Biking, A Beautiful Day and The Secret of My Cleaning Success

It was a beautiful day here in Shenyang and we took advantage of it by heading out for a bike ride.  Nicholas and Ryan got themselves ready with helmets and we headed out.  It is quite a process, getting the bikes into the elevator then out again and down some stairs, out another door then the lobby and finally outside.  But it's all worth it.

Well, it's worth it when they will actually get on the bikes.  Nick had no problem and couldn't wait to get going.  Ryan, on the other hand, refused to drive his bike and instead chose to push it all around the compound. 

It made things a little slow but we had fun.  Ryan chose the playground equipment while Nicholas would only ride his bike around and around.  With all that practice he's getting quite good at it.

On our little excursion we saw lots of work being done to get the area looking nice.  A couple of the fountains are running, gardens are growing well, and trees are being well cared for - even getting IV's, I suppose for some extra nutrition.

The kids were quite intrigued with this hedge trimmer.   They watched for a long time.

This guy is gardening in the yard of one of the apartments we could have had.  I guess if no one else is going to use it, this guy will!

The fountain at the main entrance.

They really like these frogs.  This fountain has water in it but hasn't been cleaned yet.

This lady was using a water bottle to water some flowers.  Again, Nick was very curious.

We came in for some lunch and afterward Ryan had a nap (I did too, but don't tell anyone).  I was having a hard time getting going to clean up the lunch mess so I got my new iPod and connected it to the portable docking station that my wonderful mother got me for Christmas (Thanks Mom!).  I turned on some familiar music and started to perk up - enough to get the dishes done.

A little later we decided to go outside again, this time with Nick biking and Ryan running.  We saw some more interesting sites.  Like this guy, sitting on a pipe outside a window, ten stories up.  There were no safety ropes and he was sawing something while he was up there.

Finally - a picture with a panda bear!

These are baby chicks from the chicken I was going to have for supper.  I guess I can't eat their mama.

I ended up having to drag Ryan home while he screamed at me since he took off and wouldn't come back.  He was really mad and slapped at Nick then threw some money on the floor so I put him in his room while he cried.  Nick then told me I wasn't being very nice to Ryan.  Go figure!  I guess all was forgiven later because Ryan told me that I am his best friend.  Awww, how sweet.

Lately we have been discussing our winter trip options and it looks like we might go to Thailand.  Michelin actually contributes to a vacation during the cold winter months to encourage exploration of Asia.  We think a beach would be a nice spot to go and Thailand certainly has lots of those.  Some days I still can't believe we are living in China and considering where in Asia we should take our holiday.  Crazy!

This evening I was getting ready to do the supper dishes and decided to get the music going again and, after I did, realized I could have stayed there all night cleaning and dancing around the kitchen.  When the dishes were done I moved to the bedroom and folded clothes while I sang.  I now know the secret to my cleaning success - music!  I hope the neighbours don't mind.