Hibbets' Happenings

Joshua and I did walk down to the Park n Shop yesterday afternoon. It was a very nice walk. It was a warm, sunny day. I bought some fruits and vegetables, some oatmeal cookies and peanut butter crackers, some new things to try, and of course, some water. When we got back to the apartment, David and Jayden were still gone. They got back about an hour later. Here's the report on their trip: They found out that in addition to the minibus, the big city bus also stops here at the bottom of the hill (at the Park n Shop). We are able to ride the big city bus with the wheelchair. They rode the bus to Causeway Bay and made their way to Toys R Us, which didn't end up being far from the bus stop. They did some shopping in Toys R Us: David was able to get the nativity set I wanted for Jayden (well, for all of us), and a cute feel-and-hear truck book for Joshua, and an umbrella stroller, which I think she's already really enjoying. While they were in the store, Jayden started saying "ball," so David found her a little ball. She has had the best time playing with it and chasing it around the apartment. It's really cute. I asked David to price diapers and wipes at Toys R Us and I think that's a good option for us to get more, or maybe at the Wellcome store. Even the Park n Shop here has some; I'm still shopping prices. We brought diapers for Joshua, since they're a little harder to get, but knew we'd buy some for Jayden here. After Toys R Us they went to the Wellcome store. He got fruits and vegetables, including grapes, which Jayden thoroughly enjoyed when they got home, and water. They took a little snack break, tried to become a little more familiar with Causeway Bay (especially around the MTR exit with the lift [elevator] so we'd know where we come out when we're all together), and then started to try to find the bus stop to head back. He ended up getting on the right bus but going the wrong direction -- going further into town -- and the next stop was the last stop. The driver got off the bus! But first he did help David know which bus he needed to get on, which he barely caught -- he had to flag it down! That made for a funny story when David got home and was telling me about his adventure. They rode back to Braemar Hill Rd, which is our stop. We had our Indonesian take-aways for supper. We really liked the "chicken and green beans with garlic" (or something like that) but didn't care for the greens as much. I liked them okay, and ate more of them than David; he managed to tolerate some. Then I went to class. It was our third class, and it all went well. The students are very nice and friendly. Before class I got to visit with one of the students, Ray. He had brought McDonald's with him for his supper before class. We talked about American food vs. Chinese; the students told me McDonald's is cheaper here than in the States (and it's not like it's expensive in the States!). I think he said about $3US for a Big Mac meal -- but I'm not sure what all would be in a meal, and how that would compare. We talked some about the work environment here; he said a typical work week is 50 hours (M-F plus Sat mornings), and no paid overtime. I don't know if those employees are typically salaried or hourly; I'll have to try to remember to ask. He also said government retirement is not good here (which I don't think government retirement is good in the U.S., either -- but maybe it is better). Class went well, and we actually got out a few minutes early. We have two chapters to cover tomorrow afternoon and then it's already time for their first test! That's hard to believe. Time is really flying. The morning was the same as they've been, awake before sunrise but laying there at least resting until the sun comes up. Jayden was on such a good sleep schedule at home but I don't guess she's adjusted yet. I'm doing okay, though. But I have to admit -- I am taking advantage of, and enjoying, my coffee! ;-) I'm pretty sore, I guess from all the walking we did on Thursday. When I went to bed on Thursday night my side was hurting, but thankfully it didn't keep me awake. Yesterday and still this morning my legs are pretty stiff -- my calves are sore. But I'll get them stretched out soon. I guess we got a pretty good workout! David's ready, Joshua's watching Saturday morning cartoons (Scooby-Doo was on a little while ago), and I think we're going to get Jayden ready so that she and Daddy can head to town for a little while. I think their plan is to go find the church so we'll know for sure where we're going in the morning. Jayden's been pushing her stroller around the apartment this morning. Oh, when I was headed to class last night and waiting on the elevator, when the elevator arrived Dr. Hu's wife was getting off of the elevator -- this is one of the sons of THE Dr. Hu, and I don't remember her name, I'll have to ask her again. She is British. They live in Apartment D on this floor (we're in Apartment A) when they're not in London. They will be here for another week. She said she has some toys she keeps for her grandchilden that she's going to bring over this morning to let us borrow. I thought that was very nice of her! We had met Miranda, the other son's wife; she and I are going to the grocery store on Monday morning. She was also very nice. I think that's all for now. Aleecia