Summer break is almost over. Wow - it is by far the longest vacation I have taken since I started working over 30 years ago. It has been a long time since my last posting. During the break I went back to the States; visited friends and family; spoke at several churches; filed my income taxes; and caught up on other necessary errands. I rested a great deal which unfortunately contributed to a gain in weight. I enjoyed the beautiful Midwest countryside and simply loved the weather! I tried watching the Cubs but must admit to not being quite the die-hard fan that I should be. They were dismal! My son joined me on the trip back to Chiang Mai. We stopped for 2 days in California to visit our Uncle Chris and then arrived in Thailand on July 31. Still a long journey, it helped to break it into two parts. We were greeted at the Chiang Mai airport by thunderstorms and flooding streets. However, we were pleasantly surprised to experience awesome weather the rest of the week - moderate temps and NO RAIN! Chris and I were able to ride the elephants; visit Doi Su Thep and its well know Buddhist temple; shop at the Night Bazaar; and visit the factories for silverware, celedon pottery, umbrella and paper; and the famous Shinawatra Silk factory. Shinawatra is the family name for the current Prime Minister. School for teachers starts August 9 and the students arrive August 15. I will be more faithful with news and photos now that I am back in Chiang Mai. Let me know if you have any comments.
Blessings! Judy