Thistle Adventure: China, here we come

Our reservations are made! Our bags are not yet packed, but we're planning what to wear, where to go and what to see. We're departing on the 23rd of October for a wedding on the 30th. Our fabulous kids will be getting married -- again -- this time in a traaditional Chinese wedding. We will return on November 20.

A chaperoned honeymoon will follow for Brad and Yessi as we travel in-mass on the bullet train from Xiamen to Beijing for our return flight home. The sights along the way, yet to be determined, will unfold as Yessi lines up a guided-tour for the American wedding party contigent.

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine a Chinese daughter-in-law, a Chinese family, or a wedding trip to China. I'm thrilled beyond words to be experiencing this world expanding, eye-opening opportunity. Aren't kids great? Here I am learning to say "Wei", Hello; "Xie xie", Thanks, and "Ji e de, Hungry. Life does take us on some amazingly fascinating journeys.

With China on the horizon, Thistle will remain parked at home on Whidbey for several months, which is presently at Yessi and Brad's home on Saratoga Road, but, with tenants moving out, we will be moving back into our home this week. Between now and China, the plan is to garden, garden, garden. I'd specifically asked our tenants not to prune, so you should just see my overgrown garden. A spring in the NW can bring about wild, crazy, out-of-control growth. Now, with this summer's draught, the growth has slowed, but the watering has increased. Much to do...

We are presently enjoying Yessi's aunt, mother and niece's June/July visit from China. Lopez Island was our first camping adventure, shortly after they arrived. The see-America wrap-up trip will be to the ocean for all but Ed and I. We will keep the home fires burning. "Burning", in this heat, seems like a poor choice of words, but you know what I mean.