broken pieces of plastic, two CDