5 weeks to go

I don't know if that is a bad thing or a good thing. I have a lot of work to do in those 5 weeks. I have started on the end of the year reports, Diana has pictures for the portfolios (although we have no ink to actually print those), I have loads of work to file into the portfolios and we are planning a field trip and an end of year picnic. But it will be good to be home and off work for about 6 weeks.
I was reading an article in a local magazine here about please and thank you in China. It was quite interesting and gives a good picture of a cultural difference. Please and thank you in China is very formal. Good friends and family don't say it to each other because no thanks are necessary for what they may do for each other. You use it to show respect to elders or for those you do not know well. It is actually considered embarassing if someone close to you says it. It's as if, "What we are not close to each other that you must say thank you to me." They have another word they use with each other that basically means, "no need to thank".
Have I told you I'm going to a ball. It is the maple leaf ball but on by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce - a formal affair. I've never been to a ball so I thought I should try it. I'm having a dress made and I'll be sure to post a picture for you all to see. These balls are pretty common here - some people are going to the British one next week. Apparently, the country Chambers of Commerce do a lot of work, activities and whatever for the expats so I guess I will have to find out more about that next year.
A new French Bakery called Paul has opened in our local plaza and it is fantastic. They serve sandwiches, soup and salad as well. We have had a number of new eateries open and one wonders how they can all survive but I hope they do. I might go there for supper tonight. I have almost stopped buying groceries because it is just to hot to cook and I have to use up everything in my freezer before the end of June.
Yesterday was Doug's birthday and tomorrow is Richard's. I've never missed Richard's birthday before. Those of you who know him please give him a call to say Happy Birthday. I will be calling him also. Doug is travelling around Vancouver Island so I didn't even get to talk to him on his birthday. We will have to have a family birthday party for all us on Mike's birthday in July.
Have a great weekend everyone!