Escaping the Storms

My vacation came at exactly the right time. We left Leesburg on the evening of June 29 - the night the derecho hit. We actually drove through the storm while we were heading west on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. It hadn't developed its hurricane-force winds (thankfully), but Regina and Lea were treated to some early 4th of July fireworks. It was constant lightning from Breezewood all the way past the tunnel. Our apartment building escaped any major damage, but there were two large trees that came down within two feet of the living room window.

We had a wonderful holiday in Erie. Grandma and Grandpa got to spoil Lea for a few days. Lea got to swim in the lake, and took her first boat ride. (The Water Taxi is a great service!) The zoo is incredibly improved from when I was a child. Lea communed with the orangutan and was fascinated by the siamangs. And most importantly, Regina and I got to relax for a whole week, for the first time since before Lea was born. The only unfortunate part was the heat. Apparently Harrekh hasn't been the only place in a drought recently - potential water restrictions were looming the whole time I was in town.

The actual fireworks display on the 4th was amazing. Regina, Lea and I headed down to the Bayfront to watch the fireworks from Liberty Park. We picked our place perfectly - right next to the maritime museum. We got our view right behind the Brig Niagara. (The Niagara is a point of pride locally - it was the ship that won the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812).
I also got to take a side trip to Ohio to visit some very dear friends of mine. Thanks especially to T for the tips on khopesh combat - it's wonderful to have friends that know this sort of thing offhand.

I still have lots to say about Books 2 and 3, as well as my classmate Eugene Cross and his excellent book, Fires of Our Choosing. Stay tuned!