Jilin Daxue

Rec'd my Original documents- Admit Letter and JW-202 Visa Form. The University had my address wrong and the first letter was returned. When I called Jilin and spoke to my contact person Li Dan, she told me it was sent UPS. Today they arrived and I can now send my passport, application, originals, and copies to the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco. Actually my travel agent is doing it.

Cabin Project

Margo and I went up to the land this weekend to work on our cabin. Very hot in the valley, 100's; yet beautiful at our elevation. Still had to stay in the shade to be comfortable. Very nice as soon as the sun went down, and sleeping under the stars was perfect. Got the floor joists up, next is the deck and rafters.

Brian and Amy came to spend a night and get out of the city heat. However, back in Portland now, 100 degree heat wave for the next three days. We are giong to camp at Bagby next weekend.

Oneonta Gorge

Today Margo and I stopped at Oneonta Gorge while retutning from Our property.

Oregon Country Fair

Beautiful Fair, until the rains came. Then it was Mud City. Could not drive my truck and trailer into the Eight, so will have to go down again to pick up our camp kitchen.

Good News...Bad News

From archy: Religion in the States

The US constitution makes no mention of God in its preamble. Forty-five state constitutions invoke God, or some euphemism for God's name, in their preamble. Only Oregon and Tennessee have constitutions that do not mention God in some form in their preambles.

In Maryland, North Carolina, Oregon, and Texas, atheists are specifically forbidden to hold public office. In those states, freedom of religion really does not include freedom from religion.

Zhong Guo

Have heard from the Confucius Institute that my scholarship was approved and my materials forwarded to Jilin Daxue, which was my first choice. Jilin Province is directly across the Pacific from Oregon. Geopolitically important crossroads of Far East Russia, China, Korea. The grant will pay for a month study of language and culture. I am so excited, fulfills a life long goal. While there I will certainly look for work.