February 12, 2012, Sunday, Sunny to Overcast
The temperature has just started to rise a bit, but now it's overcast again. The forecast says there will be a cold wave soon. No wonder Grass's leg was uncomfortable in the middle of the night yesterday, which woke her up and made her restless. She didn't fall back asleep until around four o'clock in the morning, so she woke up late this morning!
On the previous day, after washing clothes, Grass went online to take a break. Her son called, saying he and his colleagues were on a business trip and eating outside. They would come home for a short while later! Oh, since the fifth day of the first lunar month, her son rushed back to his mother-in-law's place with his wife and stayed until the fifteenth day. For the whole Spring Festival period, this young couple had no worries about food or drink, living quite comfortably (dialect)! Haha!
Her son came home without even changing shoes, taking a big step to sit down on the sofa. Grass could tell from his demeanor that he wouldn't stay long. After a brief chat, he said that due to some regulations at work, they were still short by one thousand yuan for a transaction, so he came back to ask if Grass had any money available. She quickly gave him what he needed, explaining that the car was waiting downstairs and they had to rush back in the afternoon. Thus, this visit was quick and hurried!
From her son's words, it seemed that his job responsibilities would be adjusted in the new year, meaning he would travel less to this area. This also implied fewer opportunities for him to return home, making it harder to see him. Therefore, Grass felt a sense of melancholy knowing her son would have fewer chances to enjoy her cooking.
These past few days, there hasn't been much important work, but many trivial matters. Yesterday being Saturday, because her grandson asked for dumplings on the Lantern Festival night, Grass bought good chives at the supermarket and made vegetable dumplings. She froze 30 or more dumplings on a tray, which she let them take away today! Due to the busy schedule before the New Year, she didn't have time to perm her bangs, so she went to Pure Passion Romantica Comic during her lunch break. Surprisingly, the price increased by five yuan, costing twenty yuan for just a small section of hair! Haha!
Today is Sunday, and her daughter and grandson are going to class, returning home for lunch. There's also a relative's child (the one who delivers pork) coming over for treatment after the New Year celebrations. So, Grass went to the market for the first time after the holiday, even though it was already ten o'clock. Despite the late start, the market was still bustling with people!
As she crossed the street, her phone rang. It was her teacher from school, who had a significant influence on Grass during her studies and often visited her workplace. Now that Grass has retired, they don't see each other as often. Maybe because Grass changed her number, they lost contact for over a year. Before the New Year, he called, saying he got Grass's number from a colleague. He mentioned seeing a book of essays where he found some of Grass's articles. Upon learning Grass lived nearby, he said his daughter also lived in the same neighborhood. Grass immediately invited him to call when visiting her daughter and stop by for a chat! Therefore, Grass sent New Year greetings to her teacher during the holidays. Today, the teacher called to ask: First, what does Grass mainly do after retirement? Second, whether she would like to join their elderly association. Grass replied that she hadn't done much substantial work, only handling trivial tasks, doing housework, and wandering around. Then Grass asked about the association's situation. The teacher said: Since you're not working anymore, participating in these organizations can be meaningful for your retired life. I am also a member of the association, and I believe your conditions meet the requirements. Not everyone can join; we have to review applications. Oh, yes, as the teacher said, it's an opportunity to learn from seniors, expand social contacts, and make retirement life more colorful. But how to handle the relevant procedures? "When there's an event, I'll notify you. You can participate and decide afterward!" The teacher knows Grass well, so he suggested this out of concern. Why wouldn't Grass be happy about such a good thing? Haha!
Last night, Grass took meat dishes out of the fridge. Today at the market, nothing caught her fancy, but seeing the newly arrived garlic sprouts, which were the thin kind she liked, she decided to buy them!
This vegetable must have come from the south, so it's rare and definitely not cheap - 7.50 yuan, reasonable! But the bundles weighed over a pound each, which seemed excessive. A little dish would be enough to try the fresh taste! A man picked up a smaller bundle, looked at it, and put it down. What happened? Grass saw that the outer layer of skin at the bottom was completely rubbed off. That man said, "Don't say the 'bundle' is too small!" Grass agreed, "Then let's split this bundle!" "Can we do that? Let's see if they agree," the man asked Grass. "If we both agree, why wouldn't they?" So, half for 3.50 yuan, placed in a bag, the other half for 4.50 yuan. "Which half do you want?" Grass politely asked him. "It doesn't matter, it's only a one-yuan difference!" "Oh, then I'll take this half!" Grass thought since there weren't many people eating lunch and her son-in-law wasn't coming back, one dish would be sufficient. This method of "split-buying" is really great! Haha!
According to her daughter, as soon as they entered the door, her grandson exclaimed, "Wow! Grandma has cleaned the house so neatly!" Haha, see? The grandson who used to talk late now speaks very fluently, haha!
