Puppy in a basket

Trying to adjust back to life in Beijing, and actually it's not too much of an adjustment. We were only gone for 3 weeks afterall. Things do change quickly around here, at least the way things look. Otherwise, this is our home. We know the routines here, and it's become familiar. In Canada we were out of routine. We didn't really have a place to call home. What was familiar were all the people. How marvelous it was to see so many people and spend time with people who truly know us. Those bonds are irreplaceable. And the time in Ontario really was awesome. The skies were such a deep blue, and the trees and grass were such a beautiful dark green. The air was sweet, and the blueberries were delicious! We had a great time visiting....and although it was hard to leave, it was nice to unpack the suitcases, even if just for a week.

Salt & Pepper (our pet rabbits) grew and matured while we were away. They have both reached puberty and it certainly affects their relationship :) Needless to say, we think Salt might be pregnant. Pepper is as mischevious as always, jumping up on the couch, chewing on almost every piece of paper and wood he can find. Salt is still shy and flighty. We've considered getting rid of them, and have thought it over for a few days. But we don't really have many options. The pet store won't take them. Even though they are quite a bit of work these days, we're still quite attached to them and would hate to part with them. (Yes, we realize that we've become crazy pet parents).

Even though we've returned to our familiar surroundings, we are missing a lot of our friends that have returned to their motherlands. We're really missing Jodee and Steven, who unexpectedly left while we were gone. His contract was cut short by one month and so we didn't even get to say goodbye. We really did a lot with them. Our evenings are currently a bit boring without them around. But we look forward to the beginning of the school year, when new faces will arrive, and some others will come back from summer holidays.

I won't be posting again for a couple of weeks, as we're heading down south to where it is rumoured to be 35 degrees everyday and have lots of mosquitoes! It's an overnight train ride, which is always an adventure. Thankfully our friend Noah is joining us. We'll have 3 other people to share the cabin with.....hopefully no babies or snorers.

Oh, I forgot to mention our impulsive move this week (we realize that together we sometimes make rash decisions). I really wanted to add some colour to our white walls. I wanted a cozier feel....I guess slightly inspired by all the beautifully decorated homes in Canada. We decided on RED for a few of our walls. Choosing the paint at the store is nerve-wracking. We probably should've taken more time and brought the paint chips home, because we ended up with a red that I think is too bright. But it's fine. It was a 1.5 day affair. Cleaning, taping, painting once, painting twice, painting three times, go buy more paint, then paint fourth time! yes, four coats. It actually looks pretty good....but I think we should've done a red that was a bit warmer. Oh well! Stay tuned for pictures! And we're hoping our landlord likes it :)

Goodbye for now from the mainland, where the sicadas are defeaningly loud, and dogs ride in the baskets of bikes.....