flower teas
pinenut harvest
I love pinions – reminds me of home in New Mexico. The seeds here are the same, although the pine cones are huge. We couldn’t believe how many cones were harvested off the mountain this fall. Wade said he’s surprised there are any trees left up there if they always collect so many. But good eats people! I need to feed my seed addiction like a good Yunnanren – Naxi people sure do love the nuts and seeds and so do I!
ooops….she caught me
Way, way back in November I had planned to be blogging regularly…like daily. And then things happened. Like the Great Firewall turning into a bit of a beast. Come to think of it, school did the same. And I was sick. A lot. Sigh. Thanks Chengdu…I’ve left you, but your effects have not left me.
But suddenly, all my plans came to naught. I’m pretty used to that by now, which is why I’m hesitant to say I’m back again. But maybe, just maybe…I’m back again.
a true story
My teacher and I were talking a few days ago, and I told her I found a new lake that is quite nice, on the northeast side of town, where a lot of people were swimming. She insisted there is no lake there, and I insisted there is. Finally, I gave her very precise directions and a description. Suddenly a look of total horror came over her face.
the big gate
Baisha is a charming Naxi village about 3 miles north of Lijiang. It was built over approximately a 200 year period stretching from the Ming Dayasty (1385 AD) to the Qing Dynasty (1619). It is home to the famous Baisha murals, which I haven’t gotten around to seeing yet. But it’s on the list of things to do.
Chrysanthemums
Following up on yesterday’s post, here is a peek at some of the flowers close up. So many different varieties, colors, sizes.
juhua
All summer, my teacher kept telling me that I would really like October because there would be a lot of júhuā. Every time she said that, I would make a mental note to look up júhuā and see what type of flowers I could expect. But I had some vague impression that it was something you only see in Lijiang.
twilight
October flew by! I can’t believe it’s already gone. It was a lovely month, with the most incredible twilight skies. I’ve never seen colors quite like it, but it was impossible to truly capture the glory with the camera. I really loved October in Lijiang.
We’ve heard from friends in Chengdu, that the winter post-apocalyptic twilight gloom that is a normal winter there, started at the beginning of October and it is colder and more polluted than normal. Shudder. I do not miss Chengdu. I feel so grateful to be here this year. Blue skies are just such a blessing! I’m looking forward to seeing what changes November brings. Possibly even some fall color in the leaves?
winter is coming….
Happy Reformation Day! Today is our second favorite holiday of the year, Reformation Day. We usually celebrate by eating Mark Bittman’s Millet Bake and watching Luther. It is our all time favorite movie. We are both so excited to watch it tonight.
“No matter what happens, you should say: There is God’s Word. This is my rock and anchor. On it I rely, and it remains. Where it remains, I, too, remain; where it goes, I, too, go.” ~Martin Luther
Growing up in the mountains of southern New Mexico I always felt like this day really marked the beginning of winter to me. We always had the first snow by the 31st, and Fall had ended. The season changed here in Lijiang this week as well. We had the first snow on the mountain, and it is suddenly much colder. Read More
2 sojourners 