too long since the last post to fill you in with everything, suffice to say that we are busy as possible, the new hive is installed and seems to be busy, the party went off like a dream, everyone had a great time, thanks mostly to eddy V for the photos. the fete de l'ecole went brilliantly too, altho i over estimated on the pancake mix... lots in the freezer now! the farm is great, the duckling has become a pet - benjamin. my birthday went well, we bought a piece of land that borders where we live - consolidation! lots of lovely people to help and a wonderful visit to lac d'arques where the pirate attack took place - sorry vincent! melissa, our fiftieth guest wrote the following:

Swimming for Treasure

In search of treasure
seedling pirates deviantly swim
towards the bouncing yellow palace
floating in the turquoise beyond.
they quietly paddle
heads bobbing above the surface.
mischievously planning their attack
concealing the ensuing battle
from the unsuspecting sailor girls steering the vessel
then
the moment of contact
as little hands reach the yellow edge
the battle begins

splashing girls become warrior women
defending their palace
with strength filled yelps
to push away the treasure-hungry pirate palms
the sounds of water particles colliding "ah-arrrrgh!" (me hearties)
become the melody of the battle scene
harmonizing with shrieks of laughter coming from all directions

then
the turning point

the pirates meet eyes with one another and
in a moment of realization
push the ship to its upside down destiny
forcing the warrior women to vacate their stronghold
boat flipped
warrior women splashing waves of laughter
the pirates look at one another with
water-droplet glazed pride
mischief managed
success

the true treasure of living
found in a moment of summer-sun magic
when little boys can transform into pirates
and mischief into pure joy

melissa Streng

the children had great fun toppling the blow-up canoe of their head master!!!

beautiful and thanks again melissa

e