Spring is in the air . . .

On a recent Saturday, the senior couples visited Hong Kong's Heritage Museum in the New Territories area of HK. Exceptionally well done, the museum gave us an overview of Chinese history and the arts.

The history of opera in China is very interesting. We enjoyed learning about the characters and the costumes.

Ornate and beautiful, there were displays of a large variety of costumes. Of special interest were the headpieces for both men and women.

A large fan made from US$1 bills was a gift from the USA to Hong Kong.

The Chinese art was incredibly beautiful with the featured exhibit by a well-known artist. We both enjoyed all of his art.

The many statues were impressive!

The artifacts were old! Some were several hundred years old, but many others dated back to ~500 BC. It is amazing that these treasures have been so well preserved.

A short distance from the museum is a Hakka village -- this group of people still live in the enclave, and we quietly visited their ancestral hall. There is much to learn from the Chinese regarding family and reverence for their ancestors.

Our group appreciated the visit to this small village.

Our final stop in the museum area was a Buddhist temple -- always interesting are the various sections and areas where worship takes place.

Flat Stanley is visiting from the USA -- he enjoyed the view from Elder & Sister Perkins 24th floor apartment over Repulse Bay. During the month of April, he will travel with us and experience Hong Kong; his adventures will then be reported to our grandchildren!

The Hong Kong Flower Show 2010 exhibit was a sight to behold during a week in March. It is amazing what creative and imaginative minds and hands can construct, and reminds one of the Tournament of Roses parade floats.

Topiary trees and bushes in all shapes and sizes abounded!

Whimsical and delightful characters brought smiles!

Lots of families enjoyed the flower show.

We spent a short time enjoying the show, and came home with new orchids. There was a market stands around the periphery of the exhibit area with many options of reasonably-priced flowers to purchase. We love this part of Hong Kong -- a 12 month growing season means we always have some flowers in bloom!

The facade of a building near our apartment is being renovated -- the bamboo scaffolding covered with green netting always amazes us. This particular building has over 20 stories of this hand-lashed support.

On a recent Sunday morning, I looked out our window toward the harbor and saw a marathon event taking place. According to the local paper, over 30,000 people ran either the marathon or associated shorter races that day. Needless to say, traffic was affected greatly!

Steve and Cami came for a visit in March! Their first full day was Sunday and they were just getting off the elevator at church when I snapped this shot. More about their visit will be posted later!

Park Island, a 30-minute ferry ride from HK Island, is a lovely spot -- the Tsing Ma Bridge connects this island to other land. Of special interest, Noah's Ark is located there. This is the only full-size replica of the ark in the world and we thoroughly enjoyed the exhibits, instructional movies and displays.

The ark itself is massive; the grounds are incredibly beautiful and the experience was great!

Life-sized animals (two by two, of course) were situated in the garden settings.

The animals were extremely well-crafted!

Groups of Chinese school students waited in line to enter the "ark" and view the exhibits. Everything about our time on Park Island was pleasant and enjoyable.

At the end of Chinese New Year, the Wan Chai police station next to our office presented a dragon dance for invited guests. We went to the patio on the 11th floor of our building and watched below. Colorful and imaginative, it was fun to view.

A view to another direction while on the 11th floor showed the beautiful and bustling city below.

How lucky we were to be invited to board the USS Nimitz when it was in the South China Sea for a short time in late February.

We joined Elder and Sister Watson and boarded a launch boat to travel about 40 minutes "out to sea" -- but still very close to Hong Kong, to tour the Nimitz.

The size of the carrier was incredibly large and it was impossible to snap a photo as we were approaching. All photos were taken "from" the aircraft the Nimitz.

Many guests were gathered in a huge area where beautiful food was served (every bite was delicious). The US Consul General welcomed all . . .

A special cake was cut by the dignitaries.

The playing of the national anthem was a moving experience and reminded us once again of the blessing of being Americans. We were grateful for the opportunity to be on the aircraft carrier that had recently been located in the Persian Gulf and was headed back to San Diego.

#15 is born!

Our newest grandchild, a baby boy, joined Blake and Becky's family on February 7. Little Keegan Clark Arnold weighed in at 6 lbs. 9 oz. and was born in Salt Lake. His birth mother decided adoption into the Arnold family would be best for her son, and we are thrilled to have this special little boy as our grandchild. Obviously, Abby, Whitney, Spencer and Tatum are excited to have a new baby. Spencer, age 4, will definitely be a great buddy to his little brother!

The Chinese Know How to Celebrate!

Kung Hei Fat Choi -- Happy New Year

Last week was Chinese New Year -- the Year of the Tiger! The 25 minute fireworks display was spectacular -- we never seem to tire of these harbor light shows!

Music was synchronized with the fireworks -- the crowds were incredibly large, and the weather was quite chilly! Once again, we enjoyed the fireworks.

