Dear FFF:
Sorry I haven't updated in so long, but I am havings too much fun!!
Got back from China November 1 and drove directly to Columbus, OH to spend time with daughter Michele and her family. Granddaughter Abbey, who is a senior in high school, is active with the drama department and Show Choir. The teacher needed some help in making costumes and doing alterations so I jumped on board. Spent a couple of weeks there and then headed to Nashville, TN.
Daughter Sue and family have been living there for three years and I needed to get down and see all the improvements they have made on their house and to watch grandsons Ryan and Ross bowl! They are both very good bowlers and in tournaments almost every weekend. They both did very well and I enjoyed watching! After we all served Thanksgiving dinner at the Salvation Army, we came home and fixed our own. It is always nice to share that time with family. I am so blessed to have such loving kids!
After a week there, I drove over to Knoxville to visit my dear frineds Lin and Doug Carlson, then on up to Jonesville, MI. I am currently staying with Mary Houchen and meeting friends for lunch and dinner almost every day......................what a life. This being a gypsy is agreeing with me!
I will be off to son John's house in Kalida, OH for the holidays (where the other kids will join us) and then to Ann Arbor for the month of January. I am having some major dental work done at the U. of M. dental school, and when they get my pearlies all fixed I will head to North Carolina for the rest of the winter.
You can always email or call me and we can visit.
Love to all..........................GG
Friday, December 9, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Off to Beijing
Dear FFF:
Getting brave in my old age! Flew from Shanghai to Beijing on China Air (no English speaking here) but, thanks to my daughter in law Kelly, she booked me a four day flight/hotel package. Dave's driver, Jin Rong drove me to the airport and said he would pick me up on Thursday when I came back to Shanghai. When I got back that day, he was not there! I waited for half an hour before calling Dave (which was a challenge because there were no pay phones at the airport) I approached a guy and asked to use his phone. He didn't understand me so I got some money out...........he took and handed me his phone! I called Kelly at the house, but she wasn't there so Ayi answered phone and since she only speaks Chinese I didn't get anywhere. I then called Dave at work and he tells me I am at the wrong airport which is across town but that Jen Rong is on his way to get me which will take an hour because with 22 million people in one city traffic is rather heavy! I was booked for the Pudong airport but apparently if they don't have a full plane going to both airports they put eveyone on one plane and where you end up is your problem! The Chinese they were saying over the speaker on the plane was probably telling me that, but, of course I couldn't understand a word!
While in Beijing I took an English speaking tour to the Great Wall. One of the highlights of my trip! On that same tour we went to the Ming Toumbs, a jade factory, a clouisine factory, and to the Tea Doctor where we learned all about using certain teas for different ailments................very interesting!
Also while in that city I went to see the Chinese Acrobats.................absolutely one of the greatest shows I have ever been to! BUT, encountered a small problem there. I had taken a taxi for a 30 minute ride to the theater, but when the show was over and I tried to flag down a taxi, they refused to take me to my hotel (I would hand them the hotel card which had the address written in Chinese) I tried 4 times and got 4 refusals. Had no idea why, but now I was in a dark parking lot at 9:30 pm and had no idea what to do next! Saw a nicely dressed man in a suit headed to his BMW so went and asked if he spoke English. " Little" was his answer. I tried to explain my problem..............he understood taxi word and tried to hail one. The driver and he had a conversation which suited man repeated to me, which of course I couldn't understand! He finally took my arm and led me to his car and said "I take you" . I had been showing him the hotel on the map I had. I really didn't have any options so I got in the car! My reasoning was: very low crime rate in China because there are no guns there, so he couldn't shoot me. And I was about twice his size so figured I could defend myself if I had to. But didn't need to..............he drove the 30 minutes to my hotel and gave me his card. Turns out he was the manager of the three theaters in the city. I thanked him profusely and went into the hotel bar and had a stiff drink! After talking to the hotel manager I found out that some taxies won't take a long trip because they need to get back to there side of town and may not be able to get a fare.
Never a dull moment!!!
