Thursday, April 29, 2010

April 29, 2010. Chevy Chase, Md. Eyes.

My Mother taught me that "You can not improve the future unless you upset the present." I have found this to be true. Many times when up to our eyeballs in a mess, this wisdom has helped me through to a better future. An agent at work, who is moving, typed this slogan for his wife when she got upset with the chaos of a move.

Today I am in a mess. My left eye has a new fancy lens and my left lens from my old glasses is gone. Ken threw it away so now I look through empty frame. Reading is difficult. But I have great faith in the future of my vision. Already I see better with my left eye than my right, even though my right eye was my best eye. At the moment my vision is suspect with the eyes not working well together. Again, I have faith, and tomorrow morning at 7:00 I see the good Doctor, when he will check me out. Then we drive to the farm, where everything gets better, both body and soul. This aging process is not for sissies.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

April 28, 2010. Chevy Chase, Md. Travel Options

Ken has spent a lot of time these past few months researching the nineteenth century way of travelling. I had been reading books that take place in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries where people got around in a leisurely way, usually using the train. He is irritated with air transportation. Now, we can go to Jackson via train but first we must go to New Orleans via Chicago. And we can do the same route to San Antonio. Washington to Chicago, then to New Orleans where we must stay overnight, then another train to San Antonio. "We can do this" says Ken. I agree, but only if we have lots and lots of time on our hands.

Today we flew home from San Antonio on a three hour direct flight on Southwest. Easy as pie.

Next May we are trying out our system. Train to Chicago. Train to Seattle. Bus to Vancouver. Ferry to Pender Island for a week, then back to Vancouver for a week. Train along the Fraser River to Jasper with one over-night stop in some town. Finally, train from Jackson to Halifax. The goal is not to drive ourselves. We are excited.

This summer we will drive to Nova Scotia because the airlines are ridiculous. We are taking a giant step back. I wonder how long this will last? I must say, we have had fun trying to calculate the various options.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

April 27, 2010. San Antonio, Texas. Travelling.

Last evening we sat on the deck overlooking the lake and enjoyed the full moon. As always, we were sorry to leave. Often the next venture is all we look forward to, but leaving Texas always makes us feel that we short change ourselves and stayed here too short a time. But we closed up the lake house, and drove to San Antonio where we will stay the night with the kids before flying home to Bethesda. Every time we leave, we say to ourselves "Next year we will spend more time in Texas".

Thursday at noon my cataract will be removed. The technology is wonderful, and there might be a chance that I will see without glasses. I would be surprised. Friday morning at 7 a.m. Dr.H. will check my eyes before we drive to the farm, another lovely place to live. Our life is peculiar but fits us both very well, with always coming or going. But now we are sad to say goodbye to Texas and the Family here. Soon we will see them all in Nova Scotia in July. We are travelling on once again.

Monday, April 26, 2010

View from the Stands Cars



view from the Stands 3 GrandDaughters School. etc



View from the Stands 2 Andrew's College Balloon



View from the Stands 1



Super Scoopers, etc



April 26, 2010. Canyon Lake, Texas. Birthdays.

Today is Andrew's birthday. As he was born in 1968, he is now 42. Galveston, in John Sealy Hospital, was where he was born. Both Ken and I had been working at the hospital and we had many friends. Ken was a Fellow at the hospital and so I was given a suite where I stayed four days in my splendor. In the sitting area of the suite we set up a bar, where all day and all evening friends came to visit to have a drink and celebrate. It was lots of fun, but the result left me going home tired but happy.

Ken and I were especially happy with Andrew's birth when he weighed in at eight pounds fifteen ounces so we had much to celebrate. My Mother came to visit right after I was home from the hospital, and as I felt well and the baby co-operated, we were entertained by friends in town. Again it was fun and Mother enjoyed her visit, but it took me six months to get back to normal. Fifteen months later, when David was born on July 26, 1969, I never told a soul about being in the hospital and I had Mother come down one month after the birth. Six weeks later, I was back to full strength and energy. It is wonderful to learn from experience.

Now I am up to date with Birthdays. We have given Christina and Andrew their gifts and we celebrated Abigail's birthday Saturday night. Her birthday is May 20, but as we will not be in San Antonio, we purchaser her gift and two cakes as a surprise. Then after dinner while everyone was at the table I told Abigail of her task, which was to go into the garage and find three objects that are new. The garage is full of stuff but after ten minutes she returned with one large new object, then returned to keep looking, finally asking for more clues. Two cakes thrilled her and she was delighted with her new chair, specifically for use on the balcony outside her bedroom. My current birthday responsibilities are for the moment at an end.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

April 25, 2010. San Antonio, Tx. The David Dickie Family.

