It has been another busy month around here and I can't believe I leave for the States in 25 days. For Hari Raya(Muslim celebration for the end of Ramadan) we went to the beach with five other families, three of which are Shell people. We flew to Palua Redang which is a small island off of the north east coast of Malaysia in the South China Sea. It was spectacular to say the least. We could wade right into the cove that our hotel was on and see so many reef fish. There were also beautiful coral formations and of course, anemones with clown fish. We had a very relaxing time. Did get some bites and no one is sure if they are sand flies or sea lice but I still have them and they itch. Won't keep me from going straight back the next opportunity I get, though. The pictures are on the web album page so click on the link on the right side of this page to go there.
Al and I were invited to the Marine Ball last Saturday since some friends got sick and could not go. We dumped our closets out everywhere and found something passable to wear and said yes. It was so much fun! We have a small group of Marines here to protect the Embassy and they were all there in dress uniforms! Our ambassador was also there, and read a letter from Condalisa Rice. The music and presenting of the colors was very moving. We danced until 1:00am.(I think the Marines probably danced all night!)
This week is another holiday week in KL. The Hindu's are celebrating Deepavali. It is one of their most important holidays. One of the pictures I will try to put on this page is rice artwork. Kari and I were at the mall this week and this guy was just starting his picture. He comes with all colors of dyed rice and a picture in his head of what he wants to do. This guy filled the entire circle. I was back there a few days later but forgot my camera. I will post the completed picture later but it was beautiful. Many people go out of town for a vacation every time there's a holiday, but we are using this one to visit more spots around KL. Crowds should be down with expats on vacation and Hindu's out of town to their family kampungs.(these are like the little villages they are originally from) Next week Al and I are going with the American Association to the elephant sanctuary. Should be fun.
I am trying to get my thoughts together for my trip back home. What to bring from here, lists of what I need to buy there, people to see, Dr. visits, wow I think I need a nap. I fly in December 1st and Al comes on the 15th. We both leave Dec. 28th. Like I said, between Christmas shopping, shopping for the stuff I need to bring back here, visiting, and doctoring the time will go very quickly. I would love to meet for lunch out in Katy with anyone who can, and might need two dates to see everyone. Y'all either post a comment here or email me with some dates. My only dates that are bad are Dec. 4-9 when I go to see my Mom. I can't believe time has gone so fast. Already it's Christmas coming and before you know it, it will be March and Hillary will be on her way here! By the way, she takes her veterinary national board exams on November 21st at 8:00am. Please pray peace and calmness for her.
Must go pick Al up from work so until I see you in December--Patti
