Today after lunch Fran was outside and noted how nice the weather was. After I had my doctor consultation regarding my physical exam (I haven’t completely worn out this body yet!) I too noticed that the weather was exceptional. It’s been cold and yucky for a while.
Well, I arrived home earlier than usual and we decided that we should go for a walk and enjoy the sunshine. We almost missed out on the nice weather we had experienced earlier. The wind had kicked up and it was cooler than either of us thought it would be. We took a few laps around the track at the college across the street and then went for a soft serve frozen yogurt cone (as close as we can get to a Wendy’s Frosty). On the walk back to our apartment I spied this fire hydrant. It is only for small fires

We are approaching the lunar new year. This is the new year’s celebration that the Chinese celebrate (more so than the one we celebrate). Each year at this time our language teacher, Lu LaoShi, cooks a special dinner for her students. Last night Fran and I along with several of her other students were able to enjoy one her outstanding meals; at least 12 dishes – all excellent. HaoChi!  (delicious – yum). Here is the cook preparing the feast . . .

Just finished another mystery last night. A Dime A Dozen by Mindy Starns Clark is the third book in the Million Dollar Mysteries series. I enjoyed it, give it 3.5 of 5 stars, but rate it down because it has a bit more romance in it than I like. Still a good read though, just like the first two in the series – Don’t Take Any Wooden Nickels and A Penny For Your Thoughts”.

There’s just something humorous about the guy doing a head first dive off of the precipice.

I understand inflatables are really big now in the US. This is Taipei’s version of Christmas yard art. Notice the pedestrian for an idea of size.

Today after I finished getting my colon scoped at the hospital (for my state side assignment physical) we went to the “grocery” store nearby. I would say it is pretty close to what I remember the K Mart being like – just add a Chinese grocery section.

In the basement – that’s where most car parking is for any big store – I saw this sign on the way to the escalators which take you to the first floor store (we parked in B3)

You’ve no doubt heard the term “Mom’s Taxi” or something like it. Well, it takes on a whole new meaning over here where we live. 20 inch bicycle built for three. The driver must have REALLY short legs

Notice the extra handlebar and the floorboard for the front passenger.

I have heard Taiwan referred to as “The Temple Capital of the World”. If you drive around the island much you can certainly see why. They are EVERYwhere. Here is a large one that we spotted from a nice overlook on our last outing.