Flowers are everywhere during Tet, which is short for Tet Nguyen Dan, meaning the first morning of the first day of the lunar new year.

Most towns have a parade for Tet. The larger cities have spectacular light displays and fireworks. Tet falls on the first new moon phase (meaning the dark stage) of the lunar new year. It is the only holiday for a whole year so the festivities are fairly intense and last a few days. This is the year of the horse. Notice the warm garb. Vietnam winters may be chilly at times.

The original house has taken on a new wing, thanks to Mrs. Tran's children. Here is the matriarch in the same spot as 2010 photo on "Life in Vietnam" page with some of her family at a gathering for Tet, 2014.

As part of the new addition, a bathroom was constructed that eliminates the need for walking to a grove of palm trees for toileting. I was thankful that the familiy allowed me to underwrite it, but it took a lot of persuading.

Family gathering for Tet 2014. Tran Thi Thuy, the contact person, is in foreground.

This writer is very grateful to have shared a little of Tet with this extended family gathering.

Saying good-bye on the pathway to the family home in Haoi Nhon. The extended family were gracious hosts on this day of Tet, January 31, 2014.