Hi Everybody,

Today was a bit of a crazy day, as far as training goes. The boys’ coach was not at practice for the second morning in a row. We have been concerned that his wife, who was our interpreter on the cruise and who is expecting their first child, may be ill. All of us hope that that is not the case.

Susan voluntarily ran to the monastery today. She is trying to stay in shape while she is here, so she made her second trip up the mountain. I wished her well and made sure we had cold water ready when she got back. She said the view was beautiful, but the run up the hill was rough. Since having to run to the monastery is our preferred method of discipline for our athletes, I know the kids were dying to ask what she did that was so bad SHE got sent to the monastery, but they didn’t ask. LOL As tired as they are with training, I don’t think they can imagine someone making that run for fun.

After lunch, while the kids napped, Susan and I walked to one of the restaurants and had an espresso and watched the river flow. Well, I had an espresso; Susan had a water. She says she can’t drink a coffee thick enough to stand a spoon in. I don’t know what the problem is as I think the coffee is divine, but, then, I am a coffee fiend. Yesterday she and I found a neat little dessert/ice cream place, but we have vowed not to go back again as we are unable to resist. The desserts at this place, unlike all the other desserts we’ve tried here, were sweet. Dangerous, indeed.

The second practice this morning was the 5^th practice, so the kids had the afternoon off. After their naps, most went off to explore the city and shop for souvenirs. A couple ran errands for us; strangely, we had no problems finding volunteers to go buy toilet paper, orange juice, and ketchup, as those are things no one wants to run out of again.

A storm is trying to move in and the wind has really picked up. I think it was raining a little while ago, but it seems to have stopped for the moment. The dogs have been restless and barking, but the girls don’t seem to have any trouble sleeping thru all the noise. I hope the boys are sleeping as well as the girls are. I don’t want to ruin anyone’s images of our delicate angels, but more than one of the girls, well, snores. LOL

Take care,

Marcy