My sister's delay in coming has resulted in an unexpected benefit -- I've picked up a brother! They'll both be coming in a couple of weeks.

Since Charles prefers more privacy than can be offered in our house, I spent some of yesterday morning talking to Joseph Stone, owner of this house.

During part of the interval between his father's death and Joe's return from New York City to renovate the house, I lived there for six months. In fact, during one of his visits, Lyman and I fed Joe in his own kitchen.

He has worked hard at the restoration, and behold, has a lovely small bed and breakfast. Charles will be staying in the detached cottage.

We hope to have the benefit of Joe's performance on the piano. He is quite a good player. He's also a collector of antique maps, etchings and books.

Joe, Lyman and I have all been busy these past ten years and fell out of touch. It was a pleasure to talk to him again, and I expect even more from seeing him and his lovely house.

Julep time!