This and That

Well, reports are basically over.  Only 2 weeks to go and I am now concentrating on end of year activities, packing up to move and getting ready for my trip to the States.

This year the family has helped my cousin and I out by delaying the Huerter Family reunion from June to July.  I have never been in a position to attend until now and it has always upset me to think of my family all (well, mostly) together and me NOT there!  Well, this year, at least, I WILL be there!  And I am very excited about that and seeing aunts, uncles, cousins and their children.  Other things that are exciting: visiting a long-time friend in San Francisco and also son Matthew who is also there at the moment!

Other highlights will be 3 days with 2 girls (OK, I am having trouble thinking of them as ladies!!!) that I went to high school with.  I think we will all secretly think we have not changed since high school, and we will all think that the others have!  Ha!  I can't wait to see you, girls!

Of course I have also never seen my parents' new place - despite the fact that they have been there about 6 years!  So that is also exciting.  Then, to top it all off, a road trip north and west - South and North Dakota and eventually to Tacoma, Washington, where I was born but where I only lived for 6 weeks!  Then back to Shanghai for another year.

Yes, I am moving flats.  This was a bit tenuous for a while but all has been sorted out and I am moving to the building in front of where I am currently, into a 2-storey penthouse with a little more space than the place I am currently in.  Large balconies, great views and no one above me to make noise, but lots of steps to go up with my groceries.

So lots to think about and prepare for, but all very positive and fun.

Monsoon season is here.  It is short - about a month or less, but humid, rainy, smoggy and warm.  It was almost 100 degrees F the other day!!!

I will try to post again before I leave...but it just depends.

xxx,

Shanghaisuz