Kicking Back in Chimacum

My daughter Kate and husband Matt came up from Vashon Island for dinner and a night on my seriously questionable sofa-bed. Chuck Geno pulled in as well, completing his stint as an emergency campground host. With help from my favorite produce sellers, World Peace Produce, just a mile up the road, we threw together a pretty good meal.

My friends and family are planning a gathering in Ireland this summer, and I really want to go. I miss seeing them a lot, and it's a top priority for me to get there. I have to nail down my flights and hotel this week. I love Ireland and it's a real gut-wrenching task to choose what I want to do, given limited budget and time.

But worse is the angst caused by the Iceland volcano which tends to shut down Ireland airports. I'm going to put down some serious money for this trip, gambling that a volcanic eruption won't occur on July 22. I really want a hedge on this one, and I'll be looking at the English and Irish betting houses to cover my risk. They'll bet on anything over there, and I'm sure I can find a line somewhere. If I can get there, I can handle the stranding problem should it arise.