So this posting has been a long while in the making. Apologies for the delay, but I promise it will be worth the wait.

Here is the balloon ride photo essay.

And because you are all such patient and kind readers, here are two bonus pictures of us imitating the cat. She has this top of a clothing gift box that she doesn't think she's too large for. Each night, as we settle comfortably on the couch, she squeezes herself into her box. Notice she is not pleased with our antics.



I also owe you the text of my Toastmasters Area 16 Runner Up Award Winning International Speech Contest speech. I was kind of shocked to have done so well, but out of the 6 competitors I was judged the second best. Not too shabby. I'll post that under separate cover shortly.