"What happens at grandma's, stays at grandma's"

Here's Hailey, our great-niece--she is my sister JoAnne's granddaughter and my niece Lauren's daughter.

Hailey was at her grandma's (JoAnne's) house painting.

Boy, was she ever painting!

Mandarin I course draws to a close

Only a few more weeks of Mandarin I Chinese classes remaining. I'll be thinking about taking the "Chinese for Travelers" course during the summer semester if it's offered; I'm not sure I could handle Mandarin II over the summer.

Did you know it's estimated only a little over half of China's population can speak Mandarin, the national language? The percentage is higher --70%-- if estimating for Chinese people between the ages of 15 to 29 years of age. (Washington Post, March 7, 2007)

What are the chances I'll be able to communicate with Chinese people while we are there (next year?)? Perhaps slim. But I hope at least a hearty "Thank you", a considerate "How are you?", and a firm "That price is too expensive!" will get me somewhere.

Soundscape of China (PBS)

Listen to sounds from all over China!

PBS has been airing a four-part TV program titled "China from the Inside." We've watched all four episodes and learned a lot about China's government, people, women, and environment. And now this fun link to sounds of China! Of course, I am partial to the lullaby being sung by a caretaker in an orphanage in Henan province. Henan, by the way, is one of the provinces that our adoption agency has received referrals from in the past.