We are home and here are some final loose ends regarding our travel which I've not reported.

The French Air disaster occurred shortly before we were leaving. I felt badly for the people on board and their survivors. It certainly made me a little apprehensive about flying across the ocean from London to Seattle, but the flight on the 747 was without bad weather or incident. On our arrival in Seattle there was a long line to clear immigration as only two people were on duty checking passengers through. However, our luggage arrived quickly and we were at the curb waiting for the car in a short time.

To start with, we arrived back in Gig Harbor at a decent hour around 6:00 pm. Exhausted, we went to bed at 8:00 PM and slept until 1:30 AM. That is when the fire alarm went off. It is  not one of those small round battery alarms. It is a built in and monitored alarm with a siren and a bell with enough noise to be heard in the next county. We searched the house from attic to basement and found nothing. The alarm company called and we said it was a false alarm. Ten minutes later the alarm company called (someone else) and said they had dispatched the fire truck. We told them to call them off. Needless to say it was difficult to get back to sleep not totally certain there wasn't a problem and unsure if the turned off alarm would stay turned off as well as wondering if perhaps the fire truck would roar down our drive way with sirens going at any time. A next day inspection by the foreman of the roof project we have going felt it was caused by accumulated dust which had seeped from the room into the area of the smoke alarm. It was an exciting first night at home. The alarm company has been notified and the alarm is on a standby mode.

You remember my describing the huge statue of Jesus in Lisbon which is modeled after the one in Brazil? It turns out that there is a large billboard on the opposite side of the base of the statue which advertises products. I suppose it is a little like having pproducts endorsed by a very high power, but it does seem tacky.

Here is some trivia you need to know. While reading the International Herald on our trip, I read that on May 26, 1967 prison authorities at San Quentin Prison in San Francisco discovered a tunnel. It had been dug below the chapel deep in the ground and extended seventy eight feet in length. However, it turns out the prisoners had a bad sense of direction and had been going in a circle. Had they completed it, they would have come around to the start of their tunnel.

On our last night in London we ate a wonderful French Restaurant Le Gavroche at 43 Upper Brook Street. We had a six course dinner and each course had it's own wine selection. The portions were not large and the food was truly outstanding. A great mixture of food with excellent wine. I have felt London lacks great restaurant's, but the food here was a treat. The next day, however, we felt the effect of that much wine, but it was worth it. I won't tell you how many pounds this meal cost.

Do you know how to wear a Scottish Kilt? You need to know these things and putting it on is not an easy task. According to a magazine article I read in Scotland there are essentially ten steps. First you put on your shirt and cuff links. Next your socks, the top of which should come to just above mid calf. The sqian dubh (knife) fits inside your sock. If you are right handed, on the right and left, if left handed. You should leave a couple of inches of the knife showing. Next comes the ghillie brogues (shoes). You take a lace and twist it six times, pass it around the leg to the front and double knot the tie in the front of the sock. Nextcomes the kilt. Place the pleaded part behind you just below the rib cage and pass the leather strap through the cloth and wrap it around. Buckle it. next put the belt on if you are using one. Then comes the sporrah and chain. This "purse" sits just below the belt buckle and makes up for the fact there are no pockets in a Kilt. Then you put on the tie, scrunchie or cravat. Last comes the waistcoat and jacket. You are now correctly dressed in a kilt which can wear at your wedding or instead of a tuxedo on formal nights. Plan on spending somewhere in the area of $950 pounds or $1500 for the complete outfit of quality.

Lita bought seeds in Portugal for the garden she put in her suitcase she checked in. On our arrival at home, when she unpacked they were gone. Inspectors must have spotted them and removed them from the suitcase although there was no notice of inspection.

This morning the sun is out and it is in the seventies. The dogs are thrilled we are home and so are we. Travel is educational, but home is wonderful too.