Quill of the Hill

February 2003 Page 2

2. In selecting astronauts, NASA took candidates to a room and left them, without explanation, for two hours, Some fidgeted, some grumbled aloud and a few sat stoically. It was, of course, a calculated test of their patience.

Think on These Things or Bridge Club?

3. Don't let a competitive nature dictate the terms of your life.

Think on These Things or Bridge Club?

4. Life can be changed by refusing to be afraid of looking foolish. Such suggestions are basic to loneliness because it keeps us in ourselves and others out.

Think on These Things or Bridge Club?

And a final example.

5. A sign in an office I visited offered the advice: "If at first you don't succeed . . . Quick! Fix the blame!"

Think on These Things or Bridge Club?

The way these columns are written and then located with only a bridge diagram between, I'm sometimes inspired to be a more thoughtful man, even if my bridge continues down hill.

Gift Garden

Open on New Days

Beginning in February the Saint Simeon's Gift Garden, located down the ramp from the Ice Cream Parlor, will be open the following days and times:

Mondays-1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Wednesdays-1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Fridays-1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

The Gift Garden is stocked with many wonderful items including jewelry, candies, personal care products, greeting cards, stuffed animals, Hot Wheels cars, and much, much more. Stop in and visit Saint Simeon's own little General Store. Loitering is welcomed! And you can window shop seven days a week, twenty four hours a day.

A TRIP TO CHINA

Dr. Reece Boone and Ruth, his wife, traveled to China this past Fall and we asked if they would give us an account of their travels to share in the "Quill." Dr. Boone graciously agreed and what follows is the third and final account in the three-part series.

We departed our comfortable boat and had a brief tour of Chonquing, we then boarded a bus for a 300 mile trip on a bumpy 4-lane highway to Chengdu, viewing rice paddies, factories and high-rise apartment buildings around collective farms. We commented to our guide about the horrible condition of the highway and were told that a high-ranking government official in charge of the highway's construction was found guilty of absconding funds, "so he was shot."

Our hotel, in Chengdu, was the most palatial one on our tour. Our group departed the next morning for three days in Tibet while we remained there, because of doctor's orders, due to the high altitude. We leisurely explored the area, read a lot, attended evening string quartet concerts and enjoyed being together. Our group returned and we drove to the suburban area of the city to the Panda Sanctuary and enjoyed seeing the world famous black and white bears.

We next flew to Hong Kong for the last two days of our tour. It was a former British colony that reverted to Chinese rule two years ago. They still adhere to British customs and use their own coinage. The population is 4 million but it is the most densely populated city in the world. High-rise apartment buildings are everywhere and the streets are teeming with people.

We toured the city and Hong Kong Island itself and cruised the bay with its sampans and floating restaurants. We also took a tram up the steep mountain to "Victoria's Peak", 3,000 feet above sea level offering a magnificent view of the area of 8 mountains. We then visited the apartment of a 93 year old lady who maintained a 300 square foot home for a son, wife and two grandsons, again, a state-owned complex. She appeared to be quite content. All-in-all, Hong Kong was by far the most modern city and airport we visited.

After three weeks in China we were ready to board the 747 liner for home. We flew north over Japan, east to Fairbanks and down the Alaskan coast, then east to Chicago, where after 14 ½ hours and 5 movies we boarded a commuter for Tulsa.

Our cottage at St. Simeon's was the loveliest site of 21 days. It is great to be home!

"Bridge Hand" Answers

1. B. 2. B. 3. Th. 4. Th. 5. B.

Table of Contents

Home

Page 1

"Bridge Hand" by Ben Henneke

Page 2

Gift Garden

"A Trip to China" by Dr. Boone

"Bridge Hand" answers

Page 3