Category: around my neighborhood

Back in the saddle

**For those who may want to send me something in the mail…my mailing address did NOT change with the move down the hall. The old one will still work just fine!** A week ago about this time I… Read More

Coming to a city near you

The collecting bags under my eyes and mounting stress indicate that the semester is almost done! In four weeks I’ll be hopping–no, traveling; hopping seems to indicate a greater amount of ease and perhaps even enjoyment than that… Read More

Sigh

April snow showers kill April flowers…

Sunny days

With the arrival of warm weather, many segments of the population have emerged from their winter hibernation. Children are allowed outside with exposed skin, the elderly sit and chat in parks, and everyone moves at a slightly less… Read More

Changeable weather

Spring in Siping…beware of flying bags My first year in China, I used to snicker a little bit when students would tell me, “Be careful, Miss Katherine; the weather is very changeable.” The phrase “the weather is very… Read More

What a difference a few months makes

Several months ago, in late autumn, Siping got hit by a big snowstorm. My students could hardly contain their excitement at the snow’s arrival. There was giddy laughter and snowballs were sneaked into the classroom. When I asked… Read More

Welcome to the world!

Ethan Michael Rommel made his entrance into the world Monday evening at 8:30 pm (States time–he’s a St. Patty’s baby!). He was 8 lbs 12 oz and 19.5 inches long. Both baby and mom are doing well! I’m… Read More

Back on the bike

Yesterday was an unseasonably warm 50 degrees. That added to the fact that it was a sunny day with blue skies made taking the Ragin’ MK out for a ride absolutely irresistible. I pulled a very dusty and… Read More

Farewell to flip-flops

Unfortunately, I think we’ve reached that time of year in the Northeast where the flip-flops get packed away, not to be seen again until they make the exodus to Thailand. They are usually (somewhat) acceptable footwear until after… Read More

I love China in the springtime

A few things that have brought a lot of joy recently: Flowering bushes. They smell soooooo good! Usually the smells that waft towards me as I walk to and from class are not very pleasant. But with the… Read More