Laowai

Today was a beautiful Sunday. It has been a perfect comfortable temperature all day long. We had breakfast out on the patio and then B., unfortunately, had to go to work. I should have spent more time outside but instead I taught myself how to crochet a V-stitch. At least I think I did. The problem with teaching yourself how to knit or crochet is you never know if you are doing it right. I recently finished my first crochet project – a big heavy afgan done in a zigzag pattern. When I started it I thought it would be a good project to take on the plane to China. But then I realized I would have to take an extra suitcase to fit all the yarn. So I finished the afgan and now I’m working on a shawl that is made out of a much lighter yarn. Now I can entertain myself on the plane but I won’t have to take an extra piece of luggage. Here’s a picture of my test swatch.

I also, got out the envelope of ephemera that I’ve been collecting and made a collage.

There are just two more days before we go for my first trip to China. At some point I am going to go into a mad list-making preparation mode. One of B’s work friends said that the pollution is really bad in Beijing right now. She said she has a sore throat just from walking around outside. That’s a bit scary but I still can’t wait to see China for myself.