Sunday, September 7, 2008
On The Miramichi, Spring 2008: Photo's by Nan
Mom and Dad Reply to Dan
Hello Son.
It was so wonderful to hear from you. I know that you are alive and well.
Seriously, I figured you were crazy busy.
Before I give you an update of news, I want to ask you if you are aware of "Skype" It is a way that you can talk to us all at once....by phone, through the internet. Let me explain it ....somewhat...... Brother George has signed on to Skype, and through Skype ,he dials up Brother Nelson in Newfoundland, by phone, Skype allows Brother George to invite up to 30 other people to be part of his call. (they do not have to be signed on Skype to be a part of the call, because we are not and we were part of it today). At that point, Brother George simply dials anyone else he chooses. All the cost to Brother George is the monthly fee to Skype which is $2.85.
We (The church) have just started using "Skype" this past two weeks.....and it has been flawless.
So my darling, google Skype and see what you get..............let me know how you make out. If need be I can talk to Br George further and try to help you more?!?
Now for some family news....Heidi and Kris are moving this week....(Yes again!). They will be in the country, in a modular type home. The home is just before Clairmont. The story is, that the owners are going to be away for the next three years and wanted to rent. It is a tad cheaper then the present place, but I think, more then anything, they want to get rid of the closeness of neighbors. Heidi is working five days a week now, doing respite, as is Roxi. Aunika is still rocking around on all fours....thinking about moving, but not quite getting there yet! She was in her 'first fight' last week. The little fellow that Heidi cares for, pushed Nonni over, as she was touching his toys. She had a bump on the back of her head, but it was not as big as the bump on Heidi's heart... :( The following day, all was well again at the work place! :) Heidi and I, Xmas shopped by phone with the catalog on our knee's. I'd tell her to turn to page such and such, and visa versa. All I can say is that, if we buy everything we talked about getting, for Aunika and Hadassah, we'd both will have to get a bank loan! HA!
I finally talked to Skee on the phone Friday, I got a review of his first week at school. This year he can tie his own shoes, button his buttons and snap his pants and informed me that he is no longer "The Velcro Boy"! Hurray for Skee!!! He really likes his new teacher, and visits his "old grade three teacher" every day. He sits in the front of the classroom and all the desks are in rows. His new music teacher is great. He plays on a different side of the playground then Michell, because he can not stand looking at that freaky kid anymore! He plays wrestling with the boys and is on their team, whereas last year, he was usually on the girls team. BIG CHANGE, he informs me. He claims, that he is able to lift kids by their shirts and toss them down the hill, and as they fly through the air they say "AAaaaahhhhh!!!" He laughed like crazy when he told me this. His best school friend (as he explained), is really great because between the two of them they can keep a joke going forever..example....
Skee "Can't eat the hole in a donut cause it is poison."
Friend.."ya it is laced with javax."
Skee... "It could burn your mouth off"
Friend.... "And then you could never talk again.
Skee... " and then your mother would have too find a special doctor to sew on a new mouth.....so on and so on...
You get the picture.
Skee tells me, that is what a great friend IS!
I can not remember this friends name...sorry.
Looks like he will have a nice school term.
Caleb had a sleep over at Scott-Isaac's. It has been a long time since they were together. Scott-Isaac said it was lots of fun. Haven't talked to Biffer yet.
Roxi has Haddash back on her sleep schedule. Marks' last days off, when he heard Dassi awake in her crib at night, he went in got her up, and he and Dassi played together for a couple of hours, this was usually between two and four AM. Mommy (Roxi) did not know anything about it, until daddy went back to work and Dassi woke up for play time...ha ha he he he ...oh poor mom!! She(Dassi) has her daddy rapped around her little pinkie, me thinks. :)
Daniel, I can hardly wait till you get a camera. I sure appreciate you finding the time to respond.
Let us hope the others will jump on board with the blogging...including Dad too.