I decided it was time to go home when while out on a shopping venture with Dave's driver Jin Rong, he hit a pedestrian woman (it was really more of a bump) There are SO many people wallking, motor scooters, buses, cars and bicycles, that drive down any street is an adventure! And Jin Rong is a very good driver and so careful. Anyhow, the lady got right up obviously not hurt but her husband starts pounding on the hood of the car and a small mob starts to form. Poor Jin Rong, it was evident that he was shook up, but he called the police and told me to stay in the car. The crowd kept getting bigger with everyone staring in the car at me. She wanted money (very common happening there) but Jin Rong waited for police. When he got there, more shouting and pointing and I just stayed in car not knowing what was what. Jin Rong finally got back in car and said policeman told him to pay her 150 Yuan (about $23.00) and get rid of her! Jin Rong didn't get a ticket, which is what I was so worrried about because it might have meant his job! Whole thing took 90 minutes but we got on our way no less for the wear. Now I KNEW it was time to go home!
I am back and enjoying the conveniences we have here! It was a GREAT TRIP thanks to Dave and Kelly or I never would have been able to do the things I did. AND, the best part was spending so much quality time with my little munchkins, Murphy and Duncan!!
I am in Columbus for a couple of weeks, then to Tennessee for the end of November. Will be back in Hillsdale/Jonesville in December.
Love GG
Getting brave in my old age! Flew from Shanghai to Beijing on China Air (no English speaking here) but, thanks to my daughter in law Kelly, she booked me a four day flight/hotel package. Dave's driver, Jin Rong drove me to the airport and said he would pick me up on Thursday when I came back to Shanghai. When I got back that day, he was not there! I waited for half an hour before calling Dave (which was a challenge because there were no pay phones at the airport) I approached a guy and asked to use his phone. He didn't understand me so I got some money out...........he took and handed me his phone! I called Kelly at the house, but she wasn't there so Ayi answered phone and since she only speaks Chinese I didn't get anywhere. I then called Dave at work and he tells me I am at the wrong airport which is across town but that Jen Rong is on his way to get me which will take an hour because with 22 million people in one city traffic is rather heavy! I was booked for the Pudong airport but apparently if they don't have a full plane going to both airports they put eveyone on one plane and where you end up is your problem! The Chinese they were saying over the speaker on the plane was probably telling me that, but, of course I couldn't understand a word!
While in Beijing I took an English speaking tour to the Great Wall. One of the highlights of my trip! On that same tour we went to the Ming Toumbs, a jade factory, a clouisine factory, and to the Tea Doctor where we learned all about using certain teas for different ailments................very interesting!
Also while in that city I went to see the Chinese Acrobats.................absolutely one of the greatest shows I have ever been to! BUT, encountered a small problem there. I had taken a taxi for a 30 minute ride to the theater, but when the show was over and I tried to flag down a taxi, they refused to take me to my hotel (I would hand them the hotel card which had the address written in Chinese) I tried 4 times and got 4 refusals. Had no idea why, but now I was in a dark parking lot at 9:30 pm and had no idea what to do next! Saw a nicely dressed man in a suit headed to his BMW so went and asked if he spoke English. " Little" was his answer. I tried to explain my problem..............he understood taxi word and tried to hail one. The driver and he had a conversation which suited man repeated to me, which of course I couldn't understand! He finally took my arm and led me to his car and said "I take you" . I had been showing him the hotel on the map I had. I really didn't have any options so I got in the car! My reasoning was: very low crime rate in China because there are no guns there, so he couldn't shoot me. And I was about twice his size so figured I could defend myself if I had to. But didn't need to..............he drove the 30 minutes to my hotel and gave me his card. Turns out he was the manager of the three theaters in the city. I thanked him profusely and went into the hotel bar and had a stiff drink! After talking to the hotel manager I found out that some taxies won't take a long trip because they need to get back to there side of town and may not be able to get a fare.
Never a dull moment!!!
