Bitter Sweet Parting

Last week I parted with my precious little charges. Bitter because I love them, and they love me. But sweet because they now get their mommy's undivided time. They are blessed beyond measure to have such parents.

But I will miss their adorable faces, kindness and affection, and beautiful personalities.

Always the pensive one.

Always the dramatic one!

My life has been blessed by these two munchkins. I'm thrilled to see them continue to grow and I can't wait to see the men who they will become.

Burmese Days

Since my brother became a career bookman I have uncontrollably bought every book that looks appealing. This has resulted in a large pile of unread (but very enticing) literature. Unfortunately I've been buying more books than I can read, so the pile only grows. Since my mother moved to Boise in April (moved, I might say, into the room with the TV, satellite, and wii), I have made a renewed effort to minify this collection.

My strategy is twofold. Read more books, buy less books.

Among recent conquests (and books that I would highly recommend): A Thousand Splendid Suns, How The Irish Saved Civilization, Devil in the White City, Rashomon and In The Grove, and most recently, Burmese Days.

Just when I thought that George Orwell was going to pull out a happy ending, to allow the protagonist a perfect, romantic and content Happily Ever After, he turns everything upside down, allowing evil to win, the hero to meet his demise, and selfishness to be rewarded with prosperity.

Thanks George.