WOW!  32 years is a long time!  Herb and Diana were married on Dec. 13, 1975!  Four wonderful children and they are still managing to keep things together in Texas - now that's REALLY interesting for a family of Iowans!

We had our secret Santa here (at our home) and with the 37 other English teachers (I may teach Business but I am still one of the English teachers, no doubt).  Santas are everywhere, trees, the words (no Chinese characters, just the english words, Merry Christmas)!  Even stores with almost nothing but Christmas stuff!

Work has been very interesting as the Fed decided only to lower rates by 1/4 percent while inflation is rising and many say the US is in recession.  Try to explain THAT to Chinese students in English - That's MY job!  Lovin' it and enjoying the life here (though the air pollution is tough!  no doubt - and that's not the smokers but the diesel trucks at night!)

Well, after a few Tiger beers and some interesting card games, fun discussion and interesting food - it is time for ... a picture!  What else after midnight on a Thursday the 13th of December, eh?!?



Tashilumpo, Shigatse, Tibet - This is one of the Panchan Lama's main temples in the HUGE palace in Shigatse.  Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet.  The Panchan Lama is the "Academic" head lama picked by the Dalai Lama as a reincarnation of the previous Panchan Lama.