I decided it was time to go home when while out on a shopping venture with Dave's driver Jin Rong, he hit a pedestrian woman (it was really more of a bump) There are SO many people wallking, motor scooters, buses, cars and bicycles, that drive down any street is an adventure! And Jin Rong is a very good driver and so careful. Anyhow, the lady got right up obviously not hurt but her husband starts pounding on the hood of the car and a small mob starts to form. Poor Jin Rong, it was evident that he was shook up, but he called the police and told me to stay in the car. The crowd kept getting bigger with everyone staring in the car at me. She wanted money (very common happening there) but Jin Rong waited for police. When he got there, more shouting and pointing and I just stayed in car not knowing what was what. Jin Rong finally got back in car and said policeman told him to pay her 150 Yuan (about $23.00) and get rid of her! Jin Rong didn't get a ticket, which is what I was so worrried about because it might have meant his job! Whole thing took 90 minutes but we got on our way no less for the wear. Now I KNEW it was time to go home!
I am back and enjoying the conveniences we have here! It was a GREAT TRIP thanks to Dave and Kelly or I never would have been able to do the things I did. AND, the best part was spending so much quality time with my little munchkins, Murphy and Duncan!!
I am in Columbus for a couple of weeks, then to Tennessee for the end of November. Will be back in Hillsdale/Jonesville in December.
Love GG
Saturday, October 22, 2011
still trucking
Dear FFF:
This is the most amazing city!! Ancient and modern all mixed together and alive from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm everywhere you go.
I have had a really busy week with my friend Pam (the gal I met in the airport) We have been to the antique market....street after street of old men selling wares of every imaginable thing......I bought an old opium pipe. The fabric market where you can have anything you want made to order. Want a cashmere coat? pick out a picture and your fabric (or bring an old coat and they will copy) and they will have make in three days........$60 - $70. Suits, dresses, blouses, absolutely anything.
Pearl market anyone? Silk market? I've seen em all and having a ball. We also went to Fuxing Park. What a morning........people singing, dancing, playing music, doing TaiChi, and just being happy. So fun to watch a bunch of Chinese doing the Texas Two Step! Older men and women walking backwards through the park (Cleans the mind) and men of all ages sitting and playing MahJong and drinking their tea!
Next Monday, I fly to Beijing and stay til Thursday. I have the name of my hotel written in Chinese so I can get a taxi to get me there from the airport. Everywhere you go, you have to have things written in Chinese characters because I haven't met a tai driver yet that speaks English. I am staying at a major hotel in Beijing so should be able to get on some English speaking tours.......want to go to The Great Wall and hopefully The Forbidden City. I could stay here a year and not see all there is to see!
Look forward to talking to everyone in November.
Love, GG
This is the most amazing city!! Ancient and modern all mixed together and alive from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm everywhere you go.
I have had a really busy week with my friend Pam (the gal I met in the airport) We have been to the antique market....street after street of old men selling wares of every imaginable thing......I bought an old opium pipe. The fabric market where you can have anything you want made to order. Want a cashmere coat? pick out a picture and your fabric (or bring an old coat and they will copy) and they will have make in three days........$60 - $70. Suits, dresses, blouses, absolutely anything.
Pearl market anyone? Silk market? I've seen em all and having a ball. We also went to Fuxing Park. What a morning........people singing, dancing, playing music, doing TaiChi, and just being happy. So fun to watch a bunch of Chinese doing the Texas Two Step! Older men and women walking backwards through the park (Cleans the mind) and men of all ages sitting and playing MahJong and drinking their tea!
Next Monday, I fly to Beijing and stay til Thursday. I have the name of my hotel written in Chinese so I can get a taxi to get me there from the airport. Everywhere you go, you have to have things written in Chinese characters because I haven't met a tai driver yet that speaks English. I am staying at a major hotel in Beijing so should be able to get on some English speaking tours.......want to go to The Great Wall and hopefully The Forbidden City. I could stay here a year and not see all there is to see!
Look forward to talking to everyone in November.
Love, GG
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Zhu Jia Jiao
Took a tour today to this ancient city located on the water canals of western Shanghai. Took an hour and a half on bus, and we were still in Shanghai......over 23 million in this city!
The village was incredible!!! Our tour guide spoke very good English and there was so much history in this area. Things dating back to BC. We toured temple, gardens, and then took a ride down the can on a gondola. Lunch in a local restaurant was excellent, but I have no idea what I ate. I did, however, drink soda out of the can.....no ice. Water here much like Mexico. Public restrooms are a hoot. A stall, sort of, with a ceramic circle over some primitive plumbing. You must squat (tough with my knees, but did it) there is a basket of small tissues that you wipe with then throw in another basket, so as not to clog up ducting. I now know to drink very little when I am out in public.
