Hello All,
In case you did not know, yesterday was the mid-autumn festival here in China. It is the counterpart to the spring festival on the Chinese New Year. During the spring festival, you are served dumplings with meats and such inside that are quite tasty. The mid-autumn festival celebrates with special “moon cakes.” They are small hockey puck sized treats that have a thin outer coating of cake (so far so good), followed by the inside which tastes like weak but sugary Jello with the texture somewhere between hardening toothpaste or grainy potter’s clay (nasty). Although I’ve heard differently, I think they are called moon cakes because you would only want to eat them if you were stuck on the moon without any other food. In true American fashion, we chose to celebrate the festival at Hooter’s. Ryan had a fantastic time dancing with the waitresses and we were able to get a few photos and video of him smiling and laughing. Dan was Shangahied, no pun intended, into doing the “chicken dance,” with the girls. With any luck, that film will be ruined before it can get out. Our only sad note, Ryan’s favorite therapist Kerri went home for a week of vacation and will not be back until we are leaving on Monday morning. Instead of waking up to work-out with a pretty girl, Ryan gets to do therapy with James. Although he did his work this morning, you could tell he was wondering what was going on. Some pictures are up on flickr and the video may some day be released. Thanks for reading and writing to us. Let us know if you hear from Diane that she is OK. Take care. Dan, Suzanne and Ryan
Diane is okay. No power but they stocked up on supplies ahead of time (food, water, propane for grilling, etc). Rumor has it that they took Lola for a walk during the eye of the storm.
I can confirm that that is certainly not a rumor, that is fact, that I gave her a stern talking to afterward. NOAA warnings clearly state not to go outside during the eye, especially if it’s just to walk the dog (ok, they don’t include the last part). She is still without power, and leaves me msgs every day to try and dig up on the internet when she’ll get it back. There are nasty rumors spreading around town about certain developments being out for 2-3 wks due to transformer issues. And not the giant robots.
Hi Ryan! Sounds like things are going very well for you! After this second trip, you’ll be able to teach all the kids in your class about China, the people, the customs, the food and the medical system!! You are greatly ahead of the curve!
I’m glad you’re doing so well! I’ll keep praying for you and hope to see you soon!
Love,
Julia
Hi Dan,Suzanne and ryan, Hope all is well and i know everyone will be happy when you set foot on american soil. Dad and i just got home today 9/16 via nashville,newark and Pittsburg. That terrible IKE followed us every where we went. Many commuities here in Cleveland plus Columbus, and Cincinnat are still without power due to IKE’s high winds on Sunday. Fortunately we have power. Diane and damon are still without power. Their perishable food is gone or spoiled. They now relying on what’s left in the pantry.I here dinner tonight is grilled brownies. Fortunately they still have water(that must be boiled) and an extra tank of propane.However she said today that they will soon be standing in the fema lines for water,ice and MRE meals.If power doesn’t come on soon or stores get any supplies they will probaby head to dallas or SA in a few days.We are keeping you all in prayer. Love the pictures you posted on flickr.love Dad and mom
Hey guys,
So glad to hear everything went well over the weekend. Sorry to hear you got the ‘germs of acodias’ Ryan. That’s what us young kids used to call it back in the day. Hope you start to feel better soon.
We toughed it out for a few days but came to SA today and are staying with Cathy. The newspaper today (my only source of news besides Mary) said 50% will have power by next Thursday. So we flew the coop. Hope you get your last treatment ans keep that fever at bay.
Love you!
Diane and family