I will send Isaac a new e mail and prompt him. I have not spoke to him in weeks. Heidi turns 23 on September the 19th. She will not write until after move and she gets re-hooked.
Roxann dear, post us a few pictures. I am so lonely to see Hadassah, and I bet Daniel is too.
Next week all my new windows will be installed in the house. It will look so nice. The bedroom windows will be bigger and longer. I will send pictures real soon.
Middle Island has had a complete face-lift. Wow it is some nice will post pictures for you all soon.
For any of you who did not hear, Jack Connell past away two weeks ago. The Connell children are very sad at the early loss of their Dad. He had cancer.
Mother loves all 13 of you...Roxi, Dan, Joe, Isaac, Heidi, Mark, Corinna, Kristopher, Becky, *Skee, *Biff, *Dassi, last but not Least...***Baby Nonni***!!!
It was so wonderful to hear from you. I know that you are alive and well.
Seriously, I figured you were crazy busy.
Before I give you an update of news, I want to ask you if you are aware of "Skype" It is a way that you can talk to us all at once....by phone, through the internet. Let me explain it ....somewhat...... Brother George has signed on to Skype, and through Skype ,he dials up Brother Nelson in Newfoundland, by phone, Skype allows Brother George to invite up to 30 other people to be part of his call. (they do not have to be signed on Skype to be a part of the call, because we are not and we were part of it today). At that point, Brother George simply dials anyone else he chooses. All the cost to Brother George is the monthly fee to Skype which is $2.85.
We (The church) have just started using "Skype" this past two weeks.....and it has been flawless.
So my darling, google Skype and see what you get..............let me know how you make out. If need be I can talk to Br George further and try to help you more?!?
Now for some family news....Heidi and Kris are moving this week....(Yes again!). They will be in the country, in a modular type home. The home is just before Clairmont. The story is, that the owners are going to be away for the next three years and wanted to rent. It is a tad cheaper then the present place, but I think, more then anything, they want to get rid of the closeness of neighbors. Heidi is working five days a week now, doing respite, as is Roxi. Aunika is still rocking around on all fours....thinking about moving, but not quite getting there yet! She was in her 'first fight' last week. The little fellow that Heidi cares for, pushed Nonni over, as she was touching his toys. She had a bump on the back of her head, but it was not as big as the bump on Heidi's heart... :( The following day, all was well again at the work place! :) Heidi and I, Xmas shopped by phone with the catalog on our knee's. I'd tell her to turn to page such and such, and visa versa. All I can say is that, if we buy everything we talked about getting, for Aunika and Hadassah, we'd both will have to get a bank loan! HA!
I finally talked to Skee on the phone Friday, I got a review of his first week at school. This year he can tie his own shoes, button his buttons and snap his pants and informed me that he is no longer "The Velcro Boy"! Hurray for Skee!!! He really likes his new teacher, and visits his "old grade three teacher" every day. He sits in the front of the classroom and all the desks are in rows. His new music teacher is great. He plays on a different side of the playground then Michell, because he can not stand looking at that freaky kid anymore! He plays wrestling with the boys and is on their team, whereas last year, he was usually on the girls team. BIG CHANGE, he informs me. He claims, that he is able to lift kids by their shirts and toss them down the hill, and as they fly through the air they say "AAaaaahhhhh!!!" He laughed like crazy when he told me this. His best school friend (as he explained), is really great because between the two of them they can keep a joke going forever..example....
Skee "Can't eat the hole in a donut cause it is poison."
Friend.."ya it is laced with javax."
Skee... "It could burn your mouth off"
Friend.... "And then you could never talk again.
Skee... " and then your mother would have too find a special doctor to sew on a new mouth.....so on and so on...
You get the picture.
Skee tells me, that is what a great friend IS!
I can not remember this friends name...sorry.
Looks like he will have a nice school term.
Caleb had a sleep over at Scott-Isaac's. It has been a long time since they were together. Scott-Isaac said it was lots of fun. Haven't talked to Biffer yet.
