About Netherlands ferrets: In the spring of 1996 I was preparing to go to the Netherlands to give a talk at an educational conference at Rulimburg University in Limburg (yes, where the cheese is... but that's another story) and then visit with my best friend from college in Amsterdam. I posted to this list, asking if I could visit any Netherlands ferrets. Some really nice folks e-mailed me, and I got to go and visit them and their 3 ferrets about 10 miles from Amsterdam proper (or improper... if you've ever been there, you know what I mean ;-) . ) I spent a fun hour getting kisses and cuddles from some European ferrets, and watching them stash their toys after their human mom dumped all the toys and shoes out on the floor for me to see. Re The Ferret Mall: My baby, Rosie Grace (Yes, my middle name is Grace. So.... ?) will be most likely be opening a stationary store and bookstore. She ignores shoes, socks, makeup, etc., but if she spies a pen, pencil, or highlighter she grabs it and runs. She also has to inspect any book she sees, regardless of whether we happen to be reading it at the time. Paperback or hardbound, she sniffs it, opens pages, reads a bit and often leaves her place marked with teeny tiny toothprints so she can pick it up again, when we're not paying attention, and read the rest. Since == (1) my husband and I both teach, (2) my husband is in a doctoral program and goes to school evenings at U of Arizona, (3) I take at least one postgrad course a semester just to keep my knowledge base up-to-date (currently taking a graduate level course in Human Immunology -- neat stuff!) and (4) we both read for relaxation before bedtime (we find it not very restful to spend the night dreaming about the stuff you read and worked on all day) == it's pretty easy for RG to find books and writing implements on our desks, on the coffee table and couch, on the dining room table, on the floor in the living room, and on the headboard of the bed. So far she's read books on Immunology, Biology, a Stedman's Medical Dictionary, science education, science fiction, mystery, and several research papers on the theory and design of teacher education programs. She was also rather partial to the latest John Grisham which she and I both read this weekend. My husband Steve suggested that perhaps Rosie Grace is considering opening a Charter School (they've become quite the thing in Arizona the past 2 years), training the teachers herself, and also teaching the science courses. JodyLee & Steve (owned by Rosie Grace for 2 wonderful months now) JodyLee Estrada Duek, PhD FRESCO Faculty Development 2022 E. Mabel Street Tucson, Arizona 85719 520 / 318 - 0345 520 / 318 - 3637 (fax) Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent. -- Marilyn vos Savant [Posted in FML issue 2580]