Interesting Read

I love to listen to books on tape in my car, since I do spend so much time there for work. My latest book on tape is interesting, funny and depressing (see cover). Of particular note is the author's casual mention of the "animal market" in Guangzhou, across the bridge from Shamian Island. Wait a darn second, that's where we stayed last year (see blog entries from September, 2009, fuzzy photos due to extreme humidity and bog-like climate that week). He mentions that SAARs started in this market from contamination..... Wait a dang minute .... we spent positively HOURS walking through this place.... Nancy, how are YOU feeling....

If you've spent any time at all in China, I recommend this read (or listen, as the case may be). WARNING: It can make you depressed about our children's country, however.

Life, Generally

Since we last spoke, I have finished summer school (and I have to note, GOD BLESS teachers of autistic children, really), the girls and I have been getting lots of swimming in this summer, they have enjoyed their time with Avery, our star babysitter, Kevin and I are in full handymen landlord renovation mode, we are excited to go up and stay at our friends' cabin in Clayton, GA in the mountains and school starts for teachers in about 11 days.

It's nice to report that my buddy Lynne who lives in Salem, OR has had a baby Tessa (yahoo), our local friends KC and Kathleen have added their new baby Luke to their family via adoption (double yahoo), my Dad came to visit and finally got to sit next to Kevin working a Braves game and he didn't need to visit any Georgia emergency rooms! I have reconnected with two old friends via Facebook (long, long lost friends) and I'm going to try working 32 hours per week vs. my former 20 hours per week. We could use some extra cashola and the girls will be in pre-school 5 days per week anyway.....

My brother recently had some elective surgery and is doing well, I need to call and check on him. My dear niece Casey has a boyfriend, Joe who had a strange accident at a party -- he almost lost his eyeball, but the latest reports indicate he may be spared that agony. He got glass in his eye and initially the doctors thought he might lose one of his eyes, but thanks be to God, it sounds like good news.

I wish everyone had a blog out there so we could all check in and get the updates as we have time. It's easy to do, people, come on. I'm not always willing to get on the phone these days out of selfish, quiet evening time, but I am willing to check your blog if you would just start one!

PS I love this "old" picture of Frannie, she was such a lil' peanut (Hey Angie B, it's Cap'n Crunch, not Captain Crunch)