You've been gone several days now and I still haven't heard from you. I guess you are keeping busy but the kids should be there soon and you might not get much of a chance to write!

We've finished painting the Shaw's house. It's a beautiful colonial blue with pale gray shutters now. It does look nice.

Callie and I attended a lecture at Bayport University last night. The guest speaker was Darren Cook, a former CIA agent and an authority on counter-terrorism. I took notes for you!

Tomorrow, I'm going with Dad on assignment. It shouldn't take too long---so write me!---but if you don't hear from me for a few days, that's why. I can't discuss it now, but I promise to tell you all about it when I see you. I remember our promise. No secrets.

Nothing much happening around here. Chet has had to put in more time at home. His dad decided to get another field ready for fall planting AND put in a swimming pool. I offered to help, but Mr. Morton insisted Chet do most of the work. I think he's concerned about Chet's weight and if Chet stays active, he'll not only burn calories, but eat less.

Vanessa left with her mom for Japan yesterday. She said to tell you she would send you postcards here because she didn't have your address at the camp. Mrs. Bender is attending an anime convention there. They should be back before you return.

Mom and Aunt Gertrude have gone into cleaning mode. You know, I think it's the first time since you moved into your own room two years ago that I've been able to see the floor! Don't worry, your comics are in one stack (or should I say five stacks), and your auto magazines are in another.

Aunt Gertrude went off on one of her tirades when she found a moldy, partial slice of pizza on a paper plate under your bed. I was ordered to clean MY room because of it. ME! My room is always clean and orderly but she wanted it perfect and ready for inspection. Somehow, you manage to get me in hot water even when you aren't around.

Mr. Pizza has been real busy this summer. Tony's had to put in a lot of overtime for his dad. Tony doesn't seem to mind. He's saving up for a new car.

I haven't seen much of Biff. I did try to call, but his mom said he was grounded from the phone for another week. He should never have taken his mom's car to go see Shauna after she told him not to see her anymore!

Phil has been by a couple of times. He's working on a new invention and says he wants us to have it when he's done. He won't tell me what it is, but he said it would come in handy when we were on a case.

I had better close this. I am picking up Callie in half an hour. I'll drop this in while we're out. Have fun!

Waiting patiently,