Happy Birthday, Anh!

Our third birthday of the fall semester - Anh's 20th.  We went to KOBE Japanese Steakhouse where the girls enjoyed sushi, George had his first accidental taste of wasabe (sp?), and I enjoyed a familiar chicken and vegetable dish.

Our visit to MABA - Mid American Buddhist Association, Augusta, MO

I've  known about MABA for a few years, and last weekend we finally went for a visit.  Gahee, Vy, Ahn and I found our way to Augusta, MO on a beautiful autumn day and were warmly welcomed.  It takes two hours to drive there from Columbia, MO.

On the Sunday we visited, there were approximately 25 people present.  About six of us were first time visitors.  We had 40 minutes of silent meditation, 15 minutes of walking meditation, and about 10 minutes of chanting.  Then there were announcements and a potluck vegetarian lunch.  After lunch we walked around the property and took some pictures...which follow:

                                                           Main Meditation Room

                                              View from top of meditation hall

                                   After lunch in the multi-purpose room below the meditation hall  

                                                     The pond in autumn decor

                                                Gahee, Vy, and Ahn liked the willow trees

                                              Jenny loves willow trees, too.

                                              Steps leading to Kuan Yin Bodisattva shrine

                                                       Outside of the memorial hall

                                              Inside the memorial hall

                         Inside the memorial hall where people can have their cremation ashes interred.

                                          Outside the memorial hall

                                            Outside the memorial hall

We thoroughly enjoyed our time there.  Although I wish it were not a two hour drive, it's nice to have such a lovely place in Missouri.  Augusta, Missouri is located about 45 miles southwest of St. Louis.

Happy Birthday, Vy!!!

Vy turned 20 on Thurs. Sept. 29....just a few days after Gahee's 21st birthday.   Because of class schedules, we decided to go out to dinner a little later than usual.  Her first choice was China Wok.  She heard good comments about their food, but by the time we arrived there they were no longer serving meals, just doing take-out orders.

Gahee recommended a new Korean restaurant called KUI Korean B-B-Q on 9th street.  We were welcomed warmly and enjoyed our meal.

Note:  I've been trying to upload photos, but when I post them on the blog they will be sideways...even though in the album they are correctly positioned.  Anyway....here they are:

The dessert was free! .... and we all enjoyed a few bites.