Roxi has Haddash back on her sleep schedule. Marks' last days off, when he heard Dassi awake in her crib at night, he went in got her up, and he and Dassi played together for a couple of hours, this was usually between two and four AM. Mommy (Roxi) did not know anything about it, until daddy went back to work and Dassi woke up for play time...ha ha he he he ...oh poor mom!! She(Dassi) has her daddy rapped around her little pinkie, me thinks. :)
Daniel, I can hardly wait till you get a camera. I sure appreciate you finding the time to respond.
Let us hope the others will jump on board with the blogging...including Dad too.
I will send Isaac a new e mail and prompt him. I have not spoke to him in weeks. Heidi turns 23 on September the 19th. She will not write until after move and she gets re-hooked.
Roxann dear, post us a few pictures. I am so lonely to see Hadassah, and I bet Daniel is too.
Next week all my new windows will be installed in the house. It will look so nice. The bedroom windows will be bigger and longer. I will send pictures real soon.
Middle Island has had a complete face-lift. Wow it is some nice will post pictures for you all soon.
For any of you who did not hear, Jack Connell past away two weeks ago. The Connell children are very sad at the early loss of their Dad. He had cancer.
Mother loves all 13 of you...Roxi, Dan, Joe, Isaac, Heidi, Mark, Corinna, Kristopher, Becky, *Skee, *Biff, *Dassi, last but not Least...***Baby Nonni***!!!
I Agree with Mom
In Mom's last post she asked that you all do a little blogging. Though I find it kind of funny that Mom seems to be becoming a technophile, I could not agree more. Get off your lazy bums and tell me what is happening in your lives (and the lives of your children). I will be giving everyone a call soon. And am working on understanding some software that might allow me to call your phones using my computer. But I'm not there yet. Even when I do get on the ball, the time difference makes calling REALLY inconvenient. I'm usually to bed between 9 and 10, and I do a large amount of work in the mornings (between 5 and 8, it's when I'm most productive). Incidentally, I really miss real coffee. Even a cup of Roxi's sludge would be a welcome treat. Anywho, the point is, I'm on the other side of the planet, and really enjoy hearing from you guys... or would enjoy it if I did hear from you. I know you're all busy, but so am I.... and I've managed to take the time out of my day to write this tripe. Also tripe is not delicious.
I love you
BLOG!!!!
The First Week of Classes (and an Aside or Two)
Life on campus is interesting. It reminds me of University a lot except everyone is making lots of money instead. The living arrangement is also a lot like living in residence, except you have lots of space and privacy. There are always things to do if that is what you want. Lots of teachers sports teams, book clubs and eating out is more often than not a social event.
I was pleased to find in my first week here that the cafeteria is absolutely fantastic. The building has four huge levels, with between one and two dozen serving stations per floor. This is of course necessary to accommodate 2500 people eating lunch in the span of one hour. Each serving station has between 12 and 20 unique dishes. Most stations start you out with a huge heaping plate of rice, then (being unable to order using the power of speech) you walk down the line pointing through the window at the buffet style dishes, which are scooped onto your rice. Many of the dishes are insanely good. I excited to send pics. This has cost me between 7 and 12 RMB a meal (or between $1.00 and $1.75). Since the teachers can’t read the menus, we have to guess at what we are ordering, and never know the cost until it has been rung in.
Teachers do not have their own classrooms here, instead both teachers and students move from class to class. A number of rooms are set aside as teacher offices in which 10 – 20 teachers will have their desks. I would prefer to have my own classroom double as my office space, but it’s not a huge deal. The physical layout of the classrooms are also a lot more ghetto than what I am used to.
The students are definitely different than back home. They are most definitely still teenagers, but it’s clear that they have a whole different respect for authority, and take education much more seriously than do the majority of their Canadian counterparts.
Side note: I just heard some fireworks going off outside. There are fireworks here almost every night, usually a display lasting for about 5 min, comparable to a Canada day celebration in a small city or large town (like the Miramich). However some nights the fireworks are CRAZY!!! It’s funny that private citizens here will put on a bigger display than GP for a beach party.
