Zurich, the Marshall Islands ,Mississippi and other things.

Stuff

Thomas Palmer, our soon to be 16 year old grandson departed Phiadelphia International Airport  last Wednesday for Zurich, Switzerland. Tommy would be spending a two week holiday with his friend Phillip at his home in Uberlingen, Germany. Phillip is an exchange student at The Salisbury School, he and Tommy have been good friends for the past two years. Phillip will return to Salisbury later this month to complete his senior year.

A montage of Zurich.

Uberlingen, Germany, which sits on Lake Constance.

Lake Constance with the Alps as a backdrop.

If your ever traveling south through the state of Delaware and need a change from Rts. 1 or 13, try Rt.9.
A scenic rural ride through the country and along the Delaware awaits the traveler. This is a view of the Salem, NJ nuclear
power plant from the road.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delaware_Route_9

Our nephew Johnny Mears and his girlfriend Miley. These two hardy soles transported Abby's little red Mazda to Starkville, MS for her. Johnny recently left his job at http://www.uship.com/vehicles/
If you need something shipped, try them out.
One last trek to Mississippi gave them a chance to visit Nashville on the way home. Johnny started with http://www.tmcenvironmental.com/site-selection this past Monday. Best of luck in the new job and thanks from Uncle Jeff for the transport south.

Someone's been spitting Watermelon seeds in our yard.

Untether me please. Colonel Sanders is calling.

Sam, that would be Samantha Davies. She is a wife, mother of two, active duty USAF Lieutenant and a very busy young lady. She has had her own Blogs in the past and now finds herself with little time to Blog on her own. So, in a cooperative venture she will have her own corner in "The Rooster." Earlier this week she sent me the below post to include here. Sam, thanks for contributing to "The Rooster." And from all of us here in Rooster Country, Thank you for your service.

Sam's Corner

From the Author of:

Cowboy Boots, Combat Boots, Baby Booties

Mia Davies announcing to the world,"I'm going to have a baby brother and he's due 10 days before Santa comes."

It's a Thursday afternoon at 5:30 and I'm still sitting at work, I'm usually home by this time, and I have to pick up the kiddos by 6:00 or I get charged extra. As I sit here working on my daughter's family board for her classroom (probably first of many school projects I will complete) I realize all I want to do tonight is make a warm bath and watch stupid TV. I don't want to wear the mom hat, the wife hat, or any other hat. I just want to be.

I finally leave the office at 5:45 and make it in time to pick up the girls. I stop by Ana's room, sign her out, and turn to see her walking towards me saying "Mamamama." This is a first and makes my day a little better. We walk down the hall and pick up Mia. She greets me with a hug, kiss, and "Hey Mommy!" She then turns to her sister and gives her a kiss. We wave goodbye to the teachers and play where's mommy's car. Mia proudly finds the car on her first try and walks and stands patiently next to her door. She hops into her car seat and buckles her chest strap as I buckle the bottom. I put Ana in her seat and we drive home. Halfway home I catch something in the rear view mirror. As I watch I see it again and realize what it is, a goldfish. Just before I tell Mia to stop throwing her food, I tilt the mirror and realize she's throwing them into Ana's lap so Ana can have some too. Quickly I switch gears and commend Mia on sharing with her sister.

We get home, eat dinner, and I give the girls a bath. As I get Ana ready for bed Mia walks over says "Gnigh Nana" and follows it with a kiss. I trudge through cleaning up dinner, some laundry, and sorting through clothes while Mia plays and colors. It's finally bed time for Mia, time for the space I've been looking forward too since 5:30. Mia snuggles in and I start a bath for myself.
 
Within 10 minutes of getting to the bath, I hear "Mommy? Mama? Where is you?" She eventually wanders in, proceeds to strip her PJs and diaper off and hops into the tub with me (thank goodness it is a jacuzzi tub). She gives my belly a kiss and says "I lau you baby."

I realized at that moment, this was a perfect way to end my crazy day of work. I didn't need the bath or stupid shows or even alone time. I needed to be reminded of the love and innocence of my children and the role they play in my life. They are my rock. They will never understand how much they help me get through those crummy days until they have kids of their own. It was in that moment that I learned that parents need their kids far more than our kids need us. They keep us honest. It was a night I could have easily turned on Sesame Street for Mia and taken a few moments for myself, but I stayed true to my responsibilities and was rewarded tenfold for it in the end.

