Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese

A nun gives birth to conjoined twins in a mission
hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The mother dies in childbirth and the father, a British surgeon named Thomas Stone, disappears. It is this birth that sets in motion the action of Cutting for Stone, Abraham Verghese's first novel.

To read more, or listen to a reading by the author. Click here.

Fall Classes for Men at THE ADULT LEARNING CENTER

NOTE: DUE TO THE COMPLEXITY AND DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF THEIR CONTENTS, CLASS SIZES WILL BE LIMITED TO 8 PARTICIPANTS MAXIMUM.

Class 1 - How To Fill Up The Ice Cube Trays
Step by Step, with Slide Presentation.
Meets 4 weeks, Monday and Wednesday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM.

Class 2 - The Toilet Paper Roll--Does It Change Itself?
Round Table Discussion.
Meets 2 weeks, Saturday 12:00 for 2 hours.

Class 3 - Is It Possible To Urinate Using The Technique Of Lifting The Seat and Avoiding The Floor, Walls and Nearby Bathtub?
Group Practice.
Meets 4 weeks, Saturday 10:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 4 - Fundamental Differences Between The Laundry Hamper and The Floor
Pictures and Explanatory Graphics.
Meets Saturdays at 2:00 PM for 3 weeks.

Class 5 - Dinner Dishes--Can They Levitate and Fly Into The Kitchen Sink?Examples on Video.
Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning At 7:00 PM

Class 6 - Loss Of Identity--Losing The Remote To Your Significant Other.
Help Line Support and Support Groups.
Meets 4 Weeks, Friday and Sunday 7:00 PM

Class 7 - Learning How To Find Things--Starting With Looking In The Right Places And Not Turning The House Upside Down While Screaming.
Open Forum.
Monday at 8:00 PM, 2 hours.

Class 8 - Health Watch--Bringing Her Flowers Is Not Harmful To Your Health.
Graphics and Audio Tapes.
Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 9 - Real Men Ask For Directions When Lost--Real Life Testimonials.
Tuesdays at 6:00 PM Location to be determined.

Class 10- Is It Genetically Impossible To Sit Quietly While She Parallel Parks?
Driving Simulations. 4 weeks, Saturday's noon, 2 hours.

Class 11 - Learning to Live--Basic Differences Between Mother and Wife.
Online Classes and role-playing.
Tuesdays at 7:00 PM , location to be determined

Class 12 - How to be the Ideal Shopping Companion Relaxation Exercises, Meditation and Breathing Techniques.
Meets 4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours beginning at 7:00 PM

Class 13- How to Fight Cerebral Atrophy--Remembering Birthdays, Anniversaries and Other Important Dates and Calling When You're Going To Be Late.
Cerebral Shock Therapy Sessions and Full Lobotomies Offered.
Three nights; Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 7:00 PM for 2 hours.

Class 14 - The Stove/Oven--What It Is and How It Is Used.
Live Demonstration. Tuesdays at 6:00 PM, location to be determined.

Upon completion of any of the above courses, diplomas will be issued to the survivors.

Are we Done?

Yes. Our family is complete.

I believe I told Ian this (tho it is a little blurry) as we drove home from the airport after I landed home with Ebba - you know, the Trip from Hell? I was not terribly rational then (too tired), but the decision has remained firm, and I think we are all content with it. After all, we are on the older side of parenting (I'm 44 and Ian's 51).

I am very much enjoying the purge that is accompanying Ebba growing out of things. As Mei Le grew out of clothes, I was hesitant to pass them on (feeling unsure about whether we would adopt only one child). But now I am purging with a vengeance. I have about 6 plastic tubs full of clothes for Ebba to grow into ... and with 5 yrs btw them, I may always have a few on hand. However, I suspect Ebba may catch up by a size or two as the years go by. Plus, as they reach tween- and teen-dom, they may become less receptive to "previously-owned" clothing (the staple of our current wardrobes - me included!).

Gratuitous Cute Kid Pics

Bald Darby

Well - the hectic-ness of the past few months took its toll on my grooming time & energy - resulting in one matted Setter. So last week I dug out my clippers and took it all off! It's a bit of a hack job - but after a bath (waiting for a warmer day), I will try to smooth it out a bit. Should grow in nicely for spring.

I think she feels better ....

More Sisters ...

A Quiet Saturday Morning ...

... yeah, right.