The girls are ages 12 to 8. David and Suzanne are forty. All six are full of energy and enthusiasm and all six are endowed with competence and confidence. It is a great time in the life of the David Dickie Family.

It is now 11:30 on a beautiful Sunday morning. At this moment Suzanne, Abigail and Samantha are at the tennis courts just down the street. David, Ken and Allison earlier this morning made a trip to Home Depot, David to buy more plants and Allison, as she usually does, goes along for the company. Ken needed some parts for the power washer as he intends to clean up the front stoop and the back deck. Allison has stayed working along with David in the yard. Sarah is completing her home work up in her bedroom. In other words, all children are happy and productive as is the parents.

It is a wonderful time for the Family. Suzanne took the dog on a long walk first thing this morning while the girls stayed home, all while David and company were at the store. The girls have enough interests to amuse themselves or play together, mostly without getting into an argument. They all read well so often retreat to their books where silence reigns. Last night we all watched the Pittsburgh hockey game together, at least we did until bedtime ruled the roost. It was a lovely evening together.

There is no doubt about it. This is a lovely time in the life of the David Dickie Family, and I feel privileged to be a small part of it.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

April 24, 2010. San Antonio, Tx. Softball.

Softball is such a difficult game to learn. A beginning player must learn so many complex skills in order to play competently, let alone understand the strategy of base running and fielding. It is one thing to be able to catch and throw the ball, but then what do you do with the ball when you catch the ball cleanly? It is not nearly as easy a game as Volleyball.

Sarah is playing on a softball team at school. She is in the sixth grade, and as the team is the middle school team made up of the sixth, seventh and eight grade girls, she does not start the games but she usually plays part of each game. Last Thursday I saw her team in action for the first time and I enjoyed it a lot.

Her Volleyball team was a sixth grade class, representing the school in competition. The coach wisely taught the girls two skills; the bump and the serve. By the end of the season, they were winning all their games, finally winning the tournament championship. Several parents were upset at the lack of additional skills taught by the coach, but I thought it was excellent training. They won all their games with defense, except the serve, which was their only offensive play. The girls were confident and competent in those two skills. They never raised their hands over their heads.

I suspect that the same type of tactic does not work for softball. A player must be able to catch and throw the ball and hit the ball with the bat when pitched. One girl must be the pitcher and one the catcher. Finally, a player must throw the ball to the right base. It is really very complicated and clearly, these middle schools have a long way to go. But they are energetic and enthusiastic and they look great in their uniforms. I tried to figure out how to teach the skills sequentially but could not figure it out. I played many many softball games in my youth and I loved it, and so will Sarah. Being me, I also wanted to make suggestions to the coach, as of course, I used to coach softball fifty years ago!! But I kept my mouth shut and just kept cheering, even though the coach was giving instructions that were way too complicated.

I must say, that the same parents who complained about the volleyball coach for not teaching enough skills were now telling me that this softball coach is teaching so much to the girls that the girls get confused. Parents are never happy.

Friday, April 23, 2010

April 23, 2010. San Antonio, Tx. Battle of Flowers.

It started in 1891 and has been held every year since, organized by the women of San Antonio, celebrating Texas history. Held Friday the first day of Fiesta, the Battle of Flowers Parade is now the longest parade in North America. It is quite an event. Today, the twins were riding in their school float, so of course we wanted to go and see them and watch the parade. We were impressed with the organization. The whole thing was impressive.

The logistics for us were complicated. Allison and Samantha were required to be on the float by ten in the morning, as the judging was being held, then the parade began at 12:45, so Suzanne took the first group, leaving at nine, while David took the later group at 11. Thanks to cell phones, we saw the girls and the float, which was impressive, then wended our way to our reserved seats, on bleacher seats in full sun. Fortunately we took water and sun screen, but man, it was hot.

The whole parade was exciting, with many many school bands. Lots of people, lots of old cars, many drill teams, many horses. We enjoyed it, but we left soon after the twins float passed us, so we missed about a third of the parade. This is the second parade I have attended this year: the Chinese New Year parade in New York and the Battle of the Flowers Parade in San Antonio. I love the bands but hate the crowds. As soon as we arrived home at three, the girls and I got in the swimming pool to cool down. We were happy to be home even though we loved the parade.