Driving South

All roads to Mississippi lead through Atlanta.

I'd be willing to bet Jeff selected this eatery for lunch.

No Jeff, they will not deliver to Allen, MD.

Anyone wish to estimate calories?

Our little Magnolia is back home. Have a great year Abby.
Go MSU.

Go Dawgs.

And the season begins, missed you.

I'll be cheering for the two teams below again this season. Granny even watches a bit of the night games. Most nights she sees the kickoff and I give her a wrap up over coffee the next morning.

http://www.baltimoreravens.com

http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com

Where in the World is JB?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marshall_Islands

They must be important, they even have a Facebook page. Put your Mosquito spray on Jeff we don't want you contracting http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/

We just love Jeff to death. He's like a giant magnet when ever we're in the area.
Come on guys, we drink tonight.

https://www.facebook.com/usembassymajuro

http://majuro.usembassy.gov

Are you over the age of 50?

Here's something to think about.

I received this from Mary Agnes’ cousin Joe Maloney

On the subject of Colonoscopies…

Colonoscopies are no joke, but these comments during the exam were quite humorous. A physician claimed that the following are actual comments made by his patients (predominately male) while he was performing their colonoscopies:

  1. Take it easy Doc. You’re boldly going where no man has gone before.

  2. 'Find Amelia Earhart yet?'

  3. 'Can you hear me NOW?'

  4. 'Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?'

  5 'You know, in Arkansas, we're now legally married.'

  6. 'Any sign of the trapped miners, Chief?'

  7. 'You put your left hand in, you take your left hand out...'

  8. 'Hey! Now I know how a Muppet feels!'

  9. 'If your hand doesn't fit, you must quit!'

  10. 'Hey Doc, let me know if you find my dignity.'

  11. 'You used to be an executive at Enron, didn't you?'

  12. 'God, now I know why I am not gay'

  And the best one of all:

  13.  'Could you write a note for my wife saying that my head is not up there?’

A trip to Cape May for a Wedding with a bit of Nostalgia thrown in.

On July 29, Mary Agnes and I started a 3 day journey that would provide a boat ride across the Delaware Bay, a wedding on the beach in Cape May, New Jersey and a nostalgia trip of sorts to old haunts.

My sister Robin’s oldest son Ari Ford would marry Amanda Mosley on the beach in Cape May. The bride and groom are both teachers in the Woodbury, NJ school system. Amanda is an English teacher while Ari plies his trade in Math, Robotics and coaches girls soccer. More on the wedding later.

From the field of dreams to the sands in the hour glass.

We left home early on a Thursday and drove leisurely through the Eastern Shore Maryland and Delaware to Lewes, DE and the Lewes, Cape May Ferry port. After checking in and getting in line we rolled the windows down and waifed the salt air for 15 minutes or so until it was time to board. I spent some time during my youth living on the beach of Wildwood Crest, NJ and have never tired of that smell of salt air. In Eden/Allen, MD, where we now live, it is the smell of the Salt Marsh which tantalizes our senses when the wind is right. “The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears or the sea.” Isak Dinesen

Courtesy of CMLF.com

We followed the line and boarded for the 70 minute crossing on what was a gorgeous day, soon to reach 91 degrees. The sky was a 9/11 blue, the wind was gentle and from the South. The seas were calm save for a gentle rolling swell that could lull one to snooze, were you so inclined to do so.

We noticed a large compliment of armed Coast Guard personnel aboard as we parked and exited our car and made the climb to the second deck. I asked myself was this the norm or was there a special threat to their presence. I was satisfied in thinking to myself, this is just a sign of the times.

Mary Agnes and I took a position to the front rail as we left port with our nostrils inhaling the smell of the sea. I was Leonardo DiCaprio and Mary Agnes was Kate Winslet, and this was our Titanic. Ah, but this was summer, and the ice bergs were gone, we would make the Jersey Shore.

Courtesy of democratic underground.com

We would people watch during the crossing with an occasional glance to the port side and watch porpoises frolic in the wake of our boat. There was a Mennonite family from Pennsylvania traveling by bus to a family reunion. The men, all dressed in casual attire, non uniformed, so to speak. The women, dressed in various colors of long dresses and wearing a bonnet. This kind of strikes me a bit sexist that the women remain uniformed, why is this I wonder.