Displays throughout the city abound. This floral arrangement is found just a half block from our Church Administration Building. Bushes laden with small tangerines are everywhere -- they signify prosperity, which seems to be included in most new year wishes.

Flowering plum branches signify a rebirth (the Spring festival is part of the Chinese New Year). There are blossoms everywhere -- most are live, but others are artificial.

We had been told of a remarkable display at a very nice mall -- so we ventured out on a Saturday recently to check it out. These tigers, made from flowers, were really spectacular!

Mom and her cubs were magnificent centerpieces in the shopping mall.

Wan Chai market, a fun place to explore, had booth after booth of decorations for the New Year. We bought a few items to send home to grandchildren, and some things for our apartment. It will be fun in future years to have some lanterns and decorations as we celebrate "back home!"

Victoria Park, only a few miles from our apartment, was the scene of a giant flower market as well as booth after booth selling trinkets, gadgets, and general "stuff." We decided to head there late on a Friday afternoon; the crowds were incredible. After an hour or so and a few purchases, we had our "New Years' experience" for the day. The flower displays were quite amazing.

I couldn't resist the orchids -- a couple of small ones now grace our apartment. It has been so fun to have orchids while living here -- they are not expensive, and like the humidity and temperatures found in Hong Kong.

The South Pacific Hotel is a few short blocks from our apartment and is highly decorated. The swags of firecrackers on either side of the main entry are traditional decorations.

Inside the hotel, the tree of plum blossoms is covered with "red envelopes" -- these are filled with money for New Years' gifts. Receiving red envelopes for the New Year is exciting and very much a part of the Chinese tradition. The plum trees are sold somewhat like Christmas trees -- each family might have one! Certainly, it is good luck to have something with blossoms or flowers in your home for the new year holiday. Each day of the new year (New Years' Eve, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd days of the new year) is celebrated generally with family. In mainland China, the celebration lasts a full eleven days. Many shops were closed, and life on the streets was definitely much quieter than usual. Our office was closed for two days.

Store windows were decorated with lanterns and many other traditional decorations!

A few weeks ago, our senior couples' group was fortunate enough to take a tour of this magnificent building. It is called Kom Tong Hall -- and was the main gathering place of the Church in Hong Kong from 1960 to 2004. A beautiful home to three generations of the wealthy Ho family of HK from about 1914 until '60, the church then purchased the home and used it for a meetinghouse and offices. Ned and I remember visiting church there in 1987 -- the woodwork and architectural details are very impressive. In 2004, the Church turned it over to the government and it is now a museum for Dr. Sun Yat-sen, a world-renowned revolutionary and father of modern China. The building has been faithfully restored to its original majestic appearance.

A plaque on exterior wall tells the history of the building. The day we visited, there were large crowds of people touring. Our guide, Elder Stanley Wan (now an Area Authority Seventy for the Church), gave us some interesting insight as he grew up living there as a boy. His parents were the caretakers of the home/church facility. He told us much about the activities that took place there during the 40 years that the Church owned the property. It stands in the "mid-levels" of HK and was the first Chinese residence there -- the previously built homes in that area were all for British families.

A Saturday at Stanley Market in January -- there are many flowers in bloom year round in this temperate climate.

Farewell to "2009"

The year came to an end as we shared the holidays with our wonderful Paris family -- little Max was loved and adored every minute of every day -- nine to be exact. He was a trooper, a real "city boy" who adapted incredibly well to the sightseeing adventures of his parents and grandparents. We feel so blessed to have had them here -- and they fell in love with Hong Kong!

At 10,000 Buddhas, Max felt right at home with the statues, and the "other children." His 9-month birthday was celebrated while in Asia.

Grandpa became a "fast favorite" with Max and he was always happy when Grandpa was nearby.

Ashley, senior secretary to the Area President, is a dear Chinese friend. She offered to join us for lunch and ordered our "dim sum" from the menu -- good thing she was there, as there was no English spoken or written. We thoroughly enjoyed every item brought to the table -- Dave and Les are great with chopsticks, and Max will certainly learn before too long. He'll surpass his grandparents in "chopsticks ability," we surmise!

Max was tended by one of Grandma's friends while the adults attended a session at the Hong Kong Temple. It was a treat for our kids to be so close to a temple (about 20 minutes by bus) since they travel to Bern, Switzerland; Frankfurt, Germany or London, England to attend the temple. Someday there will be one in Paris!

This little guy is willing to explore in stroller or on the back of his dad. The markets are definitely colorful and interesting for his little eyes!

It seems that there are things to buy everywhere, and mom and son have serious decisions to make. With Chinese New Year not far off (February 14 this year -- the latest possible date according to the lunar calendar), Leslie will be preparing a celebration for the French and Chinese members in Paris. She found a few things to add pizazz to her decorating theme.