Battle of Flowers- Getting Ready 3



Battle of Flowers- Getting Ready 2



Battle of Flowers- Getting Ready



Timeout from Sarah's Softball Game



Thursday, April 22, 2010

April 22, 2010. San Antonio, Tx. Interstate 10.

Today we drove from the ranch to San Antonio on Highway 10. It was a spectacular drive. Along both sides of the highway and on the median we saw yellow and orange flowers. Whole fields were covered with yellow blossoms. When we arrived in Texas and drove the back roads we saw the blue bonnets, but now we see the tiny yellow daisies. They are everywhere. They are quite a sight.

Highway 10 is a pretty road even without the wild flowers. The traffic is sparse, at least until you come to Boerne, which used to be a separate little town but now has blended into San Antonio. On the Highway you get to drive by the signs for Comfort and Welfare and Center Point. I always wish I could remember why these towns were given these names but I can't. Next time at the ranch I will look it up in my Hill Country book.

The only other Interstate Highway that rivals 10 is the Highway East of Portland, following along the Columbia River. It is also a wonderful drive. But Interstate 10 west from San Antonio is a fine drive in any season, but especially when the daisies are in bloom.

Road from Ingram 2


Road from Ingram



Wednesday, April 21, 2010

April 21, 2010. Double D Ranch, Texas. Karen.

"I have a degree in Literature and Philosophy from George Washington University, and now I am a goat herder", said Karen. She did not look like a goat herder and she did not sound like a goat herder, but what she is is our down the road neighbor, who we have driven past for the past year and now we have finally met. I invited her and Jacques for dinner along with Joyce and Robbie and Jan, but Jacques was busy, so Karen came. She is definitely an asset for our community with her competence, enthusiasm and charm.

They moved here from Long Island and now run their businesses from their ranch. This new world allows a person to locate their business anywhere, if the bulk of your business comes from the Internet. Karen has been in the food business for many years, now ending up selling herbs and seasonings on the Internet. Jacques has made his living for years selling transportation artifacts. Everything connected to transportation is of interest to him. In the olden days, he took his stuff to car shows, which he still does, but now the business is for the most part driven by his web site. He sells art and posters, sculpture and books. Just everything about the transportation industry. It is interesting how people make their living. I am sure John at work has met these folks.

I loved getting to know Karen and will keep in touch. On their ranch they keep goats, donkeys and llamas, also chickens. For dinner we served the same food we served the last time Jan and Robbie and Joyce were here. Ken and I realized just before everyone arrived. We just laughed and told folks as they arrived. Getting to know new friends is such a blessing for me and I am delighted to have gotten to know Karen.

Monday, April 19, 2010

April 19, 2010. Double D Ranch, Tx. The Big Short.

We knew it would not end well. Our purchasers were given huge loans, often with no money down, paying interest only for five years, followed by an adjustment of the interest rate. Purchasers with no cash and small incomes were given these so called teaser loans, where the interest rates were low for two years, then move to a new interest rate. It seemed bizarre, and it was, so bit by bit, the world of sub-prime loans came crashing down, bringing the financial world along with it.

"The Big Short" is a fascinating book, written by Michael Lewis. The whole picture is not pretty but it is certainly appalling. I enjoyed the book even though it is technical with the terminology. It certainly makes a cynic out of you, as his premise is that the Wall Street folks did not have a clue what they were doing. It makes the whole picture somewhat understandable and is worth plowing through the details.

For my money, "Money Ball" is his best book. "The Blind Side" started out about football. but he got lost in the story of big Michael. This book he writes with a lot of righteous indignation, from beginning to end, so I would rather he just tell the story and let the reader decide if something was right or wrong. But I am pleased to have read the book, and even more pleased he has written the tale. This story needed telling.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Sooner or later in Semi-arid Texas the rain must stop


Clearing the Stream


April 18, 2010. Canyon Lake, Tx. Allison.

