Dear Kids,
          What a week of events! It started with Sharon’s birthday party at Nora’s park on Tuesday night. Thanks to Sharon for being born on the longest day of the year! And practically everybody who could come was there! Eight of our nine families! And lots of Sharon’s friends, besides. Thanks to everybody who helped plan it!
          Nora had been telling me about a cat she had seen in the ads, there in Centerville. When she sent me a video, I was captivated. This cat is quick and skinny, with enormous eyes. A tabby, sort of, but if you google "Bengal cat," you’ll see pictures of what she’s like. While the party was going on, I went to get her, and I brought her back to the park in a carrier. Her name is Tina. She’s very high strung, and yowls a lot. She isn’t very street wise, and hisses at our carved bears. She was trying to fight with the plaster calico cat, whacking its face with her paw. What will she do when she meets up with Xena? We’ve been keeping her in the basement storage room, till she calms down, but I plan to move her to the garage today or tomorrow. She’ll have to face real life at last.
            The morning after the party, Sharon’s family came to spend a few days with us. They were the first visitors to stay in our now-finished basement! Everything seemed to go OK, but I can see I have a few more details to work out. The kids played a lot on our playground (mostly in the small amount of sand we still have) and we had a lot of fun. They’ve left now for Oregon, with the Thackers.
          Last night Dad and I watched Adelaide perform in "Into the Woods" at the Spotlight Theater in Centerville. She was one of the wicked stepsisters, and the highlight of the production was when the stepmother cut off her toes so the slipper would fit. Everybody screamed. It was great.
           A week from tomorrow is the 4th of July. Let me know if you want to come on our hike up at Wolf Creek pass. Either morning or afternoon would be OK. I might call each of you to find out. And the family reunion’s coming up a week from Thursday. Paul is sending out details.
           Life is good! Love, Mom