To All the Gang,

First of all, Sandy and I had a wonderful time on the cruise. I spent some time sitting in lectures, but otherwise we had a luxury- and adventure- packed 7 days. I've never been treated to such service before. Wow! So that's how the rich live.

We got to see some humpback whales, some bald eagles, and a coniferous rain forest. We bought stuff, and ate and ate and ate. Now I have to go on a diet for the rest of my life.

Of course, there are stories galore, and I won't go into great detail here. Sandy will no doubt want to contribute, too. She took all the photos, which relieved me of the effort, since I'm not such a good photographer.

One of the highlights was Butchart Gardens in Vancouver. I want to go back there again and spend a whole day. What an incredible place.

After checking with all the old geezers of the group, it has been decided that we will postpone the family reunion until 2010. Vince and Cathy will be in Guantanamo for the next year and ?.
A miracle could happen and Matt and Liu Ping could come back and be able to join us. Sandy and I are needing a little financial save-up time, and Russ and Karen will prolong an already planned vacation. So it seems beneficial to all, except the younger generation. I hope no one is terribly disappointed. Frankly, I just can't imagine having a reunion without V&C.

Anyway, that's all that's new for now.

Oh, there's one more bit. I must gloat about this. A recovery room nurse asked me to do her anesthesia. A recovery room nurse. They're the ones that see all the worst possibilities of post-op bad stuff. It just made my little heart glow. To be picked to do her anesthesia is like getting an Oscar. Thanks for tolerating my smugness.

Love,

JL, aka the B of T