking a cleaning Lady, why that is... she reply'd with " Been that low for the last ten (10) years"! Wow, made me feel kind of quilty.. because us in Southern Calif. use a lot of their water from this River.

Being able to tolerate this intense Heat for only a short time, we'd started thinking Las Vegas and a good Buffet for dinner. Coming closer to Sin City, we noticed that in the not so far away Mountains.. there was a huge Fire burning at the time. Judging by the smoke cloud, it must of burned for some time if not days.

I got off the Freeway at Las Vegas Blvd., to show Qing the "Strip" before looking where to eat. It was still light out, so it made less of an impact.. but that would change ones we finished eating. She'll see it in all it's glory at night.

After attacking the Buffet and filling the Gas Tank, it was off to the last leg of a long day's drive. It was now 9:45pm and my guess when we'd be home, was about 01:00am. Well, I was close.. we arrived home 01:20am on Tuesday. Just enough time to get a couple hours of sleep before going to work at 07:00am. As with any Trip/Vacation, it's always good to come/be home again!

Next planned Trip.. "Yosemite Nat. Park"!

Grand Canyon-Sedona Trip... part 4 !

Monday, last day of Trip. It will be a long drive home, but not until' a full day's of excitement that is planned ahead.

First, well you know by now... Eating Breakfast. We set out to be leaving our Hotel around 8:00am, this did not happen of course. While waiting in the car ready to go, my better half had a last pit stop. So I thought! Waiting for 20 minutes and testing my patience, she finally came out of our room. "Sorry"! I had to clean and dry my shoes, had some dirt on them from yesterday. Anybody married to a Chinese Woman knows exactly why this "Shoe" issue is of such importance.

On the last day's schedule; 1st: West Grand Canyon with "Skywalk", 2nd: Hoover Dam, 3rd: Las Vegas (for dinner). My LaoPo by the way, hates Las Vegas! Not because we didn't have a good time while we were there, no... it's because all the Chinese Men love Gambling and she has not good memories in her earlier Life from it.

Let's begin with arriving at the Skywalk, something I have seen many times in Commercials and News Papers over the six (6) years it's open. Having parked the car, there came Surprise #1. You can not just walk up to the Skywalk-pay and get on. No, first you must buy a Package (choice of 3).. only then can you "Add" the Skywalk experience. Why? Well, because they have it set up that you have to get on a Bus and be driven there (first of three stops). The cheapest package is $40 plus if you want to walk the Skywalk, another $30 for each Person. Surprise #2. No Cell Phone/Camera's/I-Pad's, in other words.. nothing so "You" can take your own Photo's on the Walk. Of course they gladly take take your Photo for you, haha.. for $30 for a single one. Those Indians (Natives) that run the place are making more then the ones running a Casino.

After catching our breath from the shock, we did have a super time anyway. In my honest opinion, this part of the Grand Canyon is even more beautiful and definitely more dangerous. 4000 foot drops straight down with "No" guardrails. "How close can you go"? Not, how low!

This place is worth the long drive/admission price for sure, if you haven't been here.. it's a must.


to be continued....

 

.. more Photo's !

Grand Canyon-Sedona Trip... part 3 !

Sunday morning arrived and a new schedule for today, was a Trip south this time from Flagstaff. Through Oak Creek Canyon and down to Sedona.
First came the "stuffing" of our Faces ones more, before anybody had any interest going anywhere... haha.

This was to be a lot shorter drive today, about one hour and fifteen minutes at most. It wasn't straight from point "A" to point "B" though. First stop was the famous "Rock Slide" Park, where People gather to have fun/play in the Mountain Creek of Oak Creek Canyon. This is what People do, when there is no Beach nearby. Like every Park nowadays, it costs $$ to get in and this was no different. $20 per car (up to four People) or $3 more for each additional Person. I'm glad they only get you "Coming" and not both ways.... yet.