I know I’m getting a little scatterbrained here, but such is my thought process. The beach is about 10-15 minutes’ walk from my place (depending on whether a relaxed or a quick walk is undertaken). The beach is great; really sandy. Never super crowded (like the pictures that Dad sent me) but more crowded than home. More like Kouchibouguac (not sure on the spelling…) There is however more garbage on the beach. Not ludicrous amounts, but more than is nice to see or than what I am used to. I think it’s because the Chinese pay people to pick up the trash so people think “oh, someone else will take care of it”, and they do, which is the only reason the beach does not look like a dump. The water is warm and really salty. The pic is of me and some fellow staff.
I’ve got only two different classes (chemistry 11 and math 10), which keeps planning manageable. However, with four sections of chem and two of math, I have a lot of students. This means a lot of marking, and a ton of names. I don’t know most of my kids names yet, but hope to know them all by the end of the month. I’ve started Mandarin classes, and plan to get back into the pimselur audio lessons soon. I would really love to able to communicate with the locals.
Though I still do not have a camera, I do have a phone. My cell phone number is 158-4081-4007. China’s country code is 86. If you’re not sure how to make an international call, you can always call the operator and give her my number. I have a house phone as well but am not sure how to call in or out using it. I would have called already on my cell phone, but I am told direct international calls are fantastically expensive. You’re supposed to use special calling cards. I’ve bought three, but the instructions on the card are all in Chinese. I have a friend here who knows how to use them though, and will be getting him to hook me up with the info soon (apparently it’s complicated).
School days are longer here than back home, but we have more prep time during the day. My understanding is that we teach the same number of hours in a school year as do regular teachers in BC. I think we get our crazy x-mas holiday because of all the four day weeks we miss or something like that. Personally I think the 5 weeks of vacation time in the middle of the school year is wicked!!!! My School year Calendar is posted on the blog (all updated and everything), so you can see when I work and when I don’t. If you decide to call me PLEASE remember the time difference. I’m in school from 7:00 to 5:00 each day. I will be calling everyone as soon as I get the whole card thing figured out though.
There is so much more that I could write, but I’m getting a little tired. I have new stories and adventures to share, but they will have to wait. I know Mom was really interested in hearing about the first week of school, so that’s what I tried to concentrate on for this post.
I am enjoying myself. I like my job. The staff is absolutely fantastic. And the opportunities for adventure are abundant. I am looking into arranging a trip to the country side to harvest reeds with some locals farmers (or some other “yea I’m a tourist, but I want to experience the REAL China” type of get away).
By the way I took my first motorcycle taxi yesterday. Much cheaper than a regular taxi and also more exciting. Dave and I split it. Yep, Three people on one bike here is no problem :). I have yet to see a motorcycle helmet in this country though…. Also there’s a story about some of us teachers getting our cabs into a high speed race on the highway… I’ll tell that one another time.
I love and miss you all
Daniel Mark Andrew Standring
Friday, September 5, 2008
News from the Miramichi
Hello My Loved Ones.
It has been a beautiful week here on the Miramichi. I know I must enjoy these fine weather days, because before I know it, the snow will be flying and the cold north will be upon us.
The bees are everywhere this past week, getting ready for the winter. I also notice fewer bird at the feeders. I imagine they have gathered together for the long trip to the south. I have not yet seen either the ducks nor geese flying over.....I expect it will be so very soon.
I spoke to Caleb last night and he told me that grade two was tougher. He said if you misbehave that your name goes up on the board, under the words..."Monkey Business"... And he is proud, that to date, he has not has his name added to the ...'Monkey Business' list. He has already been doing math and reading and has homework. So I would say that our Caleb is in for a busy year.
