As some of you know, I've got a sabbatical coming up in January. And as some of you know, I'm planning on spending a great whack of that time in Harbin, China.

So, I've changed the name of my blog to reflect that shift in focus. Every summer, I explain to lots of people that the lower peninsula of Michigan is shaped like a mitten, and Michiganders from the lower peninsula will point to their hands to show you where they come from . . . and this last summer, I learned that the Chinese think that China is shaped like a chicken, and Harbin is located at its eye.

Anyway, January is trotting right up, and I'm alternately getting excited and getting cold feet as I start to plan my trip. Check this space for more updates . . .