The latest edition

Well friends, it has been an interesting week to say the least. On Monday, we were all anticipating a day trip (via car) to Annapolis to buy various necessities, and we set out fairly early to avoid the heat. Our first stop was K-Mart (wooow), and as we all had things to look for we left the dog in the car, with the windows down and water of course. We didn't want to leave him long, so agreed to be quick. Well, the lovely Beau attracted lots of attention to himself.....he hates being left out of things, so was whining etc, which alerted 4 ladies of his presence. They called the cops and by the time Larry went out to check on him after about 10 minutes of leaving him, the dog was the centre of attention all right. Larry spoke to the ladies and the police officer, and reassured them that Beau was ok, and that he was not going to be left again. As it was obvious that the dog was ok, nothing more was done, but wow! did that give us a reality check! So after that, any store we wanted to to go, 1 or more people stayed in the car with the dog, to make sure everyone was ok!

A little later we were driving down this narrow road, totally isolated feeling, brush right up to the roadside, on our way to Wal-Mart of all places. We had been laughing our butts off at this ridiculous road, and how unlikely it seemed to go anywhere, when out of nowhere (it seemed) a deer jumped into the road right in front of the car! There was no place to go, and no time to do anything but brake, but we hit the deer nonetheless. It was the most horrible thing that has ever happened to me. Luckily we weren't driving very fast, or it might have been worse, but the deer was hit badly and there was no way of doing anything to put it out of its misery. A guy stopped, but he couldn't help us, and so we were left feeling sick and helpless. The kids were crying and Larry and I were just so shaken up. We said a prayer for that deer.

The rest of the day was more sombre, and we got the things we needed and came home. We were very lucky that the car wasn't damaged more by the accident. The hood is bent up a bit, but that's it. So, the grandpa-mobile looks more beat up than ever, and I had to send an apology to him too!

Tues and Wed and so far today, have been HOT, HOT, HOT, and we have continued to work on the boat to get her ready. We are all in our cabins now, and the only things that have not found a home yet, are a lot of Larry's tools. The fans are going at full tilt most of the time, and we hit the pool when able!

We christened Star Shadow officially on Sunday, with champagne, and yesterday, Larry put her name on her stern, so we can proudly carry our Canadian flag and also fly our small courtesy US flag! Feels great!

Seeing as we have free internet while here in Deale, Graham has become addicted all over again to world of war craft, and I haven't had access to my computer in days! That's why I haven't posted more pictures yet! I will wrestle it away from him later!

Please write to us - we are eager for news from home!