Category Archives: Uncategorized

When I first went to China in 1991, computers were just starting to make their way into the hands of common folk. Cell phones and smart phones were non-existent. Telephones were only for the very wealthy, with most villages, towns … Continue reading →

“Ping, Ping, Ping!” It’s Saturday morning and my WeChat messages from the choir’s soprano group are becoming unusually active. Luzhou is 14 hours ahead of Illinois, meaning messages were coming in for China’s Saturday evening. That is a strange time … Continue reading →

I celebrated my 56th birthday on Tuesday, January 12.  Here were my day’s events Birthday Greetings from China I awoke to find over 30 birthday text messages of good wishes, all from China:  my students, my colleagues, my church choir … Continue reading →

I was up at 7 a.m. last Sunday morning. Usually, I’m tucked away in bed, in my PJs, since my hometown church went to virtual worship services. My mom and I can easily sip coffee on the bed while watching … Continue reading →

In the previous post, you were able to enjoy my family’s vimeo of Christmas greetings to my Chinese students, colleagues and friends. Yesterday evening,  I spent over an hour individually sending to all my groups, students (past and present), special … Continue reading →

My family took time to record a message for my Chinese colleagues, students and friends which was sent out this evening. I’ve already received numerous texts: “Thank you, Connie, your mother and brother! Merry Christmas!” Same to all of you: … Continue reading →

During my time in the States, I am constantly updated through friends, students and colleagues about the virus situation in China. For the most part, things returned to normal beginning in the summer after strict protocols went into place on … Continue reading →

In the previous post, I gave you a look at my USA Christmas, one which I haven’t had in the States in 28 years. How about China? Christmas Activity Night The English Association, one of our college clubs of about … Continue reading →

I can’t believe how fast this month has flown by. How can Christmas be just a few days away? And how can it be that I’ve been “stuck” here for almost a year now? Yes, still waiting for my visa … Continue reading →

Note:  My mom’s weekly column for our local newspaper talks about Christmas cookies.  I’ll add my next entry about my cookie-making in China, with pictures. Walking about Town, by Priscilla Wieck December blew in last week, bringing our coldest temps … Continue reading →