Monthly Archives: June 2011

Talking to strangers

Posted on June 27, 2011 by Qin Tang

“Don’t talk to strangers!” This is a phrase that’s often heard in our society. We tell our kids not to talk to strangers for safety concerns. As adults, we usually don’t talk to strangers because we are conditioned not to … Continue reading →

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Home exchange for low cost traveling

Posted on June 25, 2011 by Qin Tang

With a potential Minnesota state government shutdown, state employees are thinking of ways to cut down cost and use the extra free time wisely. A colleague shared with me a website she has signed up for home exchange and low-cost … Continue reading →

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Yahoo your writing

Posted on June 24, 2011 by Qin Tang

I have been using Yahoo for my private email for more than 10 years. I found I can not only use Yahoo to send and receive emails, I can also use my Yahoo e-mail account as a quick and convenient … Continue reading →

Posted in Writing | 2 Comments

Morning walk, nature talk

Posted on June 21, 2011 by Qin Tang

On days I don’t go to work, I enjoy taking a walk in my backyard when I have time. I always start with walking a circle around my veggie garden to check how things are growing.  My Chinese chives come out every … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, Living, Photos | Tagged | 4 Comments

Learning about miniature gardening

Posted on June 19, 2011 by Qin Tang

I love gardening. So when I saw a gardening demonstration and swap event announcement in the local newspaper, I wanted to go.  I didn’t even pay attention to the specific topic.  The event, held on Saturday, June 18 at the … Continue reading →

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Minnesota women legislators

Posted on June 17, 2011 by Qin Tang

If you ever need information on Minnesota women legislators or Minnesota state laws affecting women since 1920, a new website with the Minnesota Women’s Legislative Timeline and Minnesota women Legislators Past & Present can be very handy. The interactive online tool was created by the Legislative … Continue reading →

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Closed during shutdown

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Qin Tang

There are 15 days left to a possible state government shutdown in Minnesota. Today Gov. Mark Dayton filed a petition in Ramsey County court with his recommendation of what to keep open and what to close if state government shuts down on July 1. … Continue reading →

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The heavy cost and burden of a government shutdown

Posted on June 14, 2011 by Qin Tang

Last Saturday I got my layoff notice from the Minnesota Management & Budget dated June 10, 2011. I am just one of about 42,000 state workers who got the letter in the mail with the bad news of the impending shutdown … Continue reading →

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Fresh from the garden

Posted on June 12, 2011 by Qin Tang

   Saturday was a perfect day for gardening and weeding. The soil was still soft from the rain, the temperature was cool and there was no hot sun beaming down in the morning. Working in the garden, weeding, transplanting and picking fresh salads, and … Continue reading →

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5th grade recognition at Middleton

Posted on June 6, 2011 by Qin Tang

My daughter is graduating from the Middleton Elementary School. The 5th Grade Recognition ceremony took place at school this afternoon. I was glad I was able to attend, having to skip the afternoon part of an all day conference I attended. … Continue reading →

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Memorable birthday cards

Posted on June 6, 2011 by Qin Tang

When my kids have birthdays, I always make my own cards for them. Likewise, they always make their own cards for me as well. We love doing that. For my son’s last birthday in May, I made one that includes: … Continue reading →

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VBS options around Woodbury

Posted on June 2, 2011 by Qin Tang

Every year I compile a list of VBS offered by local churches that I am aware of, with registration and contact information, VBS date, theme, age and fee requirements. Below is the 2011 list. I hope this list will make … Continue reading →

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