Jordan's third birthday is Saturday, along with her party. I will send pictures of the party next week, but I wanted to send her three-year pictures because they are so cute.

We have done a lot of traveling this summer so I have been very behind on my e-mails and writing. I am trying to catch up this week, but again my week is ending before I finish all of my chores. Hopefully next week I will be able to finish catching up.

Grandma Shari is flying in for Jordan's birthday and my best friend, Jenny, is driving all the way from Minnesota for the party. It will be a great weekend.

I just this minute turned over page 33 of 33 pages of the new Bulletin. Whew, it was really packed! I was trying to bake a peach pie out of once-a-year, Talbot tree-ripened peaches from Colorado while I was reading it, and almost forgot it was in the oven until I smelled it. Now that is too engrossed, wouldn't you say? But it was just that interesting.

I turned back to the front page and looked at the most beautiful, vivid colored petunias that I have seen a picture of ever before. It must be a very expensive camera to get such sharp pictures that even the detailed veins in the flowers showed. I am addicted to that first picture of The Bulletin. This one was no disappointment.

Photo © Virginia McCorkell

I could not believe my eyes to finally see another Update from Larry ... from LTD Storybrooke. It seems so long since we had one of his down to earth, hometown, heartfelt accounts of his own health and the home news. Both Roy and I were very glad to hear, and were very sorry to hear of the disappointment there must be in a drought that makes for some planning again to keep soul and body together, even to ... maybe ... a move. We wish we could see you, Larry, when you are in town this weekend, but likely won't.

I just knew we'd be seeing a cutie again of Levi. That expression on his face is priceless. A perfect caption of a perfect Captain.

Very special that someone took pictures of the old elm tree on LeRoy and Vonnie's boulevard, and thanks, Ginny, for adding your story to it -- which was quite touching, knowing how attached one can get to certain things around home ... even to a tree.

I was thrilled to see the closeup of Gert Pettit ... remembering her mostly as a very pretty, popular, young girl. Now a grandmother of this handsome soldier, and she has a right to look proud of his accomplishment. We wish him well here in Minneapolis.

Everyone is having it hot and dry -- and it was great seeing the Update from Anita Weiland.

Diana -- thank you so much for whatever strength you spent writing that newsy Update on yourself. Really scary and strange that no one could find the cause of such pain you were having. You are going through a lot, Diana, and we think of you.

SULLY ... (the blue eyed wonder!) turns two! Was sad to see that body cast on him, but he looks so resigned and sweet. He must be heavy to move around with that cast on. What excitement to think he will become a big brother soon! We missed a closeup of those eyes, though, Adrianna ... I suppose you're used to them.

The Impromptu "Reunion Picnic" made for a special family report, seeing how the newlyweds are faring, and catch up on that side of the family. With so many children, and their children, Don and Dorothy have lots of company and happiness. We are expecting a report of the anniversary now -- am sure that will be a good one.

Your Labor Day Vacation plans sound pretty wonderful. A trip you would never take yourself, Don and Dorothy, but with the support and assistance of your kind children, it should be a memorable time of reminiscing. A lot will have changed, and I hope you can find your favorite restaurants from back then that you look forward to patronizing.

Glad you promised us a Bulletin that week! Doesn't matter when! Thank you!

I was afraid we'd be seeing the "China Farewell" title one of these times, and today was it. Had to really laugh at the caption on that picture of the riverboat -- cargo coming soon to a Wal-Mart near you. If THAT isn't the truth! Fabulous buildings in the background. Am sure when that couple hit United States soil they were tearfully thankful to be HOME.

Well, Don, it's taken a lot of nerve, but I have made the rounds of my most wealthy friends to see if they would care to invest in some valuable property on five acres, with the title Queen Anne cottage. I have quite a bit gathered up now, but can't seem to find an address to send it to. Maybe you can e-mail me with your snail mail address so I don't have to be responsible for all this money (real, honest to goodness money, too) any longer. I already have my room picked out for when we come to visit you. It's the front room on the top floor with the lovely view of, let's see, what was it again?

Thank you Weston, for the Update on yourself, and your 28th birthday celebration. You have fit a lot into those 28 years already. Hope you have a good year ahead.

Thanks, Doug, for another Foto-funnie! Keeps you busy for a weekly paper.

Well, please know that this was enjoyed to the fullest again. It seems so many new and different things in it this time. Some "submitters" we haven't heard from for a long time.

Thanks so much for another Bulletin, right on time and very professional and complete, keeping our interest and enthusiasm right up to the last word.

Betty Droel