Raining Bouquets

A good steady rain has been falling since before dawn. It is likely to continue until Saturday and officially we are happy about it because it droughty here in Florida as well as Wyoming. The lush vegetation will reward the rain by blooming. As my neighbor Jim noted (he used to be in charge of Public Works for Pompano Beach) the soil is so sandy the grass has to catch moisture on its way by. Unofficially we are also happy because we are well-provisioned and snug in the land yacht. Let the squalls blow Queeg-Queeg!

Yesterday I finished washing the coach. It took all day because even the morning sun dried the coach before we could rinse it so had to delay the final wash until dusk. The north side, however, was clean so there was no barrier to pulling out the awning and with the new side curtains, finishing our spacious screen room. It adds about half again more living space and Goody saw the benefit right away-getting to lie on the grass and watch the dogs and people pass by us. It is all navy blue and not only is it shade making, it has a high privacy factor. I watched a flock of birds gleaning within six feet and they did not know I was there. Buster is still regarding it as a trap of some sort but he will watch Goody and relax in time. Today has been a test-the awning is mostly waterproof, which given its age and history is pretty amazing. Only a few drops of rain seeped on the furniture and it is a pleasant place to sit and watch the rain. The winds will be the next test but I think we will be OK.

Kristin, cousin Russel's wife, was kind enough to send her travel diary on her trip to England. Her observations are keen and interesting. Russ is working there on an exchange (Boeing to a university) and Kristin flew over for a visit. I can tell she is not ready to leave yet. If I can't be there, I want to hear (read) all about it. Pictures are even better.