Today a friend (I met in the Detroit airport also coming over here) picked me up (she has a driver) and we met with 4 of her friends for coffee then out to lunch. We were suppose to go to the pearl market but it started to rain so we just did some local shopping. So many different sights and sounds.......smells too, but I haven't yet gotten use to them. Raw fish, poultry, frogs and eels.........ugh.
More adventures everyday....loving every minute of it.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
getting around
FFF:
Been staying pretty close within "the compound" but starting to venture out a little. We all took a trip to another corner of Shanghai to a Chinese Antique Furniture Store. It was located in a back alley within the city (driver Jin Rong took us there) some really cool stuff, but I don't need any furniture. Dave & Kelly found a cool chest which they are going to use as a coffee table.
Kelly and I took the bikes and rode out of the compound to a store (had an American section...very small) but we bought a lot of local stuff, filled the basket on my bike, and peddled home. There are millions of people walking, riding bikes, and scooters just hurrying are scurrying.......like a bunch of ants. It's not Kansas Toto!!!!
Went to the Science center one day and accepted a lot of stares! People are fascinated by Murphy's light skin and blonde hair; especially the older women. It's quite common for people to ask to take their picture with her. She is quite willing, and stands in there with a bit smile
The following picture are of Dave and Kelly's house and inside the compound. Once around is a mile and beautiful so get lots of good walks in. The waterfall is within the compound. The sky line is what we see from the park within.
Oops, Dave's computer is not compatible with my camera's memory stick, so after we find a solution, I will post pictures. Miss you all, but having a great time........love, Joyce
Monday, October 3, 2011
CHINA
Dear FF:
I can't believe it, but here I am, half way around the world!!! I left Detroit Saturday afternoon at 4:30 and arrived in Shanghai Sunday 6:40 pm. Fourteen hours in the air!!
While waiting at Metro Airport, I met a lady from Waterford who was on her way to Shanghai to be with her husband who also works for GM. She comes over to China twice a year and her hubby goes back to the States a couple times a year. Anyhow, we struck up a conversation and she lives not too far from Dave & Kelly. We exchanged email addresses and we are going to get together next week and do something. She also has a driver, so will go to lunch and maybe shopping.
Also, I sat next to a man who lives in Shanghai and he gave me nay suggestions of places to go and things to see.......is going to be a great trip.
Dave and his driver, Jin Rong, met me at the airport and we headed to Dave & Kelly's house. Murphy and Duncan were anxiously waiting for Grandma's arrival. I got hugs and kisses! I was exhausted and hit the hay pretty quickly (after a glass of wine.)
The fun started today.........Kelly took me to the local spa where we had a shoulder, hand, foot and leg massage. WOW...........the room was so dark, Kelly had to walk me to the chair. The massage therapist came in and laid me back in the recliner. Then heaven began.............first a warm weight (like a rice filled bag) was laid on my abdomen, then she placed my feet in a warm bath. Next she came behind me and massaged my shoulders and stretched my neck by gently pulling my head. After that area, she massaged my hands, fingers, and arms. She woke me up when she went around and started to wash my feet (now I know how Jesus felt). Then there was the warm oil and and massage of feet, toes, and legs up to knees. TOTAL RELAXATION!
We are all just hanging around the house today...........kids and I did get a chance to walk around the compound (115 houses in a gated community) I will get some pictures soon and post on blog, so keep checking!!!
Zai xain
I can't believe it, but here I am, half way around the world!!! I left Detroit Saturday afternoon at 4:30 and arrived in Shanghai Sunday 6:40 pm. Fourteen hours in the air!!
While waiting at Metro Airport, I met a lady from Waterford who was on her way to Shanghai to be with her husband who also works for GM. She comes over to China twice a year and her hubby goes back to the States a couple times a year. Anyhow, we struck up a conversation and she lives not too far from Dave & Kelly. We exchanged email addresses and we are going to get together next week and do something. She also has a driver, so will go to lunch and maybe shopping.
