Very glad to hear that you're all fine in Texas, Derek, and Congrats to you and your Lady Love for your anniversary. I hope you got lucky if you tried the slots

Thanks for the update on what you've been up to, and such a travelling man you sound! Sounds totally enjoyable all round.

I hope you get to recite In Flanders Fields at that ceremony.

I wear a poppy on my jacket and now another on my hat at all times, so I always have them showing when I'm out and about for people to notice. And yes, I'm not forgetting to bundle up already, even though some days are still quite nice, there is usually a cold wind blows through clothing. I was looking at a nice pea jacket aka long coat the other day and am seriously considering investing in it. Jackets aren't enough coverage for the cold and I remember how bitter cold it was in Feb when I arrived here.

Maybe I should look at snow suits like the kind I used to get bundled up in as a kid. Remember snowsuits and scarves and mittens and boots and felts and and and ... ah yes, WINTER wear!

Enjoy that 70-80 degrees.

Karmen