The sights of Hong Kong -- the crowds and the overwhelming presence of people, confirm that this is the most densely populated city in the world. Dave and Les were surprised at the concentration of people everywhere!

These two little ones are only about a week apart in age. Max' little Chinese friend is a cutie -- her nanny is a member of the church from the Philippines and brought her to the party on Christmas Day.

The women in our "group" couldn't get enough of little Max. He was hugged and fussed over by many "would be" moms. Several of the women have little ones far away back home, and it was especially meaningful for them to see Max.

The tradition of "new PJ's" for Christmas seemed to dictate a pair of Chinese jammies. The smallest size available was still too large, so Max will have this "suit" for quite some time. He was happy to find Monchichi in his stocking -- the same little "monkey" that was a favorite of Dave's 30 years earlier.

A very different Christmas Eve was enjoyed in HK. Crossing the harbor via the ferry, we stood with thousands (tens of thousands) of people to watch the laser light show. There was definitely a feeling of New Years/Mardi Gras rather than Christmas Eve. We were happy that families were together, but we wondered if the reading of Luke 2 was even considered as part of their celebration.

The fishing village of Tai O provided a backdrop for three generations of Arnold "men" -- perfect weather helped our Parisians enjoy their time here.

With the Big Buddha in the background, Max and grandpa complete the 6.2 kilometer cable car ride (along with the rest of us) and explore the monastery (vegetarian lunch was the fare -- not wonderful food, but acceptable) and Big Buddha.

Max (left) and Leslie are perfectly "dressed" in traditional Chinese garb!

If you are in a big city, you have to get around -- and the MTR (subway) is the method of preference when traveling a bit longer distances. Sometimes they are incredibly crowded and you are obliged to "stand" and hang on (as above); other times you might be lucky enough to get a seat (grandma likes that!!)

Upon their arrival, Dave, Leslie and Max "hit the ground" running, literally, and were fantastic house guests. Times Square is a short distance (5 minutes) from our apartment, so we ventured out to see what we could find for Max to eat -- their suitcases took three days to arrive! Challenges, yes, but adaptable people make the best of any situation!

While at Times Square, we saw the crowds enjoying a performance given by small Chinese children. They were singing all sorts of Christmas songs (in English) and were delightful!

The airport was highly decorated -- Dave, Leslie and Max arrive in Hong Kong on December 22 -- sans the luggage. Fortunately, Les was wise and packed a bag with some essentials, but they didn't last "forever."

Grandma Arnold meets her 14th grandchild -- Maxwell David Arnold. He was smiling and seemed happy to become acquainted!

On Sunday, December 20, our branch choir (I accompany on the piano) performed a cantata. Pictured are the women of the choir (we have only two men, who were elsewhere when the photo was taken) and they worked for several months to prepare. The performance was excellent and the spirit of Christmas was truly felt by all in attendance.

Sandy and Andrew Lai hosted a very fun Christmas party at their mansion. The Christmas tree was 20 feet and covered with more ornaments than you can imagine. A collection of more than 100 creches as well as many other decorations on the five floors of their home made for a very festive event. Several of the senior couples attended -- wonderful turkey and ham dinner, great opportunity to socialize, and laughs with a "white elephant game" made for a special party. The following evening, the senior couples and Area Presidency had a dinner at Elder & Sister Watsons' home. We enjoyed eating in the atrium, singing Christmas carols, being entertained by a very musical family and the reading of a favorite Christmas story, "The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey."

Brian Frederick and his friend Matt Broadbent came to Hong Kong (and subsequently to mainland China) on a 2-week "spur of the moment" adventure. We were happy to see them several times during the week they were in HK -- Brian was one of our Rostov missionaries, and we are always thrilled to reconnect with those with whom we shared the Russian experience. They loved Hong Kong.

A Senior Missionary Conference was held in late November -- the morning was spent in wonderful meetings, lunch was provided and the afternoon was spent at Hong Kong Park, aviary and zoological gardens. Perfect weather made for a great day!

The monkeys performed royally for all to enjoy.

Hong Kong Park is a perfect oasis of peace and tranquility surrounded by city skyscrapers.

By special assignment, I was asked to provide the makings for Christmas cards (300 in total!!) so that our Filipina women could have a creative opportunity to make something special to send home to their families. Lots of cutting and stamping ahead of time made it possible for things to run smoothly. It was fun to see their excitement as they each made three or more cards.

A Saturday afternoon in mid-November was made more pleasant by a visit to 10,000 Buddhas -- a place we decided we will certainly bring guests. The monasteries at the top house the many Buddhas.

A birthday dinner (don't you just love those birthdays???!!) at Dan Ryan's in Pacific Place was really enjoyable -- we wandered around the mall briefly and noted "Max & Co." -- we are eagerly awaiting the arrival of our "MAX" from Paris!