Finally, as the summer wanes into fall, a real family vacation! After today, I'll be off by the seaside for a week and a couple days with most of my pack and also my mother and grandmother (who at 93 is still plucking right along). Unfortunately, my mate and the eldest of my pups have to drive down later, if they can make it at all: my son is working diligently to finish up the last of his Eagle Scout requirements, and my wife graciously volunteered to be the parent to remain behind with him, though it isn't a terrible sacrifice for her, because she doesn't like the beach.

I also discovered last night that my wife is not going crazy after all, which is quite a relief.