It’s 8:30 am, Monday morning. Judy got off to school with ease. I’ve cleaned up the breakfast dishes. The laundry is in the washing machine. I’ve actually done most of my class prep for this week, already. It’s time to write about Sunday.
We had difficulty deciding whether to go shopping or sightseeing, so we decided to combine the two activities. If we were going to one of the markets on a weekend, we need to be there when they open, to beat the crowds. The weather is so beautiful today (mid 60s, light wind, really low pollution) we go looking for a park. As it happens, Chaoyang Park is very close. Solana Mall is next door. It’s after 1:00 when we leave the apartment, so my first goal is LUNCH.
We taxi over, and head into the mall looking for a new meal experience. The mall sits next to a lake, and there are several restaurants with outdoor seating by the lake. It’s too nice to pass up. We end up having a really good pizza, while we bask in the afternoon sun.
Basking in the sun!
More basking!!
After lunch, we wander through the mall. My pictures don’t do it justice. It’s fairly new, with interesting architecture. I was beginning to think it wasn’t that big, but we went inside a door, down an escalator, and there were 3 floors underneath that spread out endlessly. We found stores we hadn’t seen since we’ve been in Beijing. This is good, and bad, at the same time. Although I brought plenty of winter clothes to Beijing, even I start shopping sweaters and jackets. There are so many options. We buy a few things, but overall show great restraint. Solana Mall may be a real problem for us. It’s too close, and too unique, and even I enjoy the visit.
This picture just doesn’t do justice to the interesting design of this mall.
Back at the apartment, I enjoy catching up on all the marching band activities back in the states. Clovis HS is in Utah/Nevada at a BOA contest, and made the finals. Former students of mine in Clovis have students in the band. It’s fun to read about their “kids” experiences and successes in Facebook posts. In fact, when I get a chance to check in on Facebook, it’s really interesting to read about former students and their current family experiences. Many of them are doing “band contest” right now, and they’re all over the country.
Martin HS performed at the BOA Super-Regional in San Antonio. I know how hard that field of competitive bands is, and it’s great to hear they placed 22nd. I worked with many of the students in the band, either at Martin, or at Boles JH, so I have more than a passing interest in how they are doing. I know all too well how hard everyone (staff, students, and parents) has been working. It’s fun to hear about their many successes this year.
On a more personal note: GOOD LUCK FORSAN HS BAND, and my niece Ali. She’s one of the drum-majors for the band. They’re headed to the Texas State Marching Contest in San Antonio this week. The Forsan band is one of the perennial top-runners, and they’ve got a great opportunity to win it all this year. Why? Well, because their director, Jim Rhodes is a great director, who knows how to prepare his students to be successful, year after year. Oh, did I mention that Ali is one of the drum-majors? GOOD LUCK! ENJOY THE PERFORMANCE ALI!
Gordon: You are really on target with the Forsan Band. I spent the day watching the live-streaming of the 1A and 2A prelims for the UIL State Marching Contest. Their performance was outstanding! Your niece was terrific. I’ve known Jim Rhodes for over 35 years and not only is he an outstanding director, he is such a fine person. He is so calm and mild-mannered but boy, does he get the job done. The finals are going on as we speak and they should do well. Keep up the commentary Gordon. I enjoy it a lot and check it almost every day.
Ken Valliant