Greetings, everyone! It has been about 7 months since I have used my Blog site and it is way overdue!

These are photos from my, well I should say "our" SM1-23 class, Jenny and I. This was a intensive summer class that was held everyday, two hours a day and for 22 days. TOUGH! Phew!

Well, I enjoyed this class and thought I should get some photos before the class ended.
Thank you all for the memories in this class and a BIG thanks to Teacher Jenny.

Moments spent in Taiwan, yet again! <- Click here to see them!

"I Love Taiwan Party" at Shih-Peng and Sarahs'
A party to celebrate, well....Taiwan. Enjoy!

Miranda Ma as 'The Witch of Carbondale' - Halloween 2008.

Well, I finished my first week teaching Linguistics 100. I really enjoyed teaching, of course, but the students I had this week are what made my class and they were a really great group of students. I will always remember this group.
Enjoy!

More Linguistics 100 photos!

Linguistics Student Association's Halloween Party at Andy's and Cheryl's

Linguistics Student Association's annual potluck at Evergreen Park in Carbondale,Illinois

And where have I been as of late? School, work, seeing concerts and taking photos! I have been posting most all of my photos on Flickr because of the great quality.So check my photos over there please. Click on the Flickr logo! ->>>

BB King here at Carbondale Illinois <--- Click on this to link to my photos




Southern Culture On the Skids playing at Hangar 9 here at Carbondale,Illinois <--- Click on this to link to my photos



fans of Southern Culture On the Skids <--- Click on this to link to my photos

Chinese Moon Festival at Carbondale Illinois

Wednesday evening walk

Sejong Students at both Giant City and Blue Sky Vineyards

Cascade of Colors at the Carbondale Airport, September 6 2008 and....some photos at the levee in Cape Girardeau

THE RAIL

Me, circa March 1980, at Chanute Air Force Base. A portrait of our class while attending the Fire Department Training school. Can you guess which one is me?

The last Miner's baseball game of the season. And attending that game: students from Kansai Gaidai University and students from Sejong University. Me, Cheryl and kids too!

Seven wonderful students of Kansai Gaidai University enjoying themselves at the Blue Sky Vineyard 24 2008

A visit to the DuQuoin Illinois State Fair.

Sarah and Shih-Peng's Wedding here in America, as opposed to Taiwan.

The annual Cobden Peach Festival in Cobden Illinois

Skinny Jim and the Number Nine Blacktops playing at Hangar 9 in Carbondale, Illinois.
For better quality and larger sizes, click here. ZhuZhuSteve

An afternoon with students from I-Shou University in Taiwan, again! This time it was at the Blue Sky Vineyard.

Note to Liz...the photo with you was not in my camera....lost?

Also, click on this site ZhuZhuSteve for images with a better resolution. Click on "all sizes" for larger or smaller sizes. Enjoy!








For more photos of the lovely Ivy (photo above and below) go to ZhuZhuSteve and click on "all sizes" for larger images.

What seemed to be one of many abandoned homes along the island of Peng Hu in Taiwan.
Upon closer examination these homes had beautiful tiles and artwork incorporated into their homes. However, leaky roofs and salty sea winds seem to have eroded the basic structure, thus leaving wondrous tiles as the last testament to what once was.



A storm bearing down on a local church in Paducah Kentucky



A bridge in a city across from Danshui, Taiwan. I would enjoy living in this part of Taiwan. Right next to the ocean, close to Taipei and a market near the MRT exit.

Publish Post

Some breakers located in Tainan. Peaceful concrete warriors awaiting patiently for the wrath of the ocean.

Me and Liz, from CESL, spending time with the students from I-Shou University, Kaoshiung, Taiwan. A fun evening at Giant City near Carbondale Illinios.

And here is Liz emerging from Fat Man's Squeeze at the Giant City park.



The first few seconds of lying on the swing was fun...after that....


The six that conquered Fat Man's Squeeze!!!





Waiting at the top of Fat Man's Squeeze for all six that went in....waiting...waiting

The very small exit of Fat Man's Squeeze!



Another student exiting the top of the squeeze!

Some of my photos that I used editing software on...Enjoy

FRIENDS........

Vicky: One of the reasons I have come back to Taiwan so many times. I met her on my first visit and became inspired by her kindness. She set the tone for my visits in her country. But I can't forget others that I met during that visit, whom made realize that I need to know Taiwan better. I hope to mention them soon.

When I saw Vicky again, for only the second time, it felt like it hadn't been two years since I saw her...only days, and after talking for a short while I knew why I missed her. She is an amazing young woman that has accomplished so much since I saw her last. I am so proud to have her as a friend and I hope she can say the same of me. I hope to see her again when time permits because time with her is always exciting and.... she makes me feel alive. Good luck in your life, Vicky!




Elaine. Another friend, but it was my first time meeting her. Man, does she have an ego the size of a Cadillac! ha ha She knows that I am joking..right???

A wonderful woman who showed me parts of Taichung I had never seen before, such as the mushroom capital of Taiwan! :} I have never seen so many mushrooms before in my life!
I had such a great visit with Elaine. I had heard her laugh through Skype when we chatted, and relished it, but to hear it in person was much more warm and enjoyable and to finally see the smile that went with it was even more satisfying.I hope to see her again.



Ting: A young woman who surprised me. The first time I met her she never spoke a word of English. Little did I know..she could speak a little and did so when we meet this June...shy perhaps? She was great company while I was visiting this time and it was an honor to meet her family too! Thank you again for the kind gift.



Meow and Sally: Where do I begin with these two women? They are part of the reason I want to live in Taiwan. Their kindness, sense of humor, warmth and overall concern for me is beyond words. I feel like they are my second family, but a family which I wish I could communicate better with: I need to speak Chinese!

I look forward to the day when I can treat them as well as they have treated me. It will be a goal I hope to attain as soon as possible. Their spirit of giving is an inspiration to me.



And this group! It is so much fun to be with these gracious people and I always looked forward to doing anything with them! The Night Market and all of its wonder is magnified by being with them......so much fun and warmth, and I am not talking about the heat and Hellish humidity. :} I hope to be graced with their company again soon.

Photos taken during our ESP class project...at Sarah's place