February 12, 2012, Sunday, Sunny to Cloudy
The temperature had just started to rise when the sky turned cloudy again. The forecast said there would be a cold wave soon. No wonder why last night at midnight, my daughter-in-law's legs felt uncomfortable and woke her up. She tossed and turned until around four in the morning before falling back asleep, so we woke up late this morning! The day before, after washing clothes, I took a break by browsing online when my son called, saying he was on a business trip with his colleagues and they were eating out. He would come home for a bit later.
Oh, since the fifth day of the first lunar month, my son hurriedly returned with his wife to her parents' house and stayed until the fifteenth. For an entire month, this young couple didn't have to worry about food or drink, living quite comfortably (local dialect)! Haha! When my son came home, he didn't even change his shoes, striding directly to the couch. I knew immediately he wouldn't stay long. We briefly chatted, and he said that due to some regulations at YHQKJ, the funds he needed were still short by one thousand yuan, so he came back to ask if I had it. I quickly gave it to him. He said the car was waiting downstairs, and they had to rush back in the afternoon. Therefore, this visit was rushed and fleeting!
From what my son implied, there might be some adjustments in work at the start of the year, meaning he would travel less to this area in the future. This also means fewer opportunities for him to return home. It won’t be as easy to see him often, nor will he get to eat more of the meals I cook. In the days after he left, whenever I thought about it, I couldn't help but feel a bit melancholy!
These past few days, there hasn't been much significant work, but plenty of trivial matters. Yesterday being Saturday, because my grandson wanted dumplings on the Lantern Festival evening, which was impossible given how busy we were that day, I bought good leeks at the supermarket yesterday, made vegetable dumplings, and froze over thirty dumplings on a steamer basket. After cooking them, I let them cool down, and today they all went with them! Since I was too busy during the end of the twelfth lunar month to get my bangs trimmed, I took care of it yesterday during my lunch break. The price went up by five yuan, so it cost twenty yuan just for that little bit of hair! Haha!
Today is Sunday, and my daughter and grandson are going to class, returning for lunch. There’s also a relative’s child (the one who delivers pork) coming over because the holidays are over, and it's time to treat his minor ailments at our place. So today, I went to the market for the first time after the New Year. Even though I got up late at ten, the market was still bustling with people!
As I crossed the street, my phone rang. It was my teacher from school, who had a great influence on me back then. When I was working, he often visited my office. Now that I've retired, we don't see each other much. Maybe he doesn't know I changed my number, so we haven't been in touch much over the past year. Before the New Year, he called, saying he only found my number after asking colleagues. He mentioned seeing a book of essays that included a few of my articles. When he learned where I lived, he said his daughter also lives in this neighborhood. So I quickly told him that next time he comes to see his daughter, please give me a call and come over for a chat! Therefore, during the New Year, I sent him a New Year's greeting message. The reason for his call today was: First, to ask what I mainly do now that I'm retired? Second, whether I would like to join their elderly association organization! I replied: I don't really do much, just take care of the housework and wander around. Then I asked about the situation of the association. My teacher said: Now that you're not working, participating in these organizations can be very meaningful for your retirement life. I am also a member of the HZ. I think your conditions meet the requirements of the association. This isn't something anyone can just participate in; we also need to review. Oh, that's right, this is also an opportunity to learn from our seniors, broaden social contacts, and make your retirement life more colorful. But how do we handle the related procedures?" "Alright, when there's an activity, I'll notify you. You can attend and listen first!" My teacher knows me very well, so he said this. This is also his concern for me, and it's a good thing. Why shouldn't I be happy?
Last night, I took the meat dishes out of the fridge. Today at the market, nothing caught my fancy, but when I saw the newly available garlic sprouts, all thin ones, I like thin garlic sprouts, so I had the urge to buy them!
These vegetables must have come from the south, so they're rare and definitely not cheap, at 7.50 yuan, which is reasonable! However, each bunch weighs over a pound, feeling a bit excessive. A small plate of this expensive fresh vegetable is enough to taste. A man picked up a small bunch, looked at it, and put it down. Why? I realized the bottom layer of the outer skin was completely rubbed off. I heard the man say, "Don't talk about small bundles!" I understood what he meant, "Then let's split this bunch!" The man asked me, "Is that okay? Do they agree?" "If we both split it, who wouldn't agree?" Therefore, half costs 3.50 yuan, bagged and handed over, the other half costs 4.50 yuan, "Which half do you want?" I politely asked him. "Any will do! It's just one yuan difference!" "Oh, then I'll take this one!" There aren't many people eating lunch today, and my son-in-law won't be back, so one dish is enough! Actually, this method of "split-buying" is really good! Haha!
My daughter said as soon as they walked in, my grandson exclaimed, "Wow! Grandma has cleaned the house so neatly!" Haha, see? My grandson, who used to speak late, now talks so well! Haha!