There was a family of 4 sitting next to me and for the entire time, the father was on his cell phone conducting business for the company he owns and the wife was chit chatting with someone on her phone. Their two teenage children were doing their own thing with their electronic devices. This was the entire 70 minute crossing. Wow, they must have great batteries.

I was amazed at the Tattoo designs that people sported. Since this was summer a large area of skin was left uncovered. Many women had neck, ankle and thigh tattoos. I guess this surprised me the most. My son has quite an array on his body as does my soon to be married nephew. I just never realized what I judged to be 20 something women all painted up. Fiddler I thought, your getting old. A child of the 40’s I am.

Mary Agnes would leave my side constantly and walk about the deck seeking her 10,000 steps, the norm is much greater, the over achiever she is. Sitting alone and observing the other deck walkers, I realized she was not alone in her quest. Young and old alike could be seen sporting Fit Bits and the like as they quick stepped about the decks. For their pleasure, the seas were calm.

As we started to approach the canal in Port Cape May, we once again headed to the rail. As a youth I had been through this canal many times in small runabouts, feeling like a veteran sailor at the time. Many pretend adventures could enter the mind of a young teenager. Was I envisioning myself plying a large trawler, a pirate frigate or some other trade winds vessel back then, I wondered, oh to have another roll of the dice and return to those days once more, where would the seas take me?

Courtesy of Miriadna.com

After easing into our dock we returned to our car for our exit into Cape May. As I clicked the fob, I noticed we had had a visitor extend a greeting to us. My deduction was a Sea Gull. The drivers side of the windshield was anointed with bird droppings of great proportion, as was my door. Looking up I saw no evidence of the feathered stowaway, but he surely left his moniker.

As the vehicles exited the ferry we began what would be a snails paced ride into Cape May proper. I pulled over and set my Garmin to the Alcott Hotel on Grant Street, the wedding would  start from the hotel to the Grant Street beach for the service at 5:00 PM the next day. I always like to do a reconnoiter when traveling to a location early. I also like to vet those I will be associating with. Mary Agnes says I’m like Robert DiNero from “Meet the Fockers.” I say, “I like to be able to stay on common ground,” whatever.

Courtesy of culturalwceekly.com

After avoiding the crazy Jersey drivers without incident we pull in front of the Hotel Alcott. There are people unloading a vehicle in front, I immediately spy the bride to be and say to Mary Agnes, “that is Amanda.”  I look to the right and there stands the groom, my nephew Ari. God it’s a small world. 

We park, exchange pleasantries, and help off load the goodies, wedding dress, favors and other things after being introduced to the  brides mother Debbie. After getting a run down on where my sister Robin is, she’s Ari’s mother, and other fill in the blank stuff, we let them to their tasks and head out on a nostalgia tour of my old homestead from my youth, Wildwood Crest.

We leave Cape May, jump on the Garden State Parkway and head north a few miles to route 47, also known as the Delsea Drive. We exit, head east and cross the mash grasses and Inter Coastal Waterway and enter Wildwood. I first head to Davis Ave. and Park Blvd. I am looking for the Gingham Club restaurant where I worked  as a Busboy back in the day. The restaurant is no longer there. Click on the link for the 86 year history.

The days working at the restaurant were good. A lot of the staff back then arrived early and took part in a family style dinner. Tables were set up in a back room, Chianti in a basket was on the table and plans for the evening were discussed. Mama and Poppa Russo treated everyone like family. One of their grandsons, Billy Thompson was a close friend of mine. Towards the end of summer I was taught how to work the Short Order Grill. I was enjoying life, had a dollar in my pocket and swam every day. The summer prior to the Gingham club I rented chairs, umbrellas and rafts on the beach. 

There was a jetty at the inlet separating the Crest from Cape May where we would fish and watch the Coast Guard recruits row their 26 foot Monomoy surf boats through the jetty. After winter storms my friend Gary Hoffman and I would walk the beach in search of Conch Shells. We would load them in bushel baskets and take them to the fish house in Wildwood. It was our understanding that they would be transported to New York City and find their way to restaurant tables as Escargot. I was always earning a buck during my youth.

