This will be my first vacation in 11 years. I spent 10 of those years taking care of my bed-ridden wife and working. No complaints about that, I loved her dearly. Tomorrow, June 17, is the 1st anniversary of her graduation to the next life. I'll be leaving on the 22 for Washington DC for 2 days of taking in the memorials and Smithsonian. I also have a ticket to ride the DC Ducks. Refurbished WWII DUWKs that journey through DC and go for a swim on the Potomac. I'll be getting 1st hand info for Krista's continuing odyssey. On the 24 I'll travel to St. Michaels for 2 days. I intend to kayak around Wells Point for more info and fun.

I did my research and bought a kayak & gear last month. I never used one but was able to pick it up okay. Memorial Day I spent 6 hours paddling 12 miles around Blue Marsh Lake in Berks County, Pa to see if I could do the 9 mile trek around Wells Point. Had no issues on that account which seeing as how I'm 60, have an artificial knee since 2000, (the 9th knee surgery in 30 years) have ongoing sciatica down both legs (not to mention 3 herniated disks in my lumbar region and 2 in the cervical area... I've taken my grandfather's advice about the benefit of pain to heart... as long as you hurt, you know you're alive!) and an addiction to Coca-cola (I eat 1 meal a day, supper. Breakfast is 2 cans of Coke, lunch is 2 cans of Coke, with 1 or 2 cans after lunch... nearly every day for 40 years... and I've cut back 5 or 6 a day instead of 10+); I'm in good shape and handled it well. I'll post the week after I get home to let you know how the vacation went.

I know I told you before I'm more than a bit looney, but it keeps me smiling.

If you're the Bay Hundred area near Wells Point next Friday and Saturday, look for a crazy guy in a green kayak!