City Market

One of my traditions each year is to visit the Farmer's market downtown. There is an exciting array of crafts, goods, plants, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Kenyon and Andrea (one of the girl's in my group) joined me for this annual event. Usually I buy plants for my garden or patio at the farmer's market. This year we bought our breakfast - fresh made cinamon and pecan rolls, peaches, bananas and cherries. Mmm, mmm, good. Andrea got some fresh herbs (potted) for cooking and just general fun. Since I didn't purchase any plants, I will probably go back in a few weeks to get something for my balcony.

Girl's night out

A couple of my girlfriends planned a bachelorette party/girl's night out for me this weekend. It was a great evening downtown. We started at a local urban restaurant called the Cashew. We had drinks and appetizers there. It was packed, both floors, with the windows open to the outside. They had a game planned for me. Each person had to write a word of advice. Then I had to guess who wrote it. I only got four correct, but it was a lot of fun. They then put the messages in a photo album.

After the Cashew, we went to First Friday's. I had gone for the first time last year. Basically, all the art galleries downtown open up to the public in the evening on the first Friday of the month. They set up a street party and people just walk around looking at art. I thought this was a great way to spend the evening. It was threatening to rain, so we carried around umbrella's just in case, but stayed dry.

Around 9pm we went to Liberty memorial - the only WWI museum in the nation. They just started a liberty after dark program on the first Friday of the month where you can go to the top of the tower and see the city at night. It was beautiful. Because it hadn't rained yet, we left the umbrella's in the car. While we were at the top of the liberty tower the thunder and lightning started we rode the elevator down, started walking to the cars and BAM! the skies opened up and rain started to fall. We made a run for it, but still got a little wet.

We ended the evening at a new restaurant/dance club called 7seven. It was very classy and urban. The food looked great - though we only tried the appetizers. Around 10:30pm the DJ starts turning up the music, which chases the people who came for dinner out. Then the dancing starts. We had a great time dancing for the next couple of hours. Then headed home.

It was a great time with my girlfriends. Thanks to those who coordinated it, and those who participated in making it such a wonderful and memorable evening. I'm really glad they didn't make me do anything embarrassing.

fun signs in China

The Chinese are fascinated with anything Western. They will buy a t-shirt just because there is English on it. However, the message isn't always easy to understand, even for English speakers. It's usually a bunch of random words thrown together. I didn't want to ask someone if I could take a picture of their chest, but I did manage to find some fun signs to photograph along the way.

Translation: Fire Extinguisher Box

This one was taken at the Three Gorges - the giant water dam. It would be a very bad thing if someone were to "turn over" the handrail. I found the graphic amusing.

By the way, the Chinese did not think I was American. They would ask where I'm from. When I would reply meg-wa (Mandarin for "American"). They would shake their head no. Then ask again. Bob or Fiona would say Indian (from India). Then they would shake their head yes and say "Indian American." That was more acceptable. I guess it's official - I'm turning Indian. At least the Chinese think so.

Lillies

I love lillies. I like stargazer lillies, cala lillies and so many other types of lillies. I think they are elegant flowers and you can't beat the fragrance. Kenyon bought me some lillies for my welcome home. They have given the whole house a sweet aroma. As I'm working I smell them and it just brings comfort to my soul. A simple thing can bring so much pleasure.

Back to Reality

We returned from China late Tuesday night - nearly Wednesday morning. It was a nice trip, the best part was seeing the Whincop family. I think I will also like watching the Olympics next summer and remembering all the places we visited.

To my relief, Kenyon's suit for the wedding fits wonderfully - with the exception of the waist, which is a little bit big. That is a fixable problem. He also liked the pin stripe (after he saw it, there was some concern before that).

I'm glad I had a fun and relaxing vacation because the next two months are going to be an insane whirlwind of activity. Wedding number one is in about two weeks. There is still so much to do to make it happen - I thought this was going to be a simple affair. Ugh! School starts for both of us on Monday. I have some HUGE summer projects I need to finish related to school, work and some stuff I'm taking on to earn extra money for the wedding. Then there is everything related to the India trip and wedding there, as well as our Kansas City reception when we return. Calgon, take me away! I'm desperately trying not to be too stressed and enjoy the journey.

This picture was of a sign I found in China - The Tourist Halts. I feel like it's true of my life right now - The Work Begins. Double ugh! Maybe I can look at the hundreds of pics and pretend I'm some where far, far away?!