If you have any doubts about global warming, look at the weather in the U.S. It's December and the temperatures have been 55 in the day, 35 at night. They were warmer when I first got here. Not really complaining because the cold is tough on your body, especially a rapidly aging body. But it's warm here for winter. Of course, I don't really miss the 93 humid degrees in Vietnam. However, I do miss Phuong and don't like being away from her this long, but I've been busy so there isn't a lot of time to dwell on things. Doctors, driving, family, friends, lawyers and priests are occupying my time.
Oddly, I miss riding the motorbike. Driving a car has its pluses --I really enjoy listening to the radio in the car while shielded from rain. But the motorbike is clearly more social. You look other traffic in the eye in Vietnam, and on occasion smile and nod. Here, everyone's surrounded by metal and glass. In the U.S., I've had to slam on the breaks because I saw a stop sign at the last second. In Vietnam, you can keep moving as long as you avoid the crossing traffic. Very convenient. One thing I enjoy is the food here, although everyone is cooking Asian food for me ... noodles, rice, chicken in sauces, and so on. But I've been reunited with hard, sourdough pretzels, cheeses, steak, salsa, good beer (which, unfortunately, I can't drink much of) and Yahoo, the chocolate drink which may or may not have milk in it. I miss Phuong's cooking, but I like the ingredients here.
I want to thank the folks putting me up and taking care of me in the U.S.: Lynda, my ex-wife, made a wonderful turkey dinner on Thanksgivng; Ron gives me his wonderful couch and my angry cat; my brother and his wife keep me in luxury; John Sturm is gracious and he's becoming quite the chef as well, my children -- Jessica, Caroline, Jack, Alec -- are so special and caring and good-hearted. Love ya' all.
It's Saturday today, and Ron and I have planned a fishing expedition. Bass.
I miss my students and teaching, but that'll happen soon enough. Time flies here, and everywhere.
I'll be 61 years old in a few days. But I've been told that life begins at 60. Sadly, no one told me it ends at 61. Dong Nai River time.
Again, thanks to everyone who's taken care of me so far. If I forgot you, it's because I never really liked you to begin with. Well, not true. I'm just forgetful sometimes.
Miss you and love you Phuong. Can't wait to see you.
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