We celebrated Elizabeth's birthday today, doing the usual routine of going to "99" in Littleton for a lobster roll. Then we made the usual stops at Home Depot, Walmart and finally McDonald's for something cold, usually ice cream, but today we were still feeling full from our lunch so for Elizabeth and me it was iced coffee and iced tea, and ice cream for Fred. Louise only wanted a nap.

It was Monika's birthday today, and both Louise and Elizabeth were very anxious to see the new baby, so we made a planned stop to wish Monika a "Happy Birthday," and to see our granddaughter(s). Jo-Ann was busy finishing up decorated muffins for her mom and they were lovely, with frosting letters and candles. (See right.)

Below, Elizabeth and Louise get their first glimpse of Tangeni Sierra, sound asleep in her bassinette. I think they were a little surprised when big sister Jo-Ann came in, picked up the baby and asked if they wanted to hold her, handing her off first to Elizabeth and then to Louise. Tangeni slept through being passed around until it came time for Grandma Jane to take her. Then she began to wiggle and was on the verge of waking up, so by the time Grandpa Fred got her, she was awake and complaining loudly. Next time we'll have to see to it he gets her sooner rather than later. We thought she did remarkably well to sleep through all the juggling, loud talking and laughing. When she was back in her mother's arms, she was once again content. She's learning to let grownups know when enough is enough.









Fred took this picture when we first arrived and were making introductions. Floriana has learned a few more English words which made me sorry I haven't mastered any Oshiwambo words at all. From left to right, that's Floriana, me, Elizabeth and Louise.

We had a very pleasant day, but it was a long one and tomorrow I'll have to make up for lost time. It was very nice both when we left this morning and when we came back through Danville this afternoon not to be held up anywhere. I sure hope the construction folks get things organized better than it has been through there. From the report in today's Caledonian Record, things were handled very badly yesterday when emergency vehicles were trying to get through town. Below is a notice of work plans tentatively scheduled until work on Route 2 can resume with better management of traffic. It's a difficult time for everyone concerned.