I have always considered my website just a website and not a blog as most people call it. In my mind a blog indicates an ability to respond with comments, but I’ve always had that turned off because I was afraid of the time it might take to respond to comments–which I generally feel I must do. But now, without some of the pressure of deaf work in Cambodia, I have turned comments on. You may not see the comment box unless you scroll to the end of each day’s message but it’s there now!
Category: Daily Life in the USA
Biking
I am REALLY enjoying commuting on my e-bike! Yesterday I rode 30 miles going to a doctor appointment in the morning and then to a computer shop in the afternoon. Google Maps’ bike routes take me through parts of Louisville and various neighbors where I’ve never been before.
I’m having a few problems, though. The display screen on the handlebars (for speed, gears, lights, etc.) is showing the wrong time zone. Tonight I was looking through the bike manual and found where I need to connect the bike app on my phone with the electronics on the bike, and it’s supposed to correct itself automatically.
(Unwanted) Night Light
This is my bedroom at Nazareth Home Clifton. It’s quite simple but just what I need–except for the brilliant security light shining into my room from the wall across a little courtyard. The light wouldn’t be so bad except that the blinds are plastic and translucent, i.e., they let light through. The security light is bright enough that it casts shadows in my room even with the blinds closed. My sister Mary has access to some light-blocking curtains and I’m waiting till she can pick them up.
Guess where it’s from?
When I got my new e-bike—a top end Trek model—I didn’t pay much attention to any of the labels on it. But then a day or two later, I noticed it was made in Cambodia! I knew bicycles are becoming a major export from Cambodia but didn’t know they were making high-end models and I certainly never thought that I’d end up buying one of them in Louisville!
More old friends
Today six of us alumni from the former St. Thomas Seminary met for lunch at Kingfish in Louisville. I really appreciate these gatherings. For two decades or so, my return from Hong Kong or Cambodia would be the opportunity to get together with good friends. Today it was noted this is the last time we would celebrate my return from mission in Asia.
These people are important. If it were not for my family and friends, I would not have returned from Cambodia. Life would be much simpler and easier living in Cambodia than it will be here in the United States.
A Welcome Visitor
Biking Indiana
Sunday I took a bike ride in Indiana where they have some wonderful biking and walking trails. The photo shows the Big Four pedestrian bridge on the right. Now closed to traffic, it is busy, especially on weekends, with many bikers and walkers, including whole families, enjoying the sunshine and beautiful views of both sides of the Ohio River.
Angela Merici H.S. Reunion
Yesterday the Angela Merici Class of 1975 had their 50-year reunion. It was held at Incarnation Church and was a fun and joyous event. I felt honored to be invited because I spent thirteen years at A.M. and was one of the teachers of these women in their senior year.
Slowly, slowly…
I’m slowly accumulating the things I need for living in Nazareth Home and Louisville. Some items are major, like an e-bike for getting around. Others are more utilitarian like a toilet brush. Today I got a wooden executive-type filing cabinet. I was going to get the usual metal two- or four-drawer file cabinet but my sister saw the wooden unit above in a consignment shop and took me to see it. The price in such a shop drops regularly according to how long it stays in the shop. The nice wooden cabinet had been marked at $100 but was in the bargain room when I saw it, and I was able to get it for $20. My sister Mary and her husband Mike picked it up today and brought it to me. Thanks! Now all the papers on the couch can be filed away!
My Hong Kong flag
Last week my sister Jane surprised me with a framed flag of Hong Kong from the colonial era. I was living in Hong Kong in 1997 when Britain ceded control of their Hong Kong colony to China. Remembering what had happened at Tiananmen Square, thousands and thousands of Hong Kongers were fleeing to any place that would take them. The bishop asked those of us from the missionary groups to stay, to try to provide an element of stability and reassurance to a frightened people. On one of my trips home, I brought this flag and Jane had it in her basement and decided my return to Kentucky was the time to return the flag to me.