can't match the travels of the brothers

I'm very impressed by the pictures of both John and Mark, who certainly have documented extraordinary trips. I think Mark wins the award for looking the most British, and congratulations to Carol—a byline above the fold is very impressive.

Life is a little quieter here. Tom harvested the last of the corn and has rototilled the plot so he can put in his squash plants. The total corn yield was about 10 dozen, from six rows of corn. The neighbors ate well while we were out of town, and we still had some to freeze.

For the first time in a few weeks we had time to look for some bargains. This is a German salad bowl [Vohenstrauss/Johann Sollmann/Bavaria] and we picked up 12 of them, in perfect condition, for $4. That's $4 for 12, not $4 each. This heavy-duty Sunbeam mixmaster/heritage series, complete with two sets of beaters and dough hooks, was $15. I have always wanted a heavy-duty mixer, probably because mother's was so impressive, but could hardly justify it.

I ran all the parts through the dishwasher and I'm ready. Tomorrow morning, the best test I can think of: chocolate chip cooky dough.