She is the most unusual child. It will be fascinating for me to watch her grow up. Yesterday afternoon, Samantha and I were sitting on the deck, looking at birds with binoculars, enjoying the day and discussing vultures. It was about three o'clock. Allison came out to talk to us, but didn't seem interested with our conversation, so she took her binoculars and went down the outside stairs. After thirty minutes, I got up to see where she had gone and discovered that she was clearing out leaves from the stream. When I asked her what she was doing, she responded that the stream looked better without the leaves so she was just going to keep working until it all looked good. She assured me that she was fine, so I left her alone. David was napping, Suzanne was reading, Ken was working in front of the house while Sarah and Abigail were watching Pride and Prejudice. Samantha was still talking with me. It was a lazy calm afternoon at the lake.

At four, Suzanne came outside, saw Allison working away on the stream, and asked her if she needed some help. Allison called up that she did not need help but it would be nice if Suzanne would come and talk to her. Of course, Suzanne started to help. They were still at it when Ken and I called them up for dinner, which was seven thirty.

This morning, after a boat ride with David, Allison asked her Mother to come with her to finish up the stream, so they did, which took almost two more hours. Now Allison is eight, and because of her efforts, the stream looks dramatically better with no leaves. They also rearranged rocks to look more pleasing. No one else was even thinking that the leaves needed to be removed from the rocks, but Allison did. She not only has good ideas but also comes equipped with the ability to work hard. It will be a treat watching this granddaughter grow up.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

April 17, 2010. Canyon Lake, Texas. A Boat Ride.

The day was not promising, with a forecast for rain, but David wanted something to do, so he took three of the girls with him to launch his boat at the ramp just up the street. His boat is stored right beside the house here in Canyon Lake. Sarah backed the boat down the ramp, while David drove the boat over the courtesy dock, then had Sarah drive the boat to our bay while David brought the trailer and truck back to the house. It is quite a complicated series of events, made easier by Sarah's competence. His goal was to take us all on a boat trip, then take us to lunch at the only restaurant on the lake.

The difficulty for me is that I must get onto the boat. David brought the boat right into our bay, where everyone just springs out from shore and jumps onto the boat. But I do not spring, so I carefully map out a plan, to walk around to another set of stairs, where David can come close so I can step down into the boat. It was a good plan, except the water was too shallow, so we all finally made a plan for me to stand on a tree trunk then step into the boat. It was a success. I was in the boat and off we went. The day was perfect for boating, as no one else was on the lake and the rains did not come but the cloud cover meant you were not too hot. Lunch was wonderful, the boat gassed up, the girls braved the cool lake, then it was time to drive home and try to get me out of the boat.

It was a piece of cake. David drove up by the tree trunk and out I stepped, just like a pro. The chilly girls headed straight to the hot tub, with me along. It was a lovely day on the lake.

Friday, April 16, 2010

April 16, 2010. Canyon Lake, Texas. Rain.

We were marooned and we loved it. Wednesday evening the rain began and kept coming, all night and all next day and all night Thursday. At times the rain fell heavily and at other times with just a drizzle, so we did the only sensible thing for a person to do, that is, stay at home. All day we stayed in the Top House, reading and watching the sight and sound of the rain. The computer worked well, until about ten o'clock at night, when the Internet was disconnected. The rain drops were so large and heavy that the satellite connection was broken. It is the only time we have spent that much time actually in the house. Fortunately, it is a nice place to stay, with views in four directions.

This morning when chatting with Karen, a friend down the road, she told of their inability to return home last night, as the road was covered with two feet of water. They ended up staying for the night at their friends, who they had dinner with in Kerrville. So we thought we were staying at home by choice, but really we were marooned on our own ranch and we could not have driven to town if we had wanted. Fortunately, we were high and dry.

This weather for the Hill Country is most unusual. Mostly the sun is shining and the grass is brown. Local people love to hear that the rain is coming. At no time do you hear any complaints about the rain. Today every creek has water running, when mainly they are dry. Every pond is full. But the most amazing sight is the green, which is everywhere. Our pastures have green grass in abundance. Starting in December, the drought of three years ended, and now the rains have come, which every one loves. When you read the stories of times past and hear of the six or eight year droughts you can not imagine how they survived, as after three years of dry weather we were sick of brown. Now, everything is green and the cattle are happy. We know this will not last.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

April 15, 2010. Double D Ranch, Texas. Emeritus

By definition, Emeritus means further association to the institution.    It also means the person is old and has served in some important capacity for a long time.  So the label fits my situation.   I intend to be as helpful as possible  to the agents of the  Gateway Office, even though I am old and have specific situations that do not allow me to always be on duty to the agents.