Money in the bank.

The town of Wildwood reminds me of the past but I recognize very little. Time changes so much. We make our way south on Park Blvd and head south towards Wildwood Crest. This was my home in the late 50s and I have many grand memories. We pass by where the Phillip P. Baker school once stood, it is gone. I look for Snuffy’s soda shop, it also is no longer, I retain the memories though.

Phillip P. Baker school

As we drive south towards Miami Ave. where I once lived, I recognize  street names but little else. We pass Sunset Lake and turn east, I’m looking for Pacific Ave and south to Miami. At the corner of Pacific and Miami where my best friend from those days lived in a nice ranch, now sits a condominium. I turn right on Miami and find my old house. It is dull grey, now has a peaked roof and is rundown. Seeing it in this condition is disappointing. 

307 E. Miami Ave.

After taking a few pictures we continued south and took the toll bridge ($1.50) back to Cape May. We stopped opposite the Bumble Bee seafood plant at a glistening stainless steel food cart where a woman under a large beach umbrella was selling lunch fare. It would be a Hot Dog for Mary Agnes and a sausage for me, with two waters for $7.00. What a bargain, and were they good.

Now our task was to find a place to park for the next day’s wedding on the beach. I did some research on my iPhone and we learned that there was free parking at the Cape May grammar school. Every half hour or so a free trolley came by and on its circular route would come within four blocks from our destination. This would be our modus operandi for the next day. I especially liked the free part.

http://www.capemay.com/gettingaround-trolley.html

Now that we had our plans in order for the wedding it was time to head an hour north to Millville, NJ where we would spend the night. We were budgeting wisely for this venture. Additionally I wanted to go through Green Creek, an area along Rt. 47 where my great grandfather William Pechman and great grandmother Lena lived back in the early 1900s. I’ll save that bit of history for another time.

A Salt Marsh

We traveled north, trust me when I say there isn’t a whole lot doing along Rt. 47. A few tiny towns such as Middle Township, Rio Grande, Goshen and Delmont are passed on the way to Millville. Going north, most every thing to the west is creeks and salt marshes. Once again the southwest breeze brought tantalizing familiar orders of the past.

We would pass the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, Est. 1879.
Perhaps my great grandparents attended services here.

Upon our arrival at the Fairfield Inn and Suites we relaxed with a glass of wine before heading out to dinner at the “Old Oar House” Irish Pub. If your ever in Millville try it. The food and service were great. There are over 40 beers available if you’r so inclined. Just a nice pub feel and great comfort food. Your platter is sure to fill the hungriest of eaters.

http://oldoarhouse.com

After dinner we retired to our room, watched a bit of TV and crashed for the night. It had been a long day. We highly recommend the Fairfield, clean, good service, great free breakfast and shopping of every dimension close by. 

We awoke on July 31, the wedding day to a bright sunny sky. After breakfast we drove around the town and did a bit of sight seeing on our own. We went by the airport where the Millville Army Air Field Museum is located. We didn’t do the museum as we had another stop in mind. If there’s a next time it looks like something worth visiting.

At 10:00 AM we found ourselves at the Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center. This was a great choice and we spent two plus hours there. We observed artists blowing glass, making pumpkins and other pieces of various proportions. We toured the museum , visited the General Store and listened to a most informative lecture on the art of glass making through the years. Mary Agnes wants to return for a hands on workshop with the girls at a future date. We could have spent more time but we had a wedding to go to in Cape May.

We returned to the hotel, cleaned up, gathered our things and headed back to Cape May. The Wedding hour was growing close. Thanks to Garmin we found the grammar school parking lot, made a phone call to the Trolley number and spoke to the operator. She goes by the moniker Sunday and told us she would be there in about 15 minutes. She was true to her word.

Mary Agnes cools in the shade as we await the Trolley.

We climbed aboard the trolley for the short ride to the beach area and off loaded on Perry St., a three block long walk to the Grant St. Beach where the wedding was to be held. Did I mention it was hot? The high for the day was 87 deg., no clouds a light land breeze and I was cooking by the time the wedding began around 5;20 PM.

Setting the stage. 