This stop wasn't without surprises though. Happy as can be the day before, Mr. Son (Tianchi) all of a sudden had a "Hyde" moment. How and why, Qing and I had not the slightest idea.. I think "He" didn't even know (see photo).

While Qing try'd to change his mood (which did not work), I was not to have my time ruined in this wonderful place. I let them (chinese Women don't care if in Public under a lot of People) straighten things out, with Qings voice three notches higher than normal. Moved down to where everybody was jumping from the rocks into the flowing water below. After a while, I was almost ready to take off my shoes/socks/shirt and join them. Had second thoughts though and when I told Qing of this, she said.. quote  "But you will get wet"! We are not prepared for swimming! Hahaha... in this hot weather, I would have been dry in 10-15 min. You  must understand my Sweetheart though, she runs for cover if she feels "One" drop from above.

We'd spend about two hours in the Park, as we needed to be in Sedona by 2:30pm for our "Pink Jeep Tour". I had made reservations for the 3 hour Tour, into the Cliff's of the famous red rocks surrounding Sedona. Now, I have no need to tell you.. that Mr. "Hyde" turned back to normal, ones seated in the Jeep and ready for a 4X4 Tour of a Life time.

So instead of walking near the "edge" by a Canyon, we did it in a car this time. Three of us put our Life's in the nice driver (John) hand, so what can go wrong? Going up/down nearly 45 deg. and driving circles on top of a mountain peak, with only inches to spare. All lean to the left he (John) tells us, otherwise the Jeep might slide too far to the right...! What if it does? Ooops.. that's what!  While we are all leaning left, this (crazy) Guy spins "Donuts" on the top of the red rocks over-looking Sedona. I was a little worried, I wasn't getting my 3 hours I've paid for here.

Actually, this was the most "Fun" I've had in a long-long time. My better half and (smilling by now) Son also had a blast. I would certainly recommend this Tour to other's, if ever in the area.

On the way back to the Jeep depot, I'd ask John for a good place to eat dinner? He showed us a Restaurant in town, that sat right along the Oak Creek with a wonderful view no less. I must mention the Ahi Tuna Burger, it was Mouth watering good. I try'd to remember the name, but I'm getting old and can't for my Life think of the name now.

So comes another Fun-filled day to an end and back to our Hotel ones more. Monday's schedule, see the Skywalk (west end of the Grand Canyon)- Hoover Dam- Las Vegas (for dinner) and home.

to be continued....

Grand Canyon-Sedona Trip...part 2 !

Second day of Trip started with a very nice Breakfast, that came with the price of the Hotel. So we took advantage of having a "Hot" (Egg's-Saugage-Waffle's) early Meal to get us on our way. Destination... Grand Canyon south Rim and desert View, plus a short hike down the Bright Angel Trail. The latter, shortened by an afternoon thunder shower. The showers isn't what stopped us from going deeper into the Canyon, but the strong wind and the sand slowly turning into mud did. Not something you feel comfortable with, considering there is a 2000+ feet drop next to you only a couple feet away.

Me myself have been to the Canyon many times before, but for Qing and Tianchi it was of course special. What made it more interesting, is the fact.. you don't see anything before you actually only a few yards from the Rim itself. I, of course enjoyed the look on faces, wondering where and when are we there?

Having parked the Car and a short little walk, it was "Whoola"... there it is! The first thing out of their mouth's, was nothing other then... WOW! What shocked me later, was that both of them seemed to have little worry of getting too close near the edge for a Photo shoot. It made me more nervous worrying about them, than I was about my own safety. I also noticed that other People sure are brave standing on rocks near the Rim without railings whatsoever. I guess at my age now, I've turned either... "Smarter" or in to a "Chicken"?

It was an exciting day by all means, but being almost 6:00pm.. it was time to think about going back to Flagstaff and find a place to eat dinner. We did find a great Restaurant (Buster's) where we enjoyed Scallops/Crab cakes/Chicken florentina and all was excellent.

Time to think of the next days drive to Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon/Pink Jeep Tour.

to be continued....