A Perfectly Perfect Day

Had a perfectly perfect day.  Got started about 7 on our 4th of July picnic.  Took a boat down the river to a cave + had our lunch in a nice cool place + then the gang all went swimming + I went wading + managed to get most of me wet.  The ride back in late afternoon was beautiful - the river was so pretty.  Got caught in the city going and coming in ginbows.  Had so much fun today.  - Annette, July 1941

Every July 4th, I play an orchestra concert in a nearby town.  We meet for a 3hr rehearsal, and after a short dinner break, we perform on an outdoor stage for hundreds of people having picnics with their friends, family, and loved ones.  Marches are played.  Veterans are honored.  Fireworks close out the show.  A few years back, one of my colleagues and I decided that even though we were there to perform, we wanted to enjoy a picnic, too!  Now, we coordinate our menus, pack up our picnic kits, and head out to work.  During our dinner break, we find a shady spot, spread out our blankets, and enjoy the calm, quiet moments before the concert starts.  We brave the rain, the bugs, and the heat, and it is all worth it. 

This 4th was particularly nice - low humidity, nice breeze, not a single rain cloud.  It was perfectly perfect, just like Annette's day.  Although, we didn't have river boats or swimming holes.  Nor did we have air raid alarms to worry about.  Annette was in China at the beginnings of the war, and she lived through some dangerous times.  I love that on her first July 4th away from home, she was still able to have a picnic and enjoy time with friends.  

In this country, July 4th is synonymous with picnics and fireworks.  But not everyone gets to take time off to be with their families.  I am luck to have a job that allows me to spend time with my friends and family, even while working.  I hope all of you had a wonderful July 4th, and I hope we can all be grateful for the sacrifices of others, whether in 1776 or 2018, that make that day possible. 

This Day In History!

The Japs got back on our trail today.  Had about 5 ginbows and saw 4 planes flying back.  We powed every time and missed quite a bit of language work.  Washed my head + dried it outside it was that warm.  This evening Clary + I started out reading, but Doc came over and we played bridge.  -  Annette, February 4, 1941

Tonite was Chinese New Year's Eve, so we had to have a pinochle game and more ice cream.  Our ice will soon be gone and our maple flavoring is going too.  Ta Wei is such a little pest.  He drives me too distraction - he gets into so much mischief and is always so dirty and gets his clothes and sweaters so messed up.  Guess he's just a real boy.  -  Annette, February 4, 1943

Ever since I started this blog, I've wanted to do a "This Day In History" post!  Annette's diary is the most regular, so here's what she was up to on February 4.  I was planning to just do one entry, but I couldn't choose between these two - I liked them both!

In 1941, Annette and Clary were still settling into their roles in China.  Annette had time to wash and dry her hair in the sun, and to play bridge in the evening - clearly there were no kids in the picture yet!  All the while, they spent that lovely day running to and from their bomb shelter cave.  As they watched the planes zoom overhead, I'm sure it was starting to sink in - the war was their new normal.  At least there was time for a card game.  

Fast-forward to 1943, when she was chasing around a wild toddler!  Ta Wei is my uncle, the first of Annette's three sons.  From her diary, she sure had a time keeping up with him!  I love that, again, she mentions the ice cream.  That special occasion treat on the eve of Chinese New Year kept her connected to her American life.  Now I find myself craving vanilla ice cream with maple topping!  Of course, no celebration was complete without a card game.  She had such good friends in China, and I love reading about their social card games.

I wonder what will happen on February 4, 2018....