Where has August gone?

Greetings to each of you!

The amount of communication since the big birthday weekend has been limited because we have all been so busy. We were grateful for all the assurances that everyonee got back home safely.

We were especially pleased with Domino's complete account of her final days inn Italy and her safe return to Vassar, along with her birthday greetings for Grandma. We hope that there might be an English translation of her St. Catherine essay/speech.

All of the schollars beginning a new school year and/or experience have been in our thoughts and prayers. David gave Mom abrief sketch of Susan and Cooper's getting settled in Phoenix. The OC-Longs had a busy time gettingColin adn Bridget to UW; we haven't had a blow by blow recoounting, but do know it was a moving experience. Thanks to the entries from Michele, Matt/Casey, and Mark which provided some points we haven't heard in phone visits. While it takes some waiting here to get the video of the front steps Morning Train, we are able to catch some of the verse and a lots of coaching/laughing. The Smoky Mountains pictures were worthwhile, as well. Especially the snake and the Kdome prospects.

Our outdoor work projects contiunue, but the many warm dry days have us working in the shady areas only. All the window frames have freah brown paint and now we're working on the yellow window trim. The many 9"x12" glass frames require a little more attention with the brush strokes. As part of this work effort we were able to get a new rear yard light installed above the upstairs hall window to replace the mecury vapor onne which a very noisy ballast hum which could be heard all over the upstairss and outside. Appreciate the quiet now!

The tomato crop has been great, but we have had to water frequently as August has been a record for dryness.

We'll be seeing a number of our former Whitnall friends on this Friday when we drive to the Sutherland home in the Antigo area where many of them play golf and have dinner at a country club. A long day of driving, but a nice diversion.

The following weekend we will be in Dubuque for Mom's 62 year high school graduation reunnion. We'll be staying with the Vandermillens and plan to see the O'Connells, too.

Peggy has sent the official O'Connell reunion notice. This will be Sunday, 9/12, in Naperville. If any of you WI folk want to thinnk about car pooling for that day, we should be planning that promptly. The day before, 9/20, we will be meeting Charleen, Bob and some other Clarke Class of '50 members in Mundelein, IL
for a reunion lunch. C & B will be goping on to Naperville that night and we'll be returning home.

We thought we might hear from Mark today about the Obama rally in Milwaukee. It would have been fun to accept his invitation to join him, but the probability of a long walk, the mob scene at night aft er a long hot day would have been tough. We saw a little of it on TV news, but the complete event was not covered, we believe.

Have to admit that I have watched a lot of Brewer's baseball as they chase the Cubs. Had it on this evening and have switched to radio while I write. It has gone into extra innings as I write and as I am near the end I've switched it off and learn the results in the morning. Doen't lokk like we'll get to the Miller Park to see a game this year, as most September dates are sell outs.

Have a great fall everyone! Can Cooper get the Blog? Would someone in Sheboygan pass along his address or edress, please? Hope we will be able to get some news from all of you college level scholars from Baraboo and all points west, south and east!!

Love and prayers, Grandma and Grandpa

PS. Wednesday, 9/3 6:54 AM. Lost all of the trying to get it posted last night. Was able to get it on a EDIT screen but found no way to get it posted so printed it all and have retyped it this morning. Mom called "What are you doing up so early?" Hope we do better this morning !