Monthly Archives: July 2008

Master Painter Mr. Ferris and Our New Dove Family

  As I headed out the door last week for my usual 1-hour public pool swim at 7:45 a.m., I didn’t expect anyone else to be out-and-about at that time except my parents. But sure enough, there was 84-year-old Bob … Continue reading

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Smalltown Life in Marshall: Historical Buildings and Service for Marshall Seniors

  Brief Marshall History: Marshall, Illinois, was founded in 1835 by two individuals (William B. Archer and Joseph Duncan, who later became the Governor of Illinois), the land being purchased for $200. The town’s claim to fame is the fact … Continue reading

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Our Band Concert Brings a Surprising Touch of China

    Note:  Because I have a number of Chinese readers, I’m including bits of smalltown American lifestyle for them to enjoy.  Enjoy, Chinese readers!               When you live in a small Midwestern town of 3,000, there are always a few places in … Continue reading

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From Illinois: Mamma Dove

            "Now, there’s something you have to know about the porch," my mother told me as we waited in the Indianapolis Airport for my luggage to arrive.              As always, last Saturday morning my great parents came to pick … Continue reading

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A Return To The States: A Big Bang Send-off

             Tomorrow, I will be returning to America for three weeks in order to apply for a Chinese work visa.  These visas can only be given outside of the country, thus the return to the States.              Being a … Continue reading

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A Visit To Huaxi Hospital to Visit Jason’s Sister

                I eagerly waited for a pick-up after dialing the number Jason (Li Ke) had given me.  It was his mother’s cell phone number, the only way I could contact her as she was staying with her daughter in … Continue reading

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A Successful Flea Market Shopping Venture

                          Today was probably not the best day to go gift shopping for my American friends.              The bright sun roasted everyone, with temperatures hitting the 90s once again and the swimming pool crowded with those wanting to cool … Continue reading

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An End-of-Term Party

               The past three days has had me busy preparing for a class party.             At the end of every term, I think it’s a nice idea to have a gathering of my classmates in my home as a … Continue reading

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Swimming Lessons at Meng Zhui Wan Swimming Complex

             This week has been the first week of vacation for most students.  So, what exactly do Chinese kids do to keep busy in the summer?  Well, a number of parents enroll them in swimming lessons.  One of my … Continue reading

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On The Banks of the Yangtze

  In his 1950’s novellette, Travels with Charlie, the writer John Steinbeck details his encounters with ordinary folk as he and his curly-haired poodle, Charlie, make their way in a camper along the backroads of America.  I always think of … Continue reading

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