I have an amusing story to tell you today. Our middle son, Bob and his wife, Theresa, recently went on vacation. They combined it with a dental appointment that was on their way, and Bob had brought along a copy of the West Danville history book manuscript I had asked him to read and critique. He said as he was reading, he had a feeling someone was close by and realized there was a woman reading over his shoulder. When he looked up, she asked what it was he was reading, so he explained about our book. She was very interested - loved what she had read and asked where and when she could purchase a copy, which Bob of course gave to her.

Later, as he and Theresa were leaving, another woman spoke to him asking if she heard right that he had been talking about West Danville and Joe's Pond. Turned out she had connections to the pond and she, too wanted to know how to get a copy.

I told Bob he should be on commission. Of course, once our book is published, we may never hear from either of these ladies - or may not make the connection if they do follow through and order books. It's good to know there is interest other than just locally.

It's fun tying up loose ends now - I'm going through my notes and the items we've scanned and copied, hoping not to leave out anything we'd intended to include. I think it will leave a big void in my life once the book is finished. I'll definitely need another project. And by the way, Bob called it "a good read" and confessed he read it all, from start to finish. He had originally told me he might just skim through as he didn't have much time. It was a happy accident that I gave it to him just before he went on vacation!

I had a surprise visit from a cousin and her husband today. They drove up from Massachusetts just for the day - a long drive for us, but just an adventure for them.  It was good to see them both and catch up on their kids and some others in the family. I hadn't seen them for probably close to ten years - and of course, we've all changed, but the family bond is still intact. What would summer be without a surprise visit from a long lost relative? We don't get those visits in the winter!