31 Dec 2010: To the US and back to China for New Years

Greetings All from Shenyang, China!           

As I write this, it's the afternoon of New Years Eve here in China...by the time some of you read this, it will already be 2011!  Wow, where did the year go?

Many of you know, Rod and I were able to go to the US for Christmas, and what a wonderful, albeit short, time we had visiting friends and family.  As my FB friends know, we were saddened by the passing of my uncle Harry Hill just before Christmas.   A fine Christian man, after more than 10 years suffering from the disease of Alzheimers, he was finally released from that prison of Alzheimers.  God bless him and his family.  There were many highlights of the visit...but I'll only mention three here in this note:  1) I was able to attend a surprise birthday party for my best friend Joellen (we've known each other and been friends since we were both 5 years old!) Her daughters were able pull off a party and I was able to attend.  The venue, a lodge in Veterans Park in Hamilton Ohio was particularly beautiful that night with snow and Christmas lights!  We had a wonderful time!

Veteran's Park lodge in Hamilton, OH

Sarah Miller and Joellen Cummins...an embrace of friends

Sarah Miller and Joellen at her surprise 50th!

A snow-covered Veteran's park lodge at Christmas

Sarah Miller and Joellen Cummins...best friends for life!

2) the second highlights was to go to the Christmas eve service in the little country church where I attended church as a child with my father.  The Christmas pageant has changed yet stayed the same over the years...this year, it was very similar to when I was a kid.  I seemed to always be an angel..my shining hour was to be Gabriel...but obviously my acting career really never took off...I guess I wasn't very good a standing still though all the verses of "Oh Holy Night" with that tinsel halo scratching my head and my aluminum foil wings weighing heavily on my shoulders!

St Paul Lutheran Church, Chatham, KY

St. Paul Lutheran Church, Chatham, KY in Bracken County in the snow on Christmas Eve.  (Chatham is a bump in the road...no post office or stores there anymore, just a community of houses, 2 churches and 1 nursing home)...but it will always be a special place in my heart).  This was the first time I had been back since my Dad passed away in 2008.  He was indeed there in spirit.

3) The third highlight was to see our little grand daughter Olivia.  She is almost 21 months old now, and adorable!  

Olivia with Nana Sarah

Pappaw Rod with Olivia

Olivia with Nana Sarah

Olivia with Pappaw Rod

Olivia Miller in her Panda hat

Rachael, Olivia and Christopher Miller

Olivia, Sarah, Angela Miller Hamilton and Rod Miller

Hope, Sarah Angela John

3 Millers:  Angela Rod and John

3 Generations of Millers:  pappaw Rod, Olivia and Christopher

Our trip back to Shenyang was uneventful...and I'm grateful we came back when we did...because when we landed, it was lightly snowing and cold!  Today, I went out to watch the snow removal...

There is a crew that shovels the sidewalk and puts in the road, and another crew that comes by with a truck and wagon and shovels the road snow into the wagon.

I guess when you have over a billion people in the country and need to keep everyone employed, it's OK to have snow crews like this...I've only seen big snow plows on the airport run ways...I would think they are other places...but I haven't seen them!  All I've seen are these shovel crews...amazing!

Snow removal, Shenyang style

Have wheels will travel!   Cold and snow?  No problem with my scooter equipped with mittens!

But, here in Shenyang just because it snows, it doesn't stop the traffic or the need to move!

Notice the mitten type things that are attached to the scooter to keep your hands warm...these people have an amazing sense of balance..ice and snow doesn't mean no go! By the way, it has warmed up here...High today was 21F with a low of 6F...I don't think many of us reading or writing this note would want to brave that and get on the scooter

So, with my last update of 2010...I wish you all a Happy New Year and may we all enjoy good health, prosperity and wisdom to see all God's blessings in our lives!

Keep those emails and prayers coming!!

Rod & Sarah

11 Dec 2011: Christmas greetings from Shenyang

11 Dec 2010

Holiday Greetings all from Snowy and Cold Shenyang!