The lineup begins

The procession through the sand to the preacher was picturesque. The bride’s maids in their blue dresses walking barefoot, save for a sequined foot necklace, were exquisite. The Groom and his men were dapper in their linen pants, white shirt, tie and vest. As for the bride, I shall let the pictures speak for themselves.

Ari, always coaching, calls the next play.

The bride's father escorts her through the sand.

As they await the bride, the officiant asks an important question.
"So tell me Ari, what do you think of Chip Kelley and the Eagle's chances this year?"

After exchanging vows, Pink and Blue sand was mixed by the couple in a glass box, signifying their union on the beach. The bathers a short distance away were caught up in the ceremony, as were those walking on the boardwalk behind us. For those of us in attendance, I’m sure each of us had reflective moments to the past or future events planned or wished for.

Sand is mixed to seal the bond between Ari and Amanda.

A beautiful smile on a beautiful bride.

It meant a lot to see my two sisters whose distance away keeps us separated. Robin up from Florida and Megan and her son Mark from Virginia made the trip. We recently lost our mother and on this day we got to celebrate a birth of a new union in the family. This was an uplifting turnabout in recent event.

L to R, my nephew Mark, sisters Megan and Robin and The Rooster.

It wasn’t my place to offer a toast to my nephew and his bride at the reception. Were I offered the opportunity, I most likely would have selected an old Irish/Celtic traditional toast. From The Rooster to you, Ari and Amanda.

To Amanda and Ari:

May your mornings bring joy and your evenings bring peace.

May your troubles grow few as your blessings increase.

May the saddest day of your future

Be no worse than the happiest day of your past.

May your hands be forever clasped in friendship

And your hearts joined forever in love.

Your lives are very special,

God has touched you in many ways.

May his blessings rest upon you

And fill all your coming days.

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers

The reception to follow was in the grandest of tradition. From the Hors d'oeuvres to the main course it was a feast of honor to the newly weds. Ari was as smooth as a baby's backside on the dance floor. Cheers one would expect when a soccer goal was scored resonated throughout the room as the new Fred Astaire showcased his newly learned moves.

Just a beautiful venue.

Our trip north after the reception took us back through Millville, Wilmington, DE and Elkton, MD. I was in awe of the amount of traffic heading south to the Jersey Beaches so late at night. Once reaching our destination for the night, long past the midnight hour, we breathed a sigh of relief and thanks for our safe trip. It was a memorable trip which was thoroughly enjoyed.

August 2, 2015

The Connecticut Crew

Rebecca Fiddler played the part of a Pullet in the play Honk.

For many past years, our four grandchildren, David, Kevin, Jillian and Rebecca have performed in plays during the summer. The plays are sponsored under the Tolland Youth Services program.  With college, jobs, softball commitments and other obligations, only Rebecca got to perform this year.

Rebecca hanging out with Aunt Kathy and Cousin Abby Berthiaume last month in Connecticut. 

Honk! is a musical adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen story The Ugly Duckling. This is the story of Ugly, whose odd, gawky looks instantly incite prejudice from his family and other barnyard creatures. Separated from the farm and pursued by a hungry Cat, Ugly must find his way home. Along his rollicking and harrowing journey he not only discovers his true beauty and glorious destiny, but also finds love and acceptance in all its forms. Aimed primarily at children and their parents, the musical incorporates a message of tolerance.

The original London production won the 2000 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical.

Our Connecticut family is very involved with the Creative Living Community of Connecticut (CLCC)

Our daughter in-law Beth serves on the Board for the organization and the entire family Hany extended, volunteer their time. Quite a wonderful undertaking is the organization, if you have a moment, click on the link and check it out. If you live in Connecticut, you may want to get involved.

The vision of CLCC from their web site.

Creative Living Community of Connecticut envisions adults in Connecticut with and without developmental disabilities as valued and contributing members of our society, exemplified in a model community to be created in Eastern Connecticut where all members experience a sense of belonging, share resources and enjoy a happy life.

A Trip to The Kennedy Center "The Book of Mormon"

There is a saying, "Now that you've seen the play, you've got to read the book." That saying is in reference to the "Book of Mormon." Just to set the record straight, I have, along with my wife read the book. We read it in the early 70's when we lived in Manchester, CT. Over a period of time we had two Mormon missionaries come weekly to our home and we learned all we could of their faith and teachings. It is a religion I have great respect for and admire those that exhibit their faith in their daily lives. Our strong Catholic beliefs did not lead us to abdicate to another faith. We did become aware of the beliefs of others and are better for that experience.