In addition, I have never wished to be a burden  to the agents by not keeping myself current with the latest  gadget or information.  We have all observed other Managers who retain their position for their own ends rather than for the best interests of the agents.  Our way was to plan a long way ahead and to provide for the agents the management they need and want.  But I do not intend to fade away.  My desire is to be a part of the action and be available to the agents for consultation.

My situation is actually difficult, because although I love my job,  my husband's health is better when he lives in cleaner air, which means, the country.  So you can see we spend time beside the Atlantic Ocean in Nova Scotia and by the Pacific Ocean in Mexico.  In Texas we spend time at the ranch and only come to San Antonio for a day or two at a time.

The most important part is that nothing has changed.  I just elected to be an Emeritus, and definitely not retired!!

Hummers & Flowers



Ranch Longhorns



Wednesday, April 14, 2010

April 14, 2010. Double D Ranch, Texas. Hummingbirds.

Thirty pounds of sugar is what it took to feed the hummingbirds last season.  Twice a day, Robbie fills up the two feeders and by morning they are empty, while the birds fly over, looking in the kitchen window, waiting for their breakfast.  If Joyce goes outside before the feeders are full, these little birds fly all around her head and arms, hoping for more food.

This year, Robbie moved the feeders.  Now they hang right in front of the breakfast room window,   so when they eat a meal, they can watch the show.  Eight holes on each feeder, means eighteen birds on each feeder, as two drink from the same hole at the same time.  Others are waiting on the top or hovering just behind,  waiting for an empty spot.  It is an astonishing sight.  These tiny birds are aggressive, always fighting for their turf. 

Tonight at dinner with Joyce and Robbie,  we watched the birds all through the cocktail hour.   I could stand right up close to the window, and if I was perfectly still, they soon forgot about me and they came to eat at the feeder.  The birds are tiny, not even as big as your thumb, but they are beautiful.  From a distance they appear dark in color, but close up it is clear their backs are dark green, with black under their chin, at least for the males.  I believe they are black chinned hummingbirds, both male and female.  They are tenacious in search of food.  One day we will try and seek out their nests.  The most number of birds at one time tonight was thirty nine, all at or near the feeders.

The dinner was wonderful, but the birds stole the show.  They will stay around, consuming smaller amounts of food through the summer, until they depart in August or early September.  This Spring activity is amazing and I loved watching them from the window, one foot away. 

April 13, 2010. Double D Ranch, Texas. Dinner.

Royce Anne remembered that we were to be in Texas in April, so last week, she asked Lorin to call to invite us to dinner.    The last time we had dinner in their home I made the rude statement that said something like "I only want to come to dinner when your home is completely finished", so my first question on the phone was "Is your home complete?"   Last night we spent a lovely evening in their new home, admiring everything they have done, and enjoying good food and conversation.

Once again, good taste and hard work wins the day.    Five years ago Royce Anne and Lorin moved back to her family ranch outside Fredericksburg.  Her parents were ailing and they thought they could be helpful.   Royce Anne had a plan long ago to re-furbish the old home on the ranch, built in the twenties by her grandparents.  Lorin agreed to the plan, even though he explained to Royce Anne that building a new home would be quicker, easier and cheaper.  With this in mind, he built a large garage for his business supplies, in corner of which was a lovely apartment for themselves to live in during the restoration.  That was where we visited them the last time in their home.

Their new home is perfect for them and completed to every detail.  They stripped the old varnish from every piece of wood, including the trim on the windows, baseboard and doors.  Lorin completely re-built all the windows.  The home was always small but by taking down walls and opening up rooms, they are left with a very large kitchen, dining room,  living room combination that overlooks the yard and pasture for the horses.  Their bedroom is made up of two rooms, making their bedroom open to a change room with built in cabinets for clothes.  It is very convenient and lovely.  One guest room , with one of her grand parents beds,  completes the home.  It is a perfect home for them with everything modern for proper functioning yet with the charm of former years.

But the best part is living in Royce Anne's grandparent's home, with out living with the drafty enclosed porch.  Now it is beautiful from top to bottom.  It is another job well done, from the plan to the execution taking almost five years to complete,  done  at times snatched away from his job as a builder.  They are pleased and proud.  We were delighted to see their results.

Monday, April 12, 2010

April 12, 2010. Double D Ranch, Texas. A Glass of Wine.

