My children Alec and Jessica were waiting for me when I arrived in Columbus, Ohio. It was incredible to see them. They look great, and they even carried my luggage for me. Great kids. I hope to see Jack and Caroline on Thanksgiving. There's a lot of catching up to do since Phuong and I had a baby in July.
I love travel and being in Yellow Springs, Ohio, but I hate being away from my wife and daughter. Unacceptable trade-off. Phuong and I talk on Skype and I can watch and listen to Joanna do baby stuff, like grunt, laugh, cry and kiss Phuong. And when I shout into my computer to get Joanna's attention, she looks around like she's expecting me to show up and sit on the bed next to her. I wish it was that easy. It makes me unbelievably happy to see Phuong and Joanna together. Phuong is so committed to motherhood, as she should be. And she's so cheerful even when she doesn't get sleep. Phuong is always smiling. Me? I'm Mr. Complain when I don't get much sleep and Mr. Complain when I get too much sleep. I never smile. Well, that's not really true, but close enough.
I love the weather and food here. It's been about 40 degrees F or about 0 to 15 degrees C. I bought gloves, an Ohio State pullover sweatshirt/hoodie and camouflage pants to stay warm. I've eaten hamburgers, french fries, tapioca pudding, pizza, sausages, $3 muffins, hard pretzels, and stinky cheese. I drink beer, coffee and Yoo-Hoo. And I've had some nice beers at a local brewery and my friend's apartment. My friend John has been a gracious and generous host, as usual.
Americans want to talk about the election, but there seems to be some concern about which side you were on. A truck driver staying at the Springs Motel, where I happen to be staying, was telling me how happy he was that Trump defeated that "evil woman." He was cool about it, and didn't preach to me in any way. I responded to the "evil" comment by saying that Trump won, so it doesn't matter now. Most of the folks in Y.S. are like me concerning the election -- shocked and disbelieving. It's really difficult to grasp two words: President Trump. I hope things work out for the best.
Gas is very inexpensive here at the moment. I have a mid-sized car, and it's OK. Driving is OK, or a little better than the motorbike. I still prefer walking.
My son Alec and I took a hike in Glen Helen and we were about to cross a small bridge when we saw a blue heron about 20 feet away standing in the creek. The blue heron is a good-sized bird, but this one seemed a little too comfortable near people, in the White Monkey's opinion. I go to the Glen every day, even though there some construction work in progress on some of the trails. The Glen is one of the things I really miss when I'm in Vietnam.
Anyway, excited about family Thanksgiving and upcoming trip to the East Coast to see friends and family.
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