Also, I sat next to a man who lives in Shanghai and he gave me nay suggestions of places to go and things to see.......is going to be a great trip.
Dave and his driver, Jin Rong, met me at the airport and we headed to Dave & Kelly's house. Murphy and Duncan were anxiously waiting for Grandma's arrival. I got hugs and kisses! I was exhausted and hit the hay pretty quickly (after a glass of wine.)
The fun started today.........Kelly took me to the local spa where we had a shoulder, hand, foot and leg massage. WOW...........the room was so dark, Kelly had to walk me to the chair. The massage therapist came in and laid me back in the recliner. Then heaven began.............first a warm weight (like a rice filled bag) was laid on my abdomen, then she placed my feet in a warm bath. Next she came behind me and massaged my shoulders and stretched my neck by gently pulling my head. After that area, she massaged my hands, fingers, and arms. She woke me up when she went around and started to wash my feet (now I know how Jesus felt). Then there was the warm oil and and massage of feet, toes, and legs up to knees. TOTAL RELAXATION!
We are all just hanging around the house today...........kids and I did get a chance to walk around the compound (115 houses in a gated community) I will get some pictures soon and post on blog, so keep checking!!!
Zai xain
Thursday, September 15, 2011
On the road again...........
Dear FFF
I packed up and headed down to Hillsdale the first of September and will be here for a month. My friend Laura has a sweet little furniushed house over on State St. that she is letting to me. A couple of friends needed my help on a project and I wanted to work the Rummage Sale at the college, plus I didn't want to mis the "Best Little Fair in the World"
Having lots of fun visiting with friends and getting organized for my trip to China the first of October. My daughter in law did lots of Christmas shopping while she was here in July so I have all that stuff to get over to Shanghai, also a list of food items that she can't find over there including 10 loaves of Pepperidge Farm Cinnamon Raisin Bread (Duncan's favorite) I am allowed 2 bags at 50 pounds each.
Will post a new blog when I get to the far east so look for it........................love, Joyce
I packed up and headed down to Hillsdale the first of September and will be here for a month. My friend Laura has a sweet little furniushed house over on State St. that she is letting to me. A couple of friends needed my help on a project and I wanted to work the Rummage Sale at the college, plus I didn't want to mis the "Best Little Fair in the World"
Having lots of fun visiting with friends and getting organized for my trip to China the first of October. My daughter in law did lots of Christmas shopping while she was here in July so I have all that stuff to get over to Shanghai, also a list of food items that she can't find over there including 10 loaves of Pepperidge Farm Cinnamon Raisin Bread (Duncan's favorite) I am allowed 2 bags at 50 pounds each.
Will post a new blog when I get to the far east so look for it........................love, Joyce
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
oh sweet retirement!!
Hey all you FF:
What a life! I get up every morning around seven, walk a mile and a half to the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan and sit and watch seagulls (no people out there that early) and have some quiet God time! From there I usually walk the riverwalk then back home about 8:30. Have a leisurely breakfast on the deck where I watch the boats heading up and down the river. Usually read for awhile then plan the rest of the day. I found a few places to volunteer or hang around here and sew. Usually Murt and I have a game of some kind every evening or if not, watch a movie (library has a good selection to check out FREE) Also two night a week there are concerts on the beach.......then of course, the beautiful sunsets over the lake!
I will be here until September 9, then I head back to Hillsdale for the rest of September. A few things called me...i.e. the women's cimmisioners sale at the college needs some help, another fine Hillsdale
County Fair, and travel companion Mary Houchen and I have a little journey. Don't know where.............she is planning the surprise.
If any of you have time, call me in September and we can have coffee, lunch, dinner, call me.
Farewell for now....................Gypsy Joyc
What a life! I get up every morning around seven, walk a mile and a half to the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan and sit and watch seagulls (no people out there that early) and have some quiet God time! From there I usually walk the riverwalk then back home about 8:30. Have a leisurely breakfast on the deck where I watch the boats heading up and down the river. Usually read for awhile then plan the rest of the day. I found a few places to volunteer or hang around here and sew. Usually Murt and I have a game of some kind every evening or if not, watch a movie (library has a good selection to check out FREE) Also two night a week there are concerts on the beach.......then of course, the beautiful sunsets over the lake!