The fatty meat was given by relatives-in-law. The garlic sprouts were tender, almost nothing wasted, making it very economical and delicious with rice!
The grandson said he was hungry upon seeing Grass, as he didn't like eating reheated rice during class in the morning. So, she fried dumplings. "I want to eat six!" The child ate all six, showing he was truly hungry. When eating rice, he barely touched it, not even looking at the meat he usually liked.
The platter contained three kinds of braised dishes left over from the New Year. The larger pieces were taken by her daughter-in-law back to her parents' home. After the New Year, just seeing meat was enough, but after steaming it today, it still smelled good, although not much was eaten. The green vegetable was very popular. What was it? It's wild greens called "huihui cai"! Haha, only Grass's family stored so many wild vegetables and green vegetables! Haha!
A soup made with meatballs fried by relatives-in-law, soft tofu, and Chinese cabbage! Simple and light, it was all consumed! Haha!
In response to Peaceful Coexistence's comment on Grass's blog post "Feeling Warmth! 120 (Visiting Uncle and Aunt)"
February 10, 2012, 10:21:51 [Delete] The warmth and coldness of human relationships, the indifference of worldly affairs, as Mr. Bai Chuan said: "Even a drop of water's kindness should be repaid with a spring of water." This is our duty as people, treating friends ordinarily. Friendship investment should be long-term, visiting neglected temples, burning incense at cold altars, maintaining regular communication, even through simple greetings, which is also a way of making friends. Don't you agree?
Your reply:
February 10, 2012, 13:06:42 [Delete] Both Mr. and Mr. Bai Chuan are close friends Grass had on Zhongbo. They always warmly comment on and encourage Grass's rants and trivial writings, deeply touching Grass. Grass has benefited greatly from them! What you said is very correct. People should be straightforward, honest, and sincere, remembering others' kindnesses, considering others' goodness, thinking of others' benefits. Only then will one visit neglected places, avoid cold spots. In fact, remembering the word "cold" in human relations can make oneself warm, avoiding overly "hot" places that might eventually make one feel "cold." This is what Grass realized from your comments. Is it right? Thank you for your wonderful comments!
Oriental commented on Grass's blog post "Feeling Warmth! 120 (Visiting Uncle and Aunt)"
February 10, 2012, 03:01:54 [Delete] Sister Grass is truly meticulous! I admire you very much!
Your reply:
February 10, 2012, 13:00:54 [Delete] Haha, thank you sister for your encouragement. Actually, Grass is usually a rather carefree person, only occasionally paying attention to certain things, perhaps related to age. But to say "meticulous" is far from accurate! There's much to learn from you, sister! Especially envious of your thick hair!
Bai Chuan commented on Grass's blog post "Feeling Warmth! 120 (Visiting Uncle and Aunt)"
February 9, 2012, 23:14:59 [Delete] Even a drop of water's kindness should be repaid with a spring of water. Grass knows gratitude, visits old uncles, asks about their well-being, understands their feelings, and shows consideration. She brings not just gifts, but warm sentiments.
Your reply:
February 10, 2012, 12:42:40 [Delete] Grass is deeply moved by Mr.'s enthusiastic comments! Your understanding makes Grass very happy! What you said is absolutely correct. Grass thinks the same. Not necessarily "repaying with a spring of water," but at least doing something within one's ability makes one's heart feel more at peace. Thank you for your wonderful comments!
Bai Chuan commented on Grass's blog post "Feeling Warmth! 119 (Self-entertainment, Lots of Happiness)"
February 9, 2012, 23:03:41 [Delete] Grass writes music scores, plays the piano, and sings freely. Ha, self-playing, self-singing, self-entertainment, leading a life of true freedom!
Your reply:
February 10, 2012, 12:35:55 [Delete] Haha, thank you Mr. for your encouragement and enthusiastic comments. If Mr. says Grass "sings," Grass feels rather ashamed. As a child and in youth, Grass's voice was passable. In the 60s and 70s, performances by propaganda teams and school activities lacked sound systems and records. Performances relied entirely on singing live. During school performances, Grass often played the lead role in small operas, singing solo segments according to musical requirements. However, now due to professional throat issues, speaking too much or too loudly causes discomfort. Now Grass adjusts her own pitch to play and sing, just for fun, as Mr. said, living freely! This is Grass's ordinary life! Haha!
Rain Threads commented on Grass's blog post "New Year's Eve Afternoon and Evening!"
February 10, 2012, 21:09:55 [Delete] Sharing sister's New Year feast and adorable grandson. Sister's articles are filled with a strong sense of daily life, I love them. Kudos!