Two weeks ago we spent a family day in DC to catch the play. The play most assuredly is not for the light of heart. It is a satirical look at two missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who are assigned to a mission in Uganda. Will I go to Hell for having seen it, I certainly hope not. The acting was superb, the music fantastic and I enjoyed the wine during intermission. It's a Catholic thing.

The fact that the show came with the most awesome brunch (a two hour feast) one could ever experience was just a bit of icing on the cake.  http://www.kennedy-center.org/visitor/restaurants/ What could never be taken away was the fact that Mary Agnes and I spent an entire day with our daughters and their men in a wonderful setting that promotes the arts in our nations capitol. Thank you girls for who you are. Master Card, it was well worth it.

The Elders

The Krajewskis of Lewes, DE

Sarah and Beth Krewjewski show off their ribbons earned at "The Delaware State Fair."  The girls have been raising their livestock over the past few years as part of a 4H program. The girls have Kate-Moore Krewjewski and Ron Krewjewski as their parents. They are the granddaughters of Sarah Moore, Sarah is Mary Agnes Fiddler's sister. 

Where in the world?

Jeff is currently still in the US working out of his Virginia office. On Monday Jeff, Kathy and Abby spent the night at the Orioles game and saw an 11th inning victory over the Braves of Atlanta.

The view of the park from their room at the Hilton.

Some time back I reported on Jeff being in The Gambia. The Gambia is a tiny sliver of a country surrounded by Senegal on the west coast of Africa. The US government has normalized relations with The Gambia and it's President has even made a State Visit to the White House.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Gambia

I stumbled upon the below story in my never ending search to educate myself on the world around us. Should you be so inclined, the story is available for reading on the below link. Just a little diversity in the land of politics.

The reckless plot to overthrow Africa's most absurd dictator

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/21/how-former-us-army-officer-launched-disastrous-coup-the-gambia

We are such a receptive country.

The Oklahoma Davies

Samantha returned home in the wee hours of July 25 after a two week deployment to Hill AFB in Utah and Nellis AFB in Nevada. Zed, bless his sole carried on the parenting alone back in Oklahoma. Now roomer has it that there was a visitation from Frenchglen, OR for a bit of the time.

Perhaps some grand parenting time was thrown in there?

A little info on her whereabouts if interested. 

Sam at Hill http://www.hill.af.mil/ and Nellis http://www.nellis.af.mil/

A little piece of Utah

http://clui.org/ludb/site/utah-test-and-training-range-uttr 

Control tower at Hill AFB, Utah

Nellis AFB, Nevada gate.

A little piece of Nevada 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nevada_Test_and_Training_Range

http://clui.org/ludb/site/nellis-range-complex

I'll bet she could drive all the way to Kansas City. Get your eyes back on the road Mia.

So, on Saturday morning the four Davies take to the road and head to Kansas City. It seems Sir Zedsalot has found him a deal on a tractor for caring for his OKC mini ranch. 700 miles round trip and ten hours on the road. Shall be no moss growing beneath those cowboy boots. You go cowboy.

The mower particulars. 

John Deere, 322. It was in good shape mechanically, has the blade up front for pushing either the dirt off the road or snow in the winter, came with a cart to pull kids or stuff in and was a decent price. It also has the 50inch monster deck. And, last but not least, Sam can drive it when Zed's deployed. The man is always thinking.

Pack For A Week, And You've Packed For A Month

Courtesy of Lonely planet

I came across this article and thought I'd share since we have travelers out there.

http://www.courant.com/travel/sc-trav-0721-travel-mechanic-20150713-column.html

In Closing

It's been a busy week gone by. Mary Agnes and I have been on a trip to New Jersey, Visitors from the North have been in town. The corn still grows and the knee is getting better. Abby's getting ready to head back to Mississippi and the traveler shall soon depart to the far reaches of the world. For sake of rambling on in this edition and boring you the reader I shall close for now and hope to see you again by the end of the week. Have a great week.

  Be Safe