God bless you Aunt Wilma

Ro's Aunt Wilma passed away this week. She was one of the nicest people. One of my favorite Aunt Wilma stories came from Jackson when he was about five. Ro and Jackson went to Big Rapids to visit Gene and Wilma (and do some fishing in their pond) and they went to the local yokel town fair. Wilma gave Jackson a frog and he entered the frog jumping contest. According to Jackson, his frog beat everyone. According to Wilma, Jackson's frog never left the starting line. She always had a big smile when she shared this (and every) story.

My wonderful husband is driving his parents up to Big Rapids for the services today. Ro's Dad just got out of the hospital after a mild stroke and still has a feeding tube. The kids and I are going to stay behind this time but she's definitely on our mind.

Are we or aren't we?

We're now in the nailbiting stage of waiting for the Chinese government to bless our trip. GM wants us to go but now we have to receive the official nod from the authorities. I really respect the dilemma. Why should the company bring in all these foreigners when there are millions of Chinese people who can do the work? I know it a precedent-setting question that is much bigger than our family but it doesn't make the wait any easier. There is a big pow-wow next week that should give us our answer (we hope).

So cut me some slack when I don't have any answers to: When are you leaving? What are you doing with your house, the cars, your business, the dog and the kid's school?

Nice Break

Ro and I took off Thursday night for our annual sprint to the Grove Park Inn for the Arts & Crafts conference. I hate to admit it but this is the 12th time we've been in attendance. We got to Asheville, NC mid-day on Friday and had a great time walking through the antique show and chatting it up with the modern craftspersons. We bought a few things, including a funky old light for the butler's pantry. They had some interesting lectures too--one on"heavenly" vs. "hell" potters that got everyone stirred up--and another on Stickley Craftsman homes and another I enjoyed on Alice Hubbard. They even had a fashion show with clothing from the turn of the century. I really enjoy the event, but my favorite part is always sitting in the Grove Park Inn Great Hall with our friends Roger and Suzanne. So many laughs as we plot and plan where to eat and drink next. Hats off to my Mom who puts up with the crazy schedules of Hannah and Jackson while we relax down South.

Yippee!

I have a problem. I can't stand to lose. This sort of "I must win at all costs" mentality doesn't work too well on EBay. I know in my heart (and Dan keeps reminding me) that EBay is not a competitive sport. This is the second loom I've purchased on EBay. The first is a beautiful four-harness cherry Norwood that I bought from a woman who just happens to live in Rochester, Mich. Today's addition is a Mighty Wolf eight-harness that I'll have to pay to ship from northern New Jersey. The new loom will be much easier to take to China since it folds. See, an addict can justify anything. But I won, I won!

Super!

I used to think of the Super Bowl as a fun excuse to have a party. Not anymore. Last year, it was DA DAY for White Castle that consumed all my pre-game moments. This year, I helped Ford with its Super Duty Pre-Kick spots. I did get a chance to watch the Colts play the Bears. One woman's opinion...the commercials were oh so lame this year and who cares about the game itself?! I do love Prince though. Here was a guy, 48 years old, rocking it out in the pouring Purple Rain. Definitely the only highlight.

I wonder if I'll still notice the ads next year in Shanghai?