Yes, it snowed here yesterday and left a snowy, cold, icy mess.. I just got back from taking Rod to the airport...that was an experience!  The main road (toll road) we always take to the airport was closed...so we had to take a back way...of course my driver didn’t know that way, so he went really out of the way...really!  We went through some really small, ice-covered roads etc...but got Rod there on time..he got checked in, went through security, only to find out that his flight was delayed...he’s still sitting at the airport as I write this and he will surely miss his US connection...but at least out of Shanghai there should be some other options...we’ll see!  I leave tomorrow to go to Canada to work, then Rod will pick me up in Cincinnati on Thursday evening.

We're really looking forward to our time in the US with family!

Here at the hotel, the Christmas tree is up and the lobby decorated in festive silver and blue...The one picture this week is our Christmas e-card to you!

Merry Christmas 2010 from Rod & Sarah Miller, Shenyang, China

The next update will likely be in 2011!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year...and keep those emails coming!!

Sarah & Rod

5 Dec 2010: Shanghai highspeed train ride...wheeeee!

Dear Friends & Family,

It's December 2010...can you believe it?!  2010 is almost gone as I type this note!  This has certainly been a busy one for us and I'm sure it has been for you!

This week has been a busy one for us.  As you may recall from last week's update, we went to Shanghai.  I was hosting a meeting there and was very busy, so I didn't get out much...but I did get to go to the pearl market..if only for a few minutes...doesn't take long when you know what you want!

We arrived at the airport, we decided to take the Maglev from the airport to downtown.  The maglev is a really highspeed train that has no wheels...it's a magnetic levitating train.  Below are some pictures with the timestamp and speed.

On the Maglev in Shanghai

The train took off at 18:02 and by 1 minute into the trip, it was at 173km/hr (107 mph)

By almost 2 minutes into the trip, it was at 265 km/h (165 mph)

Just 2 minutes into the trip we were at 301 km/hr (187 mph)

The trip lasted just 8 minutes and it maxed out at 301km/hr...when it slowed down, it felt like 100mph was just creeping!

Very clean and orderly...no massive push to get on...at least not at the hour we did it!

Sarah Miller at time 0 on the Shanghai Maglev

2 minutes into the trip and we're at 173km/hr

3 minutes into trip we're at 265 km/hr

4 minutes into trip we're at 300 km/hr

Other than that, not a lot of news!  We're both recuperating from the trip in Shanghai...it was a very busy week...and I've spent a lot of time this weekend just recuperating!  We'll be here in Shenyang this week, then next Sunday, I'll go to Canada for a week, then down to the US for Christmas with family in OH & KY before coming back here to China.

Take care and hope you all have a great week!

Sarah

28 Nov 2010: Fleamarket shopping and a trip to the flower market

28 Nov 2010

Greetings all from Cold and snowy Shenyang!

Happy belated Thanksgiving to everyone!  We shared a lovely Thanksgiving buffet with 2 other American couples, 2 French couples and 1 German couple...a very international day of Thanks!  We were and continue to be truly blessed!  We do have much for which to be grateful!  We hope that all of you enjoyed your time with family and friends...and that you didn't get too full!  It's kind of slim pickin's today for my update...it's turned winter here…more snow today, and cold!  Right now, outside, it's "light snow and 15F"…tomorrow the high will be 28F.  The long silk underwear I bought at LL Bean before coming here came out of the package yesterday, and it felt good!  Rod and I did manage to go to the market yesterday with some American friends…we all braved the cold and came back to the hotel and had a hot hamburger in the restaurant!  At the market today, I found a strange decorative item...it's probably the first "antique", I've bought in China.  My eye was first drawn to the shape of the basket, then to the things in it.  We thought they were some type of marshal art baton, but someone told us they were use to clean clothes in the river, then someone else told us they were used to beat out wrinkles in the sheets...neither function will they ever be used for in our house, but bought them, just as they were, basset, batons and all!

old basket and washing/ironing batons from the flea market

Chinese Bamboo/wicker basket with washing/ironing batons...cold day at the market!  You can also see the cabbage pots in the background...they were part of my 50th birthday present this year!

