Well, Gordon and Jessica have been on the ferry almost 12 hours now. The left at 9:00 our time last night (6:00 in Washington). It is almost 8:00 here so they have another 25 hours. He said we wouldn't hear from them until they got to Ketchikan because there would be poor cell service on the ferry. I know now how Houston feels every time an astronaut re-enters earth's atmoshphere and there is period where communication is blacked out.

I was very grateful that they were ahead of the flooding and the tornadoes in Iowa. They did not escape the snow in Montana and Idaho or Washington, but at least they were both experienced drivers having driven in the U.P. for years.

The situation at the museum is deteriorating rapidly. Both sides agreed to extend the existing contract one week so they could continue negotiating. The Board of Directos told the museum to settle, whatever it took, but the museum is still playing hardball. In fact, they have upped the ante from what I've heard. They are asking for a 50% pay reduction, completely eliminate dental and optical coverage, reduce the employer participation in medical coverage, and are asking for a reduction of vacation time by 1/2. I think they are trying to force a strike so they can justify out-sourcing the entire maintainance dept.- groundskeepers, cleaning, painters, carpenters, electricians, everybody.

Ladies, I can let out a big sigh of relief! Steve came home with a new contract. Some minor changes, but nothing we can't handle. Most of the changes will affect new hirees from here on out. I know that's a worry off his shoulders. thanks for seeing me through on this one.