This fatty meat was from our relatives-in-law! The garlic sprouts are tender, almost no waste, which is very practical, and it goes well with rice!
My grandson said he was hungry upon seeing me, originally not liking warm rice in class in the morning! So let's fry dumplings! "I want six!" The child must be hungry, finishing them all at once. Thus, while eating rice, he barely ate anything, not even looking at the meat he usually likes!
In the platter, there are three kinds of braised dishes left over from the New Year. The whole pieces were taken back by my daughter-in-law to her parents' house. After the New Year, seeing meat is enough, but today after steaming them in the pot, they still smelled good, yet weren't eaten much! This green vegetable is very popular, what kind of vegetable is it? It's the wild vegetable "grey vegetable"! Haha, only my family stores so many wild vegetables and green vegetables! Haha!
A soup, meatballs fried by our relatives-in-law, soft tofu, Chinese cabbage! Simple and bland, all gone! Haha!
Peaceful Coexistence commented on your blog post "Feel the Warmth! 120 (Visiting Uncle and Aunt)"
February 10, 2012, 10:21:51 [Delete] The warmth and coldness of human relationships, the indifference of the world, as Mr. Baichuan said: "A drop of kindness should be repaid with a spring of gratitude." This is our duty as humans, to live life simply. Friendship investments should be long-term, visiting neglected temples, warming cold hearths, frequently offering greetings, even if it's just a word or two. Isn't that right? Your reply:
February 10, 2012, 13:06:42 [Delete] Both Mr. and Mr. Baichuan are close friends of mine from Zhongbo. They always warmly comment on and encourage my ramblings and trivial writings, making me deeply moved. I've benefited greatly! What you said is very correct. People should be honest, sincere, and straightforward. Always remember others' kindnesses, constantly think of their goodness, and keep them in mind. Only then will we go to neglected temples and avoid cold hearths. In fact, remembering the "cold" in human relationships can make oneself warmer. Avoiding overly "hot" places will inevitably make one feel "cold." This is what I've learned from reading your comments. Is that right? Thank you for your wonderful comments! Oriental commented on your blog post "Feel the Warmth! 120 (Visiting Uncle and Aunt)"
February 10, 2012, 03:01:54 [Delete] Sister Xiaocao truly has a meticulous heart! I admire you greatly!
Your reply:
February 10, 2012, 13:00:54 [Delete] Haha, thank you for your encouragement, sister. Actually, I'm usually quite careless. I just happen to think of things sometimes, perhaps due to my age. But to say "meticulous heart" is far from accurate! There's much I can learn from you! Especially, I envy your thick hair! Mr. Baichuan commented on your blog post "Feel the Warmth! 120 (Visiting Uncle and Aunt)"
February 9, 2012, 23:14:59 [Delete] A drop of kindness should be repaid with a spring of gratitude. Xiaocao knows gratitude, visits old uncles, asks about their well-being, understands others' feelings, and is considerate. She brings not only gifts but also a warm sentiment.
Your reply:
February 10, 2012, 12:42:40 [Delete] Xiaocao was deeply moved by Mr.'s enthusiastic comments! Your understanding makes me very happy! What you said is absolutely right. Xiaocao thinks the same way. Not necessarily "repaying with a spring of gratitude," but at least doing what one can to express gratitude, making one's heart more at peace. Mr. Baichuan commented on your blog post "Feel the Warmth! 119 (Entertainment, Joy)"
February 9, 2012, 23:03:41 [Delete] Xiaocao writes music scores, plays the piano, and sings. Ha, self-playing, self-singing, entertaining oneself, this life is truly free and easy!
Your reply:
February 10, 2012, 12:35:55 [Delete] Haha, thank you for your encouragement and enthusiastic comments. If Mr. says Xiaocao "sings," I feel quite ashamed. When I was young, my voice could manage to sing. In the 60s and 70s, without any sound systems or discs, performances relied entirely on singing ourselves. During school performances, I often played the leading role in small musicals, singing solo segments following the required pitch. Nowadays, due to occupational illness and severe pharyngitis, speaking too much or too loudly makes my throat uncomfortable. Now I just play and sing according to my own pitch, just for fun, as Mr. said, freely and easily! This is Xiaocao's ordinary life! Haha! Rain Threads Flying commented on your blog post "New Year's Eve Afternoon and Evening!"
February 10, 2012, 21:09:55 [Delete] Sharing sister's New Year dinner and the adorable grandson. Sister's articles are full of life, I like them very much. Give a thumbs up.
Your reply:
February 10, 2012, 22:32:02 [Delete] Sister, have you rested well? Thank you for taking the time to visit Xiaocao and listen to my chatter despite being busy! Thank you for your encouragement and enthusiastic comments! Mountain Person commented on your blog post "New Year's Eve Afternoon and Evening!"