The other highlight of the trip was stopping at the flower market...this place was wonderful..1st floor was many cut flower shops, 2^nd floor was all house plants and orchids...the smell was wonderful walking in the door!  I wish I would have had my camera, and I thought I would go back up today to get a picture, but I just couldn't pry myself out of this warm apartment...maybe next week!  Anyway, Rod bought me a unique little flower arrangement…gotta love that guy!

Sarah with the heart box of flowers from the flower market

Sarah Miller just getting in from outside Shenyang with a fresh box of roses!  What a man I'm married to!!

This week, we're going to Shanghai on Tuesday.  I have a 3 day meeting, and Rod will go to meet some friends of friends.  I doubt we'll have a lot of time to sight-see...the meeting starts on Wednesday and is over on Friday, then we'll be flying back...hopefully I'll have enough time to at least go to the pearl market one night!!

Take care everyone and enjoy all the Pre-Christmas parties and keep those emails coming!!

Sarah & Rod

21 November 2010: Japan,

21 November 2010

Hello everyone from cold, foggy, rainy Shenyang!

I guess the salutation says a lot today!  As I said in last week's update, I was in Japan this past week.  Professionally, it was a good trip, but like most business trips somewhat exhausting!  When I go to Japan, I'm not in a big metropolis like Tokyo..although that is where I fly into, then take a 3 hour bus ride to a town called Ohta.  If you Googleearth to Ohta Japan, you'll see it's just south of Tokyo..looks close on the map, and from what I understand, it takes about 1 hour on the highspeed train.  The hotel I stayed at is very close to the bus station and train station and has a western style breakfast.  It's name is the Grand Hotel Ohta..name sounds great right?  Well, the name is about the only thing grand about the hotel.  The rooms are tiny...and the bathroom is even smaller.  Here's a picture!

The complete bathroom in the "Grand Hotel", Ota, Japan

 Notice the shower water suppy comes directly out of the sink faucet. The tub is about as big around as a small individual shower (which it also serves for).  The toilet, like every toilet I used in Japan has a heated seat and several other functions to spray, blow air etc...you know you are really getting the inside scoop when I tell you about toilets!!

The highlight of the trip was going to a nice Kobe Steakhouse.  I don't know the entire story about Kobe steaks, but suffice to say there is a unique way to raise these beef cattle such that they are fed corn and beer and get massaged in order to make sure their meet will be tender.  And it was very tender!  Expensive, but very good!

Sitting at the Kobe steakhouse in Ohta, Japan with the chef...really good steaks!

Eating at a Japanese restaurant in Ota, Japan

Rod and I have started going to the Catholic Church here in Shenyang.  We are not Catholics, but when it's the only Christian church in town, it's going to do!  It's a small congregation made up of Chinese and Expatriots like Rod and myself.  The Priests are very nice, one Chinese who has studied in Boston and speaks very good English, and an American who is from Pittsburgh.  We don't go every Sunday, but it's a nice respite when we do go.  The service is in English and the songs are a mixture.  There is a large cathedral, but it's not used for a church service...it's rented out and used for a "photo-op" location for weddings.  The actual congregation meets in a small chapel on the grounds.  Rod and I went last Sunday..we were over dressed, but got out picture taken here in the hotel lobby before we left.

Sarah & Rod Miller, November 2010

Sarah & Rod Miller in Shenyang, China, November, 2010. going to Catholic Church.

Today here in Shenyang, we had the official Cornerstone ceremony for the new plant.  It was quite a big deal with a lot of government officials.  One of the necessary things to do at a ceremony like this is to have a dragon and Lion dance ceremony.  I got the following explanation off of the internet about this ceremony:  "It has been believed that dragons are to bring good luck to many people and this is reflected in their characteristics which include great power -- dignity -- fertility -- wisdom and auspiciousness.  Lion dances are usually enacted to bring good luck and to ward off evil spirits--as with the beginning of the Lunar New Year and grand opening of businesses --- weddings and even red egg and ginger parties -- celebrating a newly born baby."

Dragons and Lions at the Cornerstone ceremony for the new Michelin plant

Sarah Miller and some of the China Leadership team

Sarah Miller moving sand at the cornerstone celebration

The ceremony also included the more traditional golden shovel and dirt around the cornerstone of the new plant.  I took my hand at the shovel too!

