Back yard visitor

Mistook this guy for a rock. Startled me when it moved! Thought I would share him with you.

Claire wins 5 medals at Summer Swim league champs. She placed 8th in all her individual events and her relays got 4th. She had a best time in free style and the IM. John took a video of her freestyle with his new flip.

It's not as pretty as the fruit tart...

I finally made my first spring roll. Kim Phung's, watch out. The recipe is easy and prep time is very short. Keeping the skins from tearing is the biggest challenge. It is also easy to over estimate the vermicelli noodle. I think that when I make them again, if I am eating them right away, I would add the peanut sauce on the inside to have a more even taste through out. Bridget, when you make yours, let me know how they are.

Proof we were in Italy

I know Bridget has been wanting copies of Italy pictures. I am trying to work on that, for the time being I will post a few here. It was a great trip and Laura made it all the more memorable. Laura, I would ask for the rules to your card game, but I do not really believe they exist. I hope ya'll have a great time at Block Island. There are probably a few other geocaches out there.

If anyone see Claire, have her finish our Words with Friends game. I have even added a puzzle to the blog. Name the statue and artist. Have a great summer.

Dear All,

Unfortunately I don't have any pictures, although we will be providing some soon. Sandra and I just moved into the attic room. It's quite nice and the stairs don't seem as steep with the carpet and the two handrails. Luckily it's been quite cool at night and we've yet to use our fancy (and expensive!) air-conditioner.

Of course the big thing for us is the impending month in the Rome. As always happens, the weather is beautiful and the garden is blooming and we can't think why we take this trip. But, I assume, once we get there it will seem that no other place else will quite do.

Both John and Katherine are wrapping up their baseball seasons. It's John's first year in the "majors" and there are some adjustments required, but there's always next year. Katherine says she dislikes baseball intensely but there sure was a smile crossing her face when bat finally hit ball and the swift-footed Katherine made it safely to first. She was called out on third base eventually but I think that was just becaue the umpire wanted the game to end.

Jim