Return of the Rat

Today’s the Chinese New Year. I’m a bit disturbed that our child will be born in the Year of the Rat, because I don’t particularly care for rats. But maybe I should learn to respect the rat. Did you know rats share the gift of laughter with us?

I got a card from my friend MF in China, a genuine Chinese Year of the Rat card. Very cool.

Speaking of cool things from China, MF also sent a package of baby clothes and the like, including these items she says were made by an old lady in Qingdao who was selling them on the street.

Finally, of course, I can’t think of China today without thinking of the blizzards there that waylaid millions as they tried to make it home for the holidays. Over half a million people were stranded at a single train station. Last night on the news they called it the government’s handling of it the “Chinese Katrina.” MF disagrees. Check her blog for links to many amazing pictures. And Dane’s blog too.