Corinna has been called back to work at Crystal Park School, she is so relieved, because she had not heard from them all summer, so she was uncertain if she still has a job. There is a change for her just the same, she is no longer with her kindergarten class, but will be a special aid for two other children in higher grades. She did seem pleased. Also Caleb is now in the same school as his mom. Corinna's class is just next door to Caleb's....that is special!
Dad caught my cold....too bad! :(
Daniel. I am hoping that you get a chance this weekend to blog us....we are dying to know how your classes went and how much of a work load you will have ect.....
Roxi, Isaac and Heidi, do try to blog a few lines....we would all love to here from you. If you are having trouble blogging, call me, and I will see if I can help you.
Enjoy the pictures I have taken these past few days.
My love to each and everyone of you....As Ever, Mother Standring (Nana)
It has been a beautiful week here on the Miramichi. I know I must enjoy these fine weather days, because before I know it, the snow will be flying and the cold north will be upon us.
The bees are everywhere this past week, getting ready for the winter. I also notice fewer bird at the feeders. I imagine they have gathered together for the long trip to the south. I have not yet seen either the ducks nor geese flying over.....I expect it will be so very soon.
I spoke to Caleb last night and he told me that grade two was tougher. He said if you misbehave that your name goes up on the board, under the words..."Monkey Business"... And he is proud, that to date, he has not has his name added to the ...'Monkey Business' list. He has already been doing math and reading and has homework. So I would say that our Caleb is in for a busy year.
Corinna has been called back to work at Crystal Park School, she is so relieved, because she had not heard from them all summer, so she was uncertain if she still has a job. There is a change for her just the same, she is no longer with her kindergarten class, but will be a special aid for two other children in higher grades. She did seem pleased. Also Caleb is now in the same school as his mom. Corinna's class is just next door to Caleb's....that is special!
Dad caught my cold....too bad! :(
Daniel. I am hoping that you get a chance this weekend to blog us....we are dying to know how your classes went and how much of a work load you will have ect.....
Roxi, Isaac and Heidi, do try to blog a few lines....we would all love to here from you. If you are having trouble blogging, call me, and I will see if I can help you.
Enjoy the pictures I have taken these past few days.
My love to each and everyone of you....As Ever, Mother Standring (Nana)
A September Picnic on the Miramichi
Oh Canada!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Salmon Conservation Center NL
Newfoundland photos
Home a Day Early
Hi Everyone.
I arrived home a day early. Saint Johns Newfoundland was fogged over and no planes could land, so the gave me a direct flight to HOME......YAAA!!!!
Daddy picked me up and we had a supper at the Four Seasons Restaurant in Shediac NB. Dad had a salmon supper and I had a seafood chowder....and shared a bit of dads dinner too.
I took a cold two days ago and it is trying hard to get me down, sore throat, stuffy a bit of a cough...yuck! I hope it breaks and I am well in a few days.
I had a wonderful time in Newfoundland. Uncle Duane and Aunt Dee Dee sure treated me well. It was very relaxing. I so enjoyed reconnecting to my baby sister again, there is nothing like having a sister. We has a lot of fun picture taking and chatting...chatting...chatting!
Daddy (Papa) tore down the chimney while I was away, and the contractor is ready to put in our new windows and doors. I am excited about it all.
I have a few more pictures of Newfoundland now that I am home and have down loaded my camera.
Scott-Isaac and Caleb have started back to school, Scott-Isaac seems pleased with his new grade four teacher. I haven't had a chance to talk to Caleb yet. He started grade two!
Aunika is almost crawling, and is tipping the scale at 20lb, her mom is starting to find her hard to Carry for any lenght of time. Hadassah is talking up a storm. She can say socks and shoes. She say "bye bye, see ya later" Roxi says it is so cute. Roxi has a black eye from Dassi who hit her with the marble elephant...it was an accident of course.
Mark's brother Scott is living with the Flewwellings and had his interview today, and will soon begin work. Kristopher has been living in a camp and is very busy doing what Frackers do. Mark will begin his week off today, and I have not been able to reach Joe or Issac today.
