1. I just placed an order for another pair of boots to take with me back to Harbin. I've worn more boots in the last three years than perhaps in the last decade. If you move to sub-Siberia, winter boots (moreover, well made winter boots) are indispensable.
2. I worked on a newsletter into the late hours of last night. If revisions are minimal, it should be printed and mailed out by August 20.
3. I wake up at 4:00 a.m. on Friday to drive to Atlanta, where I will pick up a dear friend who is traveling for five hours to see me. I met him during my first weekend in Harbin, so it seems only appropriate that I spend my last weekend at home showing him around.
4. I return to China on August 19, landing on August 20.