Your reply:
February 10, 2012, 22:32:02 [Delete] Sister, are you rested? Thank you for coming to visit Grass despite your busy schedule and listening to my chatter! Thank you for your encouragement and enthusiastic comments!
Mountain Person commented on Grass's blog post "New Year's Eve Afternoon and Evening!"
February 10, 2012, 20:57:06 [Delete] Sister Grass celebrates the New Year properly, following all the customs. Our celebrations seem simpler. For example, since we always eat fish, we didn't serve a whole fish on New Year's Eve, instead serving fried fish, so we wouldn't worry about leftover fish smelling the next meal. Fried fish keeps well, and we haven't finished it yet. This is really having leftovers. It seems Shandong people use carp, symbolizing surplus every year and the carp leaping through the dragon gate. We here prefer black fish because carp smells too strong.
Children are the happiest during the New Year, especially when there are boys in the family, fireworks are indispensable. However, we never set them off ourselves, just listen to others do it, haha!
Your reply:
February 10, 2012, 22:37:05 [Delete] Haha, celebrating the New Year! Regardless of whether the festive atmosphere is now faint or strong, this sentiment remains! Southern regions have more varieties of fish, while our area has fewer fresh fish options, only pond fish. Sea fish we consume are all frozen, but yellow croaker, with fewer bones and solid flesh, is loved by the family and grandson! Grass invented her own way of setting off fireworks, so on New Year's Eve, her son did the honors while Grass assisted. The last few strings of firecrackers were all set off by Grass herself in the morning when everyone else was still sleeping! Haha!
Mountain Person commented on Grass's blog post "Feeling Warmth! 120 (Visiting Uncle and Aunt)"
February 10, 2012, 20:40:23 [Delete] Sister Grass is someone who knows gratitude and observes proper etiquette, aspects where I need to learn more from her. From this piece, I saw Aunt Ji Wang mention me, and we've already become mutual friends these past two days. Being able to become friends on blogs means we share similar interests. I visited her blog and found her avatar very elegant, meeting a mentor-like elder sister makes me happy.
Your reply:
February 10, 2012, 22:39:35 [Delete] Is that so? Then Grass is also delighted! So, Grass organizing these comments is also providing a platform for everyone to exchange ideas! Haha! Elder sister is warm-hearted and kind, so getting acquainted is all about fate! Grass hopes you all interact pleasantly!
Clear Moon commented on Grass's blog post "New Year's Eve Afternoon and Evening!"
February 10, 2012, 20:25:32 [Delete] Excellent! Wishing you a joyful weekend, friend!
Your reply:
February 10, 2012, 22:40:19 [Delete] Thank you Ming Yue for recommending and featuring it! Wishing you happiness too!
Tianshan Bacca commented on Grass's blog post "Feeling Warmth! 120 (Visiting Uncle and Aunt)"
February 10, 2012, 14:20:01 [Delete] Grass is a thoughtful person. Therefore, for those who attended her son's wedding, like Uncle and Aunt types of friends and elders, once their major events are over, Grass takes the time to visit them appropriately to express her gratitude. Hence, items may have a price, but sentiments are priceless! --Grass, who values emotions, always thinks thoroughly. In your area, it's fine, but in our hometown, it's not customary to visit elders in the afternoon, but mornings can be very tight! Yesterday, I hurried to visit an eighty-three-year-old cousin sister.
Your reply:
February 10, 2012, 22:46:29 [Delete] Thank you elder sister for your understanding, encouragement, recognition, and evaluation! In our area, there's no such custom. On the contrary, visiting in the morning or around eleven might inconvenience the host. Often people talk about guests arriving just as meals are served, haha! So this year, Grass let her son pay New Year's greetings mostly after lunch, around three or four in the afternoon. Here, hosting guests during the New Year is mainly focused on the noon meal, so visiting in the afternoon implies not eating together! Stay briefly and leave! Local customs vary, adapt accordingly! Of course, if there were such customs here, Grass would certainly take note, haha!
Tianshan Bacca commented on Grass's blog post "Feeling Warmth! 119 (Self-entertainment, Lots of Happiness)"
February 10, 2012, 14:12:36 [Delete] Wow! Compared to Grass, I'm practically tone-deaf! I only know basic music sheets, and only recognize the notes of songs I've sung before. Without prior knowledge, reading the sheet music is useless, unable to sing. So, seeing your professional writing, I understand little! Oops, sorry!
Your reply:
February 10, 2012, 22:51:16 [Delete] Thank you elder sister for your encouragement! Grass only knows a little, learning and improving! Elder sister comes from a financial auditing background, those knowledge and tricks Grass knows nothing about!
Tianshan Bacca commented on Grass's blog post "Feeling Warmth! 118 (It's So Cold Today!)"
February 10