February 10, 2012, 20:57:06 [Delete] Sister Xiaocao is celebrating the New Year properly, following all the traditions. Our celebrations seem more simplified. For example, since we've been eating fish all along, we didn't serve a whole fish on New Year's Eve, instead opting for stir-fried fish, avoiding leftovers for the next meal. Stir-fried fish keeps well, and we haven't finished it yet, symbolizing abundance. It seems Shandong people prefer carp, not only for the symbolism of surplus every year but also for the idea of jumping through the dragon gate. Here, we find carp too fishy, so we mostly use black fish.
Children are happiest during the New Year, especially when there are boys at home. Setting off firecrackers is essential. However, we never set them off ourselves; we just listen to others' fireworks, haha.
Your reply:
February 10, 2012, 22:37:05 [Delete] Haha, it's the New Year! Regardless of whether the festive atmosphere is light or strong nowadays, this intention must remain! Southern regions have more varieties of fish, while we have very few freshwater fish here, only pond fish. Therefore, we consume frozen seafood. Yellow croaker has fewer bones, intact flesh, and is loved by my family and grandson!
I've invented a way to set off firecrackers, so on New Year's Eve, my son sets them off while I assist. In the end, I ended up setting off several strings myself because everyone else was sleeping in the morning! Haha! Mountain Person commented on your blog post "Feel the Warmth! 120 (Visiting Uncle and Aunt)"
February 10, 2012, 20:40:23 [Delete] Sister Xiaocao is someone who remembers kindness and follows proper etiquette, aspects where I should learn more from her. From this piece, I saw Aunt Ji Wang mention me, and we've become mutual friends these past two days. Everyone becoming friends on the blog is due to shared interests. I've also visited her blog and seen her avatar, finding her to be a person of great grace. I'm delighted to have met another mentor-like elder sister.
Your reply:
February 10, 2012, 22:39:35 [Delete] Is that so? Then I'm also glad! So, Xiaocao compiling these comments is also providing a platform for everyone to communicate! Haha! The elder sister is热情 and kind-hearted, so meeting all of you is a matter of fate! Therefore, Xiaocao hopes you all interact pleasantly! Qingyue commented on your blog post "New Year's Eve Afternoon and Evening!"
February 10, 2012, 20:25:32 [Delete] Essence! Wishing you a happy weekend, friend!
Your reply:
February 10, 2012, 22:40:19 [Delete] Thank you Mingyue for recommending and highlighting! Wishing you joy as well! Tian Shan Ba Cao commented on your blog post "Feel the Warmth! 120 (Visiting Uncle and Aunt)"
February 10, 2012, 14:20:01 [Delete] Xiaocao is a thoughtful person, so for those who attended her son's wedding, like Uncle and Aunt types of friends and elders, once their major events are over, Xiaocao will visit them appropriately to express her gratitude. Thus: Things may have a price, but sentiments are priceless! -- Xiaocao, who values emotions, always considers everything thoroughly. There are no such customs in your area, but in our hometown, it's generally not customary to visit elders in the afternoon, but mornings can be very tight! Yesterday, I also hurried to see an eighty-three-year-old cousin.
Your reply:
February 10, 2012, 22:46:29 [Delete] Thank you, Elder Sister, for your understanding, encouragement, recognition, and evaluation! There are no such customs in our area; visiting in the morning or around eleven o'clock might inconvenience the host. Often in conversations, people mention someone coming at mealtime, haha! Therefore, this year, I let my son pay New Year's greetings mostly after lunch, around three or four in the afternoon, as we typically entertain guests at noon during the New Year. Visiting in the afternoon implies not having meals! Sitting briefly and leaving! Every place has its own customs, adapt accordingly! Of course, if there were such customs here, Xiaocao would certainly pay attention, haha! Tian Shan Ba Cao commented on your blog post "Feel the Warmth! 119 (Entertainment, Joy)"
February 10, 2012, 14:12:36 [Delete] Wow! Compared to Xiaocao, I'm practically tone-deaf! I only know simple sheet music, and only recognize the notes of songs I've sung before. For songs I haven't sung, looking at the sheet music is useless, as I can't sing them. Therefore, seeing your professional writing, I don't fully understand! Haha! Sorry!
Your reply:
February 10, 2012, 22:51:16 [Delete] Thank you, Elder Sister, for your encouragement. Xiaocao knows just a little, still learning and improving! Elder Sister specializes in finance and auditing, knowledge and skills Xiaocao knows nothing about! Tian Shan Ba Cao commented on your blog post "Feel the Warmth! 118 (It's So Cold Today!)"
February 10, 2012, 14:07:47 [Delete] Although it's already passed Start of Spring, it's still quite cold! The same goes for us in the south, so recently, we've been spending more time in bed. Around nine in the evening, my husband climbs into bed, turns on the electric blanket to enjoy the warmth (we only heat the bed until it's warm, then turn it off to sleep), and in the morning, we often sleep until we naturally wake up