Scott-Isaac was sick last week and is on an anti-biotic being treated for Listeria, a bug caused from processed meat...but he is doing fine now! (I thank the Lord for that.)
I hope Daniels school week has proven interesting. I can hardly wait for him to get a phone. We all send our love across the Sea to him.
Lovingly Mother Standring
I arrived home a day early. Saint Johns Newfoundland was fogged over and no planes could land, so the gave me a direct flight to HOME......YAAA!!!!
Daddy picked me up and we had a supper at the Four Seasons Restaurant in Shediac NB. Dad had a salmon supper and I had a seafood chowder....and shared a bit of dads dinner too.
I took a cold two days ago and it is trying hard to get me down, sore throat, stuffy a bit of a cough...yuck! I hope it breaks and I am well in a few days.
I had a wonderful time in Newfoundland. Uncle Duane and Aunt Dee Dee sure treated me well. It was very relaxing. I so enjoyed reconnecting to my baby sister again, there is nothing like having a sister. We has a lot of fun picture taking and chatting...chatting...chatting!
Daddy (Papa) tore down the chimney while I was away, and the contractor is ready to put in our new windows and doors. I am excited about it all.
I have a few more pictures of Newfoundland now that I am home and have down loaded my camera.
Scott-Isaac and Caleb have started back to school, Scott-Isaac seems pleased with his new grade four teacher. I haven't had a chance to talk to Caleb yet. He started grade two!
Aunika is almost crawling, and is tipping the scale at 20lb, her mom is starting to find her hard to Carry for any lenght of time. Hadassah is talking up a storm. She can say socks and shoes. She say "bye bye, see ya later" Roxi says it is so cute. Roxi has a black eye from Dassi who hit her with the marble elephant...it was an accident of course.
Mark's brother Scott is living with the Flewwellings and had his interview today, and will soon begin work. Kristopher has been living in a camp and is very busy doing what Frackers do. Mark will begin his week off today, and I have not been able to reach Joe or Issac today.
Scott-Isaac was sick last week and is on an anti-biotic being treated for Listeria, a bug caused from processed meat...but he is doing fine now! (I thank the Lord for that.)
I hope Daniels school week has proven interesting. I can hardly wait for him to get a phone. We all send our love across the Sea to him.
Lovingly Mother Standring
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Dan's School Year Calandar
School Calendar for 2008-2009
Sept 1 First Day of Full classes
Sept 12 Terry Fox Run
Sept 22-27 Autumn Sports Week
Sept 27 Saturday classes (in lieu of extra Oct holidays)
Sept 28-Oct 4 National Holiday Week
Oct 6 Classes Resume
Oct 23 Halloween Party
Oct 29-31 Term 1 Examinations
Nov 6 Marks Due by 9am
Nov 12 Term 1 Report Cards Issued
Nov 22-23 4th University/College Student Recruitment Fair
Dec 9 Chinese 12-9 Run
Dec 19 Jinshitan New Years Performance
Dec 25-26 Christmas Holiday
Dec 31 DMES Staff New Years Party 2pm
Jan 1-2 New Year’s Day Holiday
Jan 10-14 Term 2 Examinations
Jan 10 Saturday Exam Day (in lieu of Dec 26)
Jan 14 Last day for students
Jan 16 Marks due by 9am
Jan 17 Saturday reports Checking (in lieu of Jan 2)
*** Jan 18-Feb 22 ***Dan's Ridiculously Sweet X-Mas Vacation***
Jan 18 Last day for Chinese and ESL staff
Jan 20 Last day for counselors and dorm teachers
Jan 26 Chinese Spring Festival
Jan 19 Arrival date for Chinese and ESL staff
Jan 21 Arrival date for counselors and dorm teachers
Feb 23 Classes Resume
Mar 12 Chinese Cultural Knowledge Competition
Mar 16-Apr 2 English Arts Festival
Apr 15-17 Term 3 Examinations
Apr 22 Marks due by 9am
Apr 25 Saturday classes - Reports issued
Apr 25 Last Day of classes before May holiday
Apr 26–May 3 May Day Holiday
May 4 Classes Resume
May 25-29 Campus Ceremony week
May 30 Staff Sports Meeting
June 6 Grade 12 Graduation Ceremony
June 17 Last day of Scheduled Classes
June 18-20 & 23-26 Provincial and School Exams (including Saturday)
June 22 Day off in lieu of Saturday exams
June 26 Last day of Scheduled Examinations
Jun 29–July 3 Report Cards Issued & Professional Development
July 3 Last day for Canadian Teachers & Reports issued
July 4 First flights to Canada
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Vacation Almost Over
Hello My Loved Ones.
