Author Archives: acloserpeek
Simple Salsa
Since moving overseas I’ve had to add quite a few things to my weekly to-do list. One very important addition has been making salsa. We use salsa a lot. It’s not just a taco or rice bowl topper, it’s in … Continue reading
Jesse Tree Ornaments–Complete Set
So I sort of faded off last year when it came to my Jesse Tree posts. Sorry! Here is the final set with a few close ups of leaves that came later. I hope to do a little more work … Continue reading
Local Fun
Since we arrived here a few months ago, we’ve taken some time to explore local attractions. The kids have loved the local aquarium/zoo place called Polar Ocean World, an awesome new play place a half mile from our house and … Continue reading
Learning to Speak
Have you ever felt entirely and completely like a toddler at some point in your adult life? Right now, Nora’s English skills at a year and a half are way better than my Chinese skills. I’m working to improve that, … Continue reading
Green Island
Our new city is called the “Green Island.” No, it’s not an island. No, I don’t get it either. But it is green and we really like that part of our new home. We get a sea view when it’s … Continue reading
Week One: Check!
Have we really only been here one week? It’s amazing how much has happened since we boarded an airplane on Sunday, July 28 and set foot in our new town early early Tuesday, July 30. We’ve been very blessed with … Continue reading
Transition and Chaos
In the last two weeks we have moved out of our home, shipped 500 pounds of stuff to my dad in Washington, driven across the country and spent hours in cross-cultural training. Needless to say, we’ve been going through a lot … Continue reading
Simplifying for the Big Move
When we started thinking through all of the details of moving overseas early this spring, there were a LOT of questions. Sell the house? Bring the KitchenAid (yes!)? Ship our things? Where do we fly from? What can we not … Continue reading
Empty Nest
No, we’re not empty nesters, but our nest does feel empty these days. I’m pretty bad about spending time with real, live people instead of yarn, food, fabric and other things I find in my house. So in preparation for … Continue reading
Dirty Brown Rice
I’ve made this dish a zillion times for all kinds of occasions. It’s not a glamorous dish, but it has won over the hearts of millions…okay, so maybe a hundred at best. I love that it’s easy, versatile, transports well … Continue reading