If you've been checking in...

I apologize for not posting at least a line every now and then. I did say on the eve of Rick and family's arrival that I didn't expect to be posting frequently for the following week. And I didn't!

We got a phone call last night saying that they had arrived home safely. The 10 days they spent here were a real joy to us, especially as we got to know the grandkids better.

They left Monday, but since then I've had to wear my other hat quite a bit. Two Coast Guard ships are in port this week, the USCG Cutter Bear, which leaves tomorrow just as the USCG Barque Eagle arrives for a weekend stay. There's an official reception on board the Eagle tomorrow evening, so all of this together has meant a lot of time in contact with local officials and the embassy in Lisbon.

I will not pretend that it was entirely impossible to get off a line or two over the past week or so, but I don't find it difficult justifying my lack of communication! :-)

I do expect to finish posting the account of the Ukraine trip in the next few days, plus some recent photos from here. Thanks for your patience.