I have only three more days left here in Newfoundland. It has been a great visit too. I have had lots of fellowship with the Saints at New Bay Rd. I spent a day at Buchans pronounced (Buck-ins) at Red Indian Lake...wow it was so incredible...the water was crystal clear to the point that you could see the ripples in the sand under the water. It was like finding a lake in the wilderness, not a soul in sight. I have pictures on my own camera, but can not download them here. As soon as I get home, I will share them.
I am missing Dad (Papa) and will be glad to see him on Wednesday Sept 3'd. My own bed will be a welcoming sight too. I bought the grand kiddies some special things from Newfoundland....hope to see them in the New Year, and will share my treasures then.
It will take me two days to get home...by plane!?!? IMAGINE. I will leave Gander,spend a night in Saint Johns and broad the next day for Halifax. I then make a connecting flight to Moncton....might as well flew out West for all the time it take to cross the puddle. On the up side, I have never seen Saint Johns, and have an evening and the following afternoon to go exploring the city...that's real nice!
I have a few pics of me posted, Mother (Nana) hope you all enjoy them. I have enjoyed Daniel post so immensely hope you have too.
Take care Everyone....Will write to you from home.
Loving, As Ever Mother...(Nana)
I have only three more days left here in Newfoundland. It has been a great visit too. I have had lots of fellowship with the Saints at New Bay Rd. I spent a day at Buchans pronounced (Buck-ins) at Red Indian Lake...wow it was so incredible...the water was crystal clear to the point that you could see the ripples in the sand under the water. It was like finding a lake in the wilderness, not a soul in sight. I have pictures on my own camera, but can not download them here. As soon as I get home, I will share them.
I am missing Dad (Papa) and will be glad to see him on Wednesday Sept 3'd. My own bed will be a welcoming sight too. I bought the grand kiddies some special things from Newfoundland....hope to see them in the New Year, and will share my treasures then.
It will take me two days to get home...by plane!?!? IMAGINE. I will leave Gander,spend a night in Saint Johns and broad the next day for Halifax. I then make a connecting flight to Moncton....might as well flew out West for all the time it take to cross the puddle. On the up side, I have never seen Saint Johns, and have an evening and the following afternoon to go exploring the city...that's real nice!
I have a few pics of me posted, Mother (Nana) hope you all enjoy them. I have enjoyed Daniel post so immensely hope you have too.
Take care Everyone....Will write to you from home.
Loving, As Ever Mother...(Nana)
Relaxing in the SUN!!!
Mother (Nana) in Newfoundland
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Hello Dan?
Dan, I was wondering if you were receiving my emails.......not sure if your email is working.....
-Kris
-Kris
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Eel, Frog legs, Raw Fish or Beetle Grub?
It seems that the days here are so full. The days of the teachers start by 8:00 and end between 3 and 4:00. Then there is of course dinner, time spent organizing your living space, and acquiring those things you need for the year. I’ve managed to get my hands on some more money and so should have a phone and camera shortly. I also hope to figure out how to send mail this weekend so that I might send home some trinkets.