I will be here until September 9, then I head back to Hillsdale for the rest of September. A few things called me...i.e. the women's cimmisioners sale at the college needs some help, another fine Hillsdale
County Fair, and travel companion Mary Houchen and I have a little journey. Don't know where.............she is planning the surprise.
If any of you have time, call me in September and we can have coffee, lunch, dinner, call me.
Farewell for now....................Gypsy Joyc
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
HOME SWEET HOME
First picture is taken on Murton's deck (those are my two gold medals I won)
Second pic is taken on the same deck.................that is my view of the Manistee River
Third is a freighter coming down that narrow river. What a sight!!! The guy has to be a good driver cause there is only 10 - 20 feet on each side. It was huge. We stood on the deck and talked to the guys on board. They come in every few days to bring coal.
I have been to Love INC. (In name of Christ) and signed up to do some volunteer work with the elderly. They have to get me in the system, but I should hear in a few days. Murt and I have been busy playing cribbage, euchre, and any other game we can muster up. I sure do like this retirement.
Love to all my FFF
Second pic is taken on the same deck.................that is my view of the Manistee River
Third is a freighter coming down that narrow river. What a sight!!! The guy has to be a good driver cause there is only 10 - 20 feet on each side. It was huge. We stood on the deck and talked to the guys on board. They come in every few days to bring coal.
I have been to Love INC. (In name of Christ) and signed up to do some volunteer work with the elderly. They have to get me in the system, but I should hear in a few days. Murt and I have been busy playing cribbage, euchre, and any other game we can muster up. I sure do like this retirement.
Love to all my FFF
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
FINALLY!!!
Hey FFF
I am on the first leg of my journey which is Manistee, MI. My friend Mary Murton (fondly called Murt) lives up here and found me a room to rent right downtown. I arrived Friday to find the room HORRIBLE! It was dark, dusty, dirty and dank. I just could not move in. Murt felt so bad because she knows the guy but had never been to his house. Soooooo, I will continue to stay with her until something else becomes available. She has an extra bedroom with bath, so who knows maybe I will stay with her for the summer.
She has a condo on the Manistee river so we set on the deck and watch the ships (even some big freighters) go by. Always a breeze so we spend many hours out there playing cribbage for a quarter a game. At the moment I am up by $1.50 but it can change quickly.
Sunday I went out to the airport and toured a World War II B-17....very cool.
Yesterday we went to one of her friends house for a Fourth of July picnic. Had lots of food and played games that the hostess had set up. I won two gold medals!!! One for going the distance with a rubber duck on my head (there were 30 entrants) and one for carrying a plastic egg on a fork (beat the same 29 people) They all accused Murt of bring a ringer. Boy, isn't fun simple when you get old? Also enjoyed a colorful parade downtown.
I am going to try to post some pictures, but since I am a novice.......who knows.
Love ya all.............Joyce
I am on the first leg of my journey which is Manistee, MI. My friend Mary Murton (fondly called Murt) lives up here and found me a room to rent right downtown. I arrived Friday to find the room HORRIBLE! It was dark, dusty, dirty and dank. I just could not move in. Murt felt so bad because she knows the guy but had never been to his house. Soooooo, I will continue to stay with her until something else becomes available. She has an extra bedroom with bath, so who knows maybe I will stay with her for the summer.
She has a condo on the Manistee river so we set on the deck and watch the ships (even some big freighters) go by. Always a breeze so we spend many hours out there playing cribbage for a quarter a game. At the moment I am up by $1.50 but it can change quickly.
Sunday I went out to the airport and toured a World War II B-17....very cool.
Yesterday we went to one of her friends house for a Fourth of July picnic. Had lots of food and played games that the hostess had set up. I won two gold medals!!! One for going the distance with a rubber duck on my head (there were 30 entrants) and one for carrying a plastic egg on a fork (beat the same 29 people) They all accused Murt of bring a ringer. Boy, isn't fun simple when you get old? Also enjoyed a colorful parade downtown.
I am going to try to post some pictures, but since I am a novice.......who knows.
Love ya all.............Joyce
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