Christmas Shopping and an Early Gift from Pompey

The clock is ticking on our departure back to California. This will be the first time Josh has flown, and while confidend of survival, we have little hope of emerging from the experience unscathed. I've been perusing the lad's owner's manual for hints and strategies. So far I have found little to settle my mind about the 12-plus hour non-stop trans-Pacific crossing.

Katie and I headed to Yinge yesterday for a little pre-holiday shopping. For those not up to speed on Taiwan, Yinge is town known for its ceramics. Locals have turned their calling into a nice little tourist industry. Selection ranges from cheap and cheesy to high-end works of art. Taiwan and "art" may not seem to belong in the same sentence to the uninformed who think the island is only capabable of producing electorics. On contrary, the local artisans turn out incredibly detailed and delicate works, both in traditional and contemporary styles.

Last night's footy results saw my beloved Pompey win 2-0 over Everton. It was the first time the Portsmouth beat the Toffees at home in 50 years. Matt Taylor opened the scoring with an amazing 45-yard goal followed by a flawless Kanu volley. Play up Pompey!