It is a tradition.  The first evening at the ranch we share a bottle of wine with Robbie and Joyce.  Tonight, sitting in their backyard by the pool, we drank a glass of wine and talked, trying to catch up with our events since the last time we met, which was in Mexico.  A lot of things happen in a month.   Joyce bought four paintings for their son Mike for his birthday, purchased at an antique store in Ingram.  I loved them, three of ducks in flight and a large piece of dogs by a creek.  I must check out this store, one of the few in this area unknown to me.  

The drive to the ranch from San Antonio on Interstate 10 is always a lovely ride.  This year with the abundance of rain in the late Fall end early Spring the drive was especially wonderful, as the wild flowers were everywhere.  Even our own grass at the ranch is covered with bluebonnets.  David spread seeds all over the front lawn, and this year he would be happy with his efforts.  Of course he will not be here to see them, but we love the look.  Tiny purple flowers cover the pastures, making the fields seem like they were washed with a haze of purple.  I don't know the flower but the effect is magical.  This afternoon Ken and I rode the Mule all over the ranch.  Once again I was struck with the amount of rock on the ranch.  But today the pastures are all green grass so the cows are happy, also the bull and steers.  We are luxuriating with Spring in the Hill Country. 

Sunday, April 11, 2010

April 11, 2010. San Antonio, Tx. The Greenhouse Gallery.

I love it when good behavior is rewarded. This art gallery has been in business for twenty six years, opened at a time when the whole art world was in love with abstract art. Jim and Mark were brave and also had the idea that they were not the only people in the world who enjoyed realistic art, so they opened a gallery in San Antonio specializing old fashioned good art. They have been rewarded and the gallery has grown and expanded several times over the years. They were quick to use the Internet to display their artists work, so now many works are sold on line. They both have a good eye for art and have been careful to select excellent artist. Ken and I love to attend a show in their gallery, and remind ourselves of their success, that a gallery in an out of the way gallery in a city not known for art has achieved remarkable results.

Last evening we attended a Salon Show and competition. Every year they invite artists who have not shown their work in the Greenhouse Gallery, submit two works of art for a juried show and display. Almost 400 pieces of art were on display, from 11 countries and 37 states. The quality of the work was high. A champagne reception was held for special customers so of course we attended, along with many many people and lots of the artists. Friday evening the awards were distributed, so by the time we arrived, all the ribbons were in place, in many different categories. The artist chooses the selling price, so in some instances the prices are inexpensive and others very expensive, the prices selected by how much the artist really wanted money. The show was wonderful. We purchased several small pieces.

Our first purchase was the beginning piece of my new collection, paintings of women reading. Four paintings of ladies reading were on display, but two were too expensive for me and one was already sold, so I bought the only painting available. We also settled the question of birthday presents for David and Suzanne, so our time was well spent. Congratulations to Jim and Mark who had a good idea and successfully carried through on their dream. It is a wonderful gallery.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

April 10, 2010. San Antonio, Tx. A Busy Day.

Coffee in bed, delivered by Allison, started my day. By noon we were still all in pajamas, but in the interval Samantha baked blueberry muffins while Allison made pancakes for everyone, cooked into fancy shapes. I ate a duck and a purse. Abigail was at work on a school project, working away at the kitchen counter top, trying to complete her work so she could go to a friend's ranch for the weekend. Sarah who is 12, slept until almost noon, but she made up for lost time by spending all afternoon on her Science project. By six o'clock, she was ready to bring it down to show us her work, and what good work she had done. Abigail left with her friend at one, having passed muster from Suzanne that her work was done. She looked thrilled to leave for the weekend at her friend's ranch.

This afternoon Samantha and Allison hung out in the backyard with me, playing softball, blowing bubbles and running races. All the while, David was planting in his yard while Suzanne ran an errand in the. Tonight Sarah had been invited to a birthday party for a friend from school, so David and Suzanne dropped her off on their way to an engagement party for a friend from College. The friend is the last one from David's fraternity to get married, so they would be seeing lots of their old college friends. Ken and I went to a showing at the Greenhouse Gallery of Art, so Samantha and Allison had a baby sitter staying with them. At nine o'clock we were to relieve the baby sitter. Sarah will be brought home by a friend at ten thirty so we will stay up until she appears. We will not wait up until David and Suzanne arrive!!

It was a busy pleasant day. Nothing earth shaking or remarkable but all children and adults happy and productive. It doesn't come much better than that.

River Road



Guadeloupe River - down from the Lake



Lake House Deer