Sarah Miller with the cornerstone of the new Michelin plant in Shenyang, China

So that's about it for today.  Take care ya'll and keep those emails coming!!

Sarah & Rod

14 Nov 2010: 1st snow, a sneak preview of construction and more wierd food

14 Nov 2010

Greetings all from a dusting- of -snow- covered-Shenyang,

Yes it's cool here in Shenyang, enough for our first snow.  There is still a little bit left, but it most fell, made a mess, and is melting off now.  Sunny skies today, but still quite cold (today high will be 37 F, it's 27 outside right now)...and this is November!

Rod has had a bad cold, but despite that we got out and about a little...driving up to a fur market south west of town.  It was snowing all the while, but the driver never flenched...better him than me!  

driving in the snow..with the budda on the dashboard

Driving in the snow...notice the Budda on the dash...he's been there since day 1.  Guess it's working...no wrecks yet!

We didn't buy anything at the fur market, although there were some very nice coats and jackets..unfortunately not many in the "US Women's size"...I'm sure there's not a lot of market for large coats given the size of the average Chinese woman...very petite!  I really didn't need one anyway...I brought my winter coats from my Romania days, so I will be able to keep very warm!

 

This is a construction site of some more apartment buildings we took along the way.  The white buildings with blue trim are temporary housing for the construction workers.  I'm  not sure how much longer construction sites will be active, but I don't think it will be long!

Construction site in Shenyang in the snow

Speaking of construction sites...I normally don't speak much about my work in these emails, but I thought you might like to see that things are moving right along with our project.

Sarah Miller on the Michelin construction site in Shenyang

Project leaders on the site

Sarah Miller with the concrete being poured in the background

Some of the Shenyang team looking at the site in November 2010

Foundations being built...important to get this done before winter!

It's a lot of work, but it's so nice to actually see things happening...more than just numbers in spreadsheets and words on powerpoint slides!

While I'm out hanging around construction sites, Rod is finding more interesting things to eat...here is a selection of things I don't want to eat!

On the right, you have black eggs...not sure how these things are preserved, but I think they would probably last 1000 years in that vacuum packed container.  Next you have duck tongue..individually packed...just right for that mid morning snack..not!  Then, my favorite to the right...pick snout..vacuum packed to be just right for that special meal, and then of course we have the lone chicken foot including toenails and spurs.  I witnessed Rod giving this to the hotel maid this morning..so I can be sure (I think, unless he stuck one back) that I won't be seeing this for dinner!

One thing that is absolutely wonderful to eat are the fresh mandarin oranges...these little babies are great!  Just like miniature tangerines, no seeds, sweet as you have in the can.  These are fresh in the markets right now...I'm guessing they are grown in the South of China where it is quite tropical...couldn't be here in the frigid North!

Fresh Mandarin oranges.  The coin you see in the bottom is a 1 Yuan coin.  It's about the size of a US quarter.  I put this here so that you have something to judge the size of this little oranges...they are so tasty with a fresh sliced banana..great for desert!

Mardarin oranges

Well, that 's about it for today's note.  Tomorrow, I go to Ota, Japan for a week, then back here to Shenyang next Saturday.

Take care everyone and keep those emails coming!!

7 November 2010: Corn on the cob and more fruit markets

7 November 2010

Greetings all from cool Shenyang,

It's sunday afternoon as I write this (by the way China never changes times, so no "Spring Up Fall Back" to remember here!) and it's cold and wet outside.  It's rain today, but for forecast is calling for snow on Wednesday...we'll see!  The weather forecasts here are like the ones in the US...not something you can count on!

This weekend has been some needed rest and relaxation.  We got out a little but, but not much.  This time on year on Shenyang, the street food vendors switch to Corn on the cob and roasted sweet potatoes for your fast food pallets. Here's some fast corn on the cob!  If you have a 3 wheel trike here, you can go into business!

