Hello from Tel Aviv. Things have heated up here the last few days--2 soldiers kidnapped by Hezbollah and hundreds of Katyushas fired on northern Israel. And Israel's retaliation, of course. It's a real mess. I hope something gets better soon. I'm not in any danger myself--though they did say some of the missiles could reach Tel Aviv. Before this all started, I thought I'd go up north with some friends. That idea is out for now.

Roland, although things aren't so great here right now, I do think you'll like Israel if you do make it here one day. It's a small country, but a lot of variety. As for kibbutz, it's like a communal settlement where everyone works and in return for working, they get their basic needs met--food, housing, etc. They don't exactly get paid, but do get a budget to cover certain expenses. The kibbutzim have changed a lot in the last few years, though. They're becoming much more privatized. Socialism seems to be slowly dying out. I'm kind of tired at the moment, so I can't offer a more coherent explanation than this!

Everybody is traveling. I had lunch and a great visit with Karen today here in Vermont. It is in the 90s here and will be through Wednesday. Too bad we couldn't bottle up some of the heat to save for January! Lori have a wonderful visit with your family, enjoy your visit and be safe. Everybody is gone from my house and it is very quiet here. Happy Thoughts.........

Kathi, we have a thing called Freedom Fest here and its pretty big for the 4th. Its sponsored by local churches and its a mega fair with such things as paint ball booths, dunking booths, and usual carnival stuff but also free food ie southern ribs, dogs, blooming onions etc. They culminate with fireworks which resulted in a small fire this year as it was so dry. We had ours over in Monroe (east of here) at the old High School football field. No accidents though and the local FD quelled it in time.

Lori, due tell us about the kibbutz. I'm learning much about your culture and like to learn first hand. I hope to visit Isreal within the next 2 years. Richard, we don't sleep out here unless its in an a/c camper as with the bugs, snakes, and wild critters to say nothing of the virus infected mosquitoes. Oh, for the good ol days, but we didn't burn out smores. We built a fire pit (country style) on the side of my cabin and haven't used it much as its only gone down into the 70's at night here but then again its summer in the deep south. Our state campaigns are heating up and hip boots are now requirred. I wish they would just stick to the facts. At this point I don't know who is lying and who is ok. Daggers everywhere!!!!!! School starts back in about 3weeks. Wow!! I sold my window business and went into the auto paint business for a friend and its really exciting. The achedule will fit my schooling and the customers are pretty kool. I get to see those special projects that appear only on cable tv at those high priced auctions. I even get to drive one once in awhile as we also have a paint shop on the property. We only do and sell the high end stuff, kool.

hi. i am awake and sweating it out this hot summer night which has finally arrived in vermont. it's fine. actually, it is real fine. i am going to leave my upstairs chair at my overheated computer and sleep in a tent in my backyard. watch out skunks, raccoons, kitty cats, and bad memories of burnt s'amores. maybe a shooting star will make it alright (two would be better!).