Well, it finally looks like the smoke has cleared a bit here in Sacramento and my trip up to Reno yesterday indicated that it was even better up there. However, the area between here and there, especially in the area along highway twenty from Marysville through Grass valley, was really bad. Smoke had the blocking capacity that one only experiences in the central valley during fog season.

Rachael and Sarah made it here safely from Melbourne. JoAnne and her mother picked them up at SFO yesterday morning and brought them back to Sacramento via BART and car.

They are amazing people. Seriously more mature than they were as part of the extended family in Maui several years ago.

Sarah is fifteen and Rachael is seventeen. Both are so bright it is almost scary. My ears are not accent tuned yet, so communication requires a number of repeats and serious interpretation by JoAnne.

They will probably sleep in a bit this morning. (Product of jet-lag.) Momma Anne will drop in at about eleven AM and after lunch, we shall try to swim a bit at our outdoor community pool.

Tomorrow, they shall probably be movie bound in the afternoon followed by the Sacramento vs Portland baseball game at Raley field.

Not sure about Tuesday except that Keiko and Brad will be in town. (Keiko will have just returned from her trip to Europe and Brad will have just rented digs near Fullerton for their move there the week following.) Guess that means that the nine folks for dinner on Tuesday night is operational so far.

The plan is to take them up to Reno for a couple of nights and then come back down for Momma Anne's birthday and the fourth of July (Probably the traditional family get together at Brian's place.)

Saturday, JoAnne, momma Anne and the girls will leave for the Grand Canyon. I shall head up to Reno and stay for a couple of days at least. I have to be back down for a SIR meeting on Thursday.

Looks like the dogs and I will be alone for a while. Original plans indicated that JoAnne would be back on Sunday (13th); but with the move from Hawaii to LA, she will probably stay in LA for a couple of days to help Keiko settle into her new digs.

I have been settling in a bit to the idea of being a grandfather. My plan is to start a "college" or a UGMA (Uniform Gift to Minors Account)account. Both have advantages, but the UMGA is more versatile in its usage. However,it requires a Social Security number and that number is not available until after the baby's birth. So, have to wait.

Well, gotta go. Y'all take care hear?