I was surprised yesterday when I looked at the calendar to count the days.  It seems like it has been a couple of months since Cici left, but it has been just 16 days.  I mentioned it to Ping and she was also surprised.

Last night Ping sat in the home office with me.  I showed her that when the appraisal district corrected their records, they listed Ping's name first and mine second as owners of our home.  That prompted a round of discussion about property values and contesting values for tax purposes.  She is very good at placing a value on a piece of real property, whether it is in China or in the U.S.

Then, as Ping often does, she began talking about how Cici will one day buy a house near us, but in a good school district.  We will help her with her children and she will take care of us in our old age, Ping said.  Don't you think so, Papa?  Ping used the name that she only uses for me when Cici is with us.  I think she forgot for a moment that it was just the two of us at home, because she usually talks about this when Cici is talking with us in a family discussion.

Well, in just three weeks Ping will join Cici in China.  That will really leave an empty house feeling here, but the summer is moving quickly.  I see that Cici just signed in on instant messenger so I think I will say good morning to her.