After over half a year of no internet access in my home, I finally lugged a laptop back to Shanghai and plugged it into the phone line and....voila! A Backpack and a Keyboard gets a breath of fresh air.

 

I sorta lost you all back there when I stopped publishing the vicissitudes of my America trip. For three stops, you got all the details. And then I went to Michigan and I couldn't time. And I doubt I will find time.

 

I just started my first formal Chinese class. Every weekday morning from 8:30 to noon I fill in the gaps of two+ years of reciprocal Chinese study with friends. Then I spend the rest of my time working, studying, playing guqin, cooking, and gardening. Today, for example, I bought Spinach, Chinese Kale, Basil, and "Edible Amaranth" seeds so I can grow my own organic vegetables in my south-facing window. I never feel like I can get leafy greens totally pesticide free, even if they're labeled organic. For as a friend who would know once told me, even China's organic food standard allows farmers to use some pesticides.

 

And now? Back to the cave.