Mon Jun 29 08:05 EDT 1998
Weekend Update: June 26-28

Because of all the rain we've been having in New England while the
rest of the country deals with wildfires and heat, we have had to
snatch time whenever the rain lets up to mow the lawn and weed the
garden. So this past week was a catch-up of sorts.  We mowed the lawn
twice because the first time didn't cut the damp grass (yes, I spelled
that right).  I went and did a little research on lawn tractors then
went home and had the lawn cut again by push mower.

In the "Metcalfe's lead a charmed life" department, or "life happens
wherever you go", Joy had some blood work done by a Vampire Nurse
Practioner (VNP) last week: 4 vials for tests and 1 as a chaser.  Joy
asked if becoming an undead was compatible with Christianity, and when
the VNP said no, Joy asked that her blodd be drawn from the arm
instead.  The lead suspect for all this blood work is Rheumetoid
Arthritis.  Yep. RA.  The worst that can happen with RA is bad enough
not to describe it in email but the best that can happen is that it
can be episodic, perhaps even going away to not return.  It's a
strange malady that is all over the map with its possible impact.
Meanwhile, duct tape is seeming more attractive as a means of keeping
my wife together.

The 4th of July is on Saturday (for those of you who are unaware of
the calendar).  (Do they have a 4th of July in England, Rev. Farmer?)
;-) Anyway, my original plans, like those of mice and men, were
adapted or co-opted.  We had some friends coming from Maine to stay
with us next week but could only come this weekend and we said, "Sure!
The more the merrier!"  We're looking forward to their visit.  If you
are in the vicinity on the 4th of July and would like to take part in
watching a small town fireworks display, why not come along and join
us?  In Mayberry (Pepperell), the display lasts between 15-20 minutes
(Princess Cashmere does a dance with sparklers; just kidding) and then
we're able to get home in time for some ice cream or something.  If
you like Boston on the Esplanade, forget Pepperell.  Bring a blanket
to sit on (and perhaps to fend off the mosquitoes!).

However, if you like Potato guns to be part of your celebration, send
email to 103226.142@compuserve.com.

Have a great holiday, folks (in the USA)!

Mark
Mark Metcalfe, Cadence Design Systems, Inc.                \
270 Billerica Road, MS04                                    \  O,
Chelmsford, Massachusetts, 01824                     (_______\/ )_______/
Phone: (978) 446-6451 Fax: (978) 446-6351          -----------\--------------