Corn on the cob street vendor in Shenyang

Awhile back I had a picture of some fruit that some of you wandered what the squashed Asian fruit was, and at the time, i didn't know.  Well, now we know. They are persimmons...and big ones!

Persimmons in China!  Are these the biggest Persimmons in the you've ever seen?!

Here's a picture with Rod and his favorite fruit market not far from the hotel.

Sarah at the fruit market in Shenyang

Rod with his fruit market girl

Always a winner with the girls!

Not much else going on here in Shenyang... take care everyone and keep those emails coming!!

Sarah

30 October 2010: Family and the Fall Harvest in North East China

30 Oct 2010

Greetings all and Happy Halloween..and All Saints Day!

I'm now almost over the jet lag, and ready to get another update together!  It was a long trip, but glad to be back home now!  The best part of the trip was to see 2 of my sisters and 1 brother-in-law while I was in SC.  They drove up from FL and we had a grand day together in Summerville, SC.  Such a nice treat. Thank you Trish, Tom and Martha for making that drive!

Patricia Hurley, Martha Caldeo & Sarah Miller...3 of the Tollner girls Oct 2010 in Summerville, SC

Patricia & Tom Hurley

Patricia Hurley, Martha Caldeo, Sarah Miller

Patricia Hurley & Sarah Miller

Patricia Hurley & Sarah Miller

When I got back to Shenyang, the chill was in the air...and with the cool air came the power generators to make the steam heat...and here, most all of the power plants are coal-fired..but the systems don't seem to have a lot of particulate remover for air pollution...this is a picture from our apartment window in the evening...note the black smoke coming from every smokestack.  These are power plants in the city...they are everywhere, and unfortunately, so is the pollution...worse in the winter than the summer seems to me.

Shenyang in Autumn when the coal-fired power plants are huffing and puffing

Shenyang at dusk in Autum

Today, Rod and I went into the country to a place called Xi Hu (West Lake).  It's a place that is undoubtably gorgeous in the summertime when the water lilies are blooming...but this trip was more about finding the place and seeing the big rice, cabbage, leek and pepper harvesting along the way...it was a spectacle for us!

Rice standing in shocks in the field, with a man stacking the rice in a circle with the rice heads inwards

Rice in the field at harvest

A large rice harvest

Cabbages being cut in the field...looks like all women to me.  Reminds me of growing up on a tobacco farm, back-breaking work!  Cut, then stacked, then hauled to a "Processing station" where it looked like to me the leaves got stripped, then stacked on the truck ready to go to market.

Chinese cabbages being harvested and processed in the field

The family harvest...note the little one's pants has a slit in the back...no pampers here!

Leeks being harvested

Roadside market where some of the harvest is sold

more cabbages than you can imagine

Leeks going to market

The biggest Cabbage processing center in the world...all outside, all manual.  Not a tractor in sight!  They loaded up trucks with license plates from all over China.

The biggest open air, along side the road cabbage and leek market...the trucks, wagons, 3-wheel trikes etc were all bulging from the weight.  It's hard to tell how many leeks and cabbages changed hands today alone!

Corn harvest in Shenyang

Corn harvest...not sure who is more tired...the man or the donkey

Sarah standing in front of the peppers drying on the road

Peppers drying in the road

The peppers were drying along side the road at Xi Hu.  It was quite beautiful actually...like a red carpet.  I doubt we could do this in the US!

This is Xi Hu (West Lake).  It's a large lake that I'm sure is beautiful with the water lilies blooming in late July & August (now that we know where it is, we'll go next year!).  All of the weeds in the lake are the now frozen dead water lily plants.  There is a bazillion of them.  They harvest the seed pods and sell them.  Sometimes we see the empty seedpods in the US in dried flower arrangements.

The Lake was an eerie type of beautiful today with a lone fisherman on the lake. 

A look at the catch of the day...lots of minnows or sardines, not sure which, also some eels, small fish, and not sure what all else!

Xi Hu Lake in autumn

Catch of the day

Fisherman on Xi Hu lake

Thats about it for today!

Thanks to all of you who continue to write us emails...they are very important life line...we've been here 7 months now...hard to believe, but true!

Sarah & Rod