IMHO - we saw Brian Wilson's performance at Glastonbury this summer on TV. It was NOT the same as I remember. Bob Dylan sadly falls in the same category. Both of them need the money but can no longer sing. I still enjoy the CDs from their more musically talented years.

A brighter day is dawning. I have extricated myself from home decorating stores without too much damage on either side. The bonus was I found the kitchen window valances I wished for three years ago are now available. A new set of chair cushions and the kitchen is now finished to our satisfaction. I report first thing this morning to the paint store to pick up a different color of paint. After that, it's up to Mr. Bill the painter. He has been muttering about how easy, in retrospect, the English professor gig was as he's dealing with 30 year old wallpaper. Yesterday he needed a golf break. I don't think that was a feature of the English professor gig, but I'm keeping my mouth shut until the painting is complete. Today's scheduled for an all-day paint fest. I've got the beer and chocolate chip cookies ready for the cocktail hour.

Betty, my heart goes out to you! Our new neighbors three doors down found a rusted oil inground tank during the home inspection. It was a mess for quite some time until they got the remediation done. Then, another round of ground rip-up when they installed gas service for heating and air conditioning. The kicker was the landscapers, not ONE day later, showed up unexpectedly and hit the gas main line. We all had to evacuate for about an hour until the gas company came. You can unfortunately picture the supervisor trying to blame the gas company for putting the lines in where they did. Did they arrange to have the utilities marked, you ask? Noooooo! Those situations where they rip up your property with lots of gusto and few plans or understanding are like scenes from Kafka. Any chance you can get yourselves out of there this weekend?

Kathy - when it rains, it pours. I'm so sorry to hear about the multiple repair bills - not to mention all the time involved in sorting out the messes. We'll wish Frank a happy birthday over a bottle of Pinot up here. Gary's been camera shopping and is about ready to get a Canon. Your advice was very helpful to him. How's our little star Daisy doing?

Cheers, Anne