The work crew

Two teenage boys are working in our yard today to earn money for a trip they will be taking in about a month. They are going to Mexico with a church group to help build houses for very poor people who live in border towns. I remember doing this kind of work--not building a house--but going on a church youth group trip to try to make a difference for at least one family in Philadelphia. It was a wonderful experience. I am very proud of kids who do things for other people--and there are many of them.

back from trip

We just got back from a cruise along the Baja Peninsuala of Mexico--places we have not seen before. Among the highlights, a live volcano near Colima, hundreds of dolphins, a whale spouting, iguanas, tapas, fresh scallops and shrimp cooked in garlic butter, and a chance to watch women make tortillas. In Long Beach we visited the Queen Mary and went to the wonderful aquarium. And one of the best parts is reading tons of books on the days at sea. I read five books and proofread both my new ones. Now were are back in chilly Virginia. A good time to read and write some more. Bailey said the weather was pretty nice here while we were gone.