The night before last I had a great adventure in town. About 9:00 most of the teachers had turned in (everyone has a pretty early schedule due to the time change). Dave and I decided we would take a walk down to the beach (which I have yet to visit). Feeling a little dry we thought we would stop in town to grab a couple of brews. By the way, Chinese beer is totally great. It’s weaker than the green party, but it’s delicious and refreshing. Also you’re allowed to drink on the streets here (something I fully enjoy). Walking up the street with our beers, a Chinese guy sitting with some friends calls out ‘cheers’ (he pronounced it cheerce). I excitedly reiterated his cheer and ran over to clink bottles with him. A couple of them started patting chairs, signalling they wanted us to have a seat. We obliged, thinking we’d have a drink with them and then head for the beach. We ended up having such a great time; we hung out with them until after midnight.
Part way through the night we were joined by a Russian acrobat and stunt driver. The acrobat was ridiculously massive. The stunt driver was pretty small and had a Mohawk, complete with trailing Mohawk-mullet. The driver was named Yogi. I can’t remember the other guy’s name. Also a Chinese girl named butterfly (I know right) gave me some little key chain trinket and said ‘you are my friend’.
As in most cultures, drinking is also accompanied by feasting. Now seeing that I had eaten frog legs the previous day for lunch (which were superlatively delicious by the way), I decided to try something really different. A large basin filled with fat wriggling grubs, set nearby, were being sold by a street vendor. I’ll have a couple of those I said. He speared them with a wooden stick (Kabob style) and roasted them over a bar-b-q, throwing on a pinch of spices now and again. Dave and I each grabbed one off the stick and cheersed them. Down the hatch. They tasted like mashed potatoes with an extra crunchy skin. And by the way, frog legs really do taste like chicken. I’ve also added eel and raw fish to my ‘food I have eaten’ list. I don’t even know how many ‘(mystery meat on a stick)’s’ I’ve had.
I wrote the first part of this post during my lunch break and finished just now (3:00). I have a wine and cheese party to attend at 3:30 (paid for by the school). I should have everything in place by this weekend, and so will hopefully be able to give everyone a call. If you could all e-mail me your phone numbers that would be great.
Hugs and Kisses from Miles and Miles Away
I love you
Daniel Mark Andrew Standring
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Dan's Posts
Wow Dan. I've been reading your posts when I check my email (I'm emailed when a new post is up), but I haven't had a chance to post my thoughts until now. Heidi is out providing respite care for the boy she looks after and I'm alone with Aunika (who is still sleeping......lazy!!). It does sound WAY different than any of us would have guessed. Most (if not all) of us only see the parts of China as the media portrays. So the only images of China we have are those that the news, internet, and National Geographic let us see. I would love for us to be there with you. Then we could be the foreign family. That must be weird. In a city of however many million, you're only 1 of a vast minority who speaks your language. It's like in university when you have an American friend, and you keep laughing at HIS weird accent, to which he promptly tells you "Where I come from YOU sound funny". Good luck and I look forward to reading and seeing more.
Well This is my last day off before I go back to work again. This last two week shift was long. I was only home one night in two weeks. I don't expect this two weeks to be any different. So I have to go make the most of my last day at home. I will keep following the blogging from some remote location in my camp/hotel room from my laptop. Love you all. Bye
Well This is my last day off before I go back to work again. This last two week shift was long. I was only home one night in two weeks. I don't expect this two weeks to be any different. So I have to go make the most of my last day at home. I will keep following the blogging from some remote location in my camp/hotel room from my laptop. Love you all. Bye
Monday, August 25, 2008
Nephew in China
I am enjoying your adventures of China . Thanks to your mother who is visiting with me here in NL and helping learn about the computer . Can hardly wait to see some pic through the eye of the camera. Thought I would
let you know a little about the kiddies, updated Daniel is 15 now & Beckie (Almost 11) say MEOW ?!
Hope u enjoy the pic
Love, Dee Dee
let you know a little about the kiddies, updated Daniel is 15 now & Beckie (Almost 11) say MEOW ?!
Hope u enjoy the pic
Love, Dee Dee
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