October 7

As you can see this was taken a few days before his birthday after he and his mom built the Halloween masterpiece. I was invited to participate as I had dinner at their house that night but I turned down the offer so I could put touch-up paint on the holes where the former curtain rods were. The Halloween house surprised us all especially after the words coming from under the breath of the mom. Lucas has learned how to enjoy posing for his photo.

The photos from the actual birthday party didn't lend themselves to public posting. There is no way I know of to photograph 8 children under the age of four when all that was in sight were paper plates full of uneaten cake and melting ice cream, kids making weapons from legos, and piles of wrapping paper.

Judy has returned from Nairobi and here is her brief synopsis of the trip.

Not exhausted just jet lag. The trip was fabulous...we both loved it. The interaction with the people in Wamba Town was unbelievable...it is so far off the beaten track that Earthwatch volunteers are the only white people they ever see!

We saw every animal you can name at the Lewa Conservancy...zebras, giraffe, lion, cheetah, elephants, warthogs, kudu, antelope of all kinds, ostrichs, Cape buffalo, monkeys, etc.

I will never go to Africa as a tourist again. Earthwatch is the way to go.

Alberta is doing well in her new apartment. She went to the quilt show on Friday, went with the walking group yesterday, and took the van to church today. She is getting out and about and loves the place she says.

The mother's to be are doing well also. Anna Marie says she is very anxious for Mile's arrival but I'm warning her she is better off having him where he is. They have the nursery almost ready for him. Cyd has purchased her baby furniture and has baby clothes in the closet so she is getting prepared.

I have more free time and it's wonderful. I phone my mom daily but only see her every two or three days. She is coming for dinner today with Ray and Claire so we can have a family Lucas birthday.

So far I haven't heard much about the Cornet Bay possibility for Memorial Day. I suppose we are all waiting for the visitation by the Taylors for a candid account of what's there.

I'm also anxious to see photos and hear more about Leslie and Darren's new home. There was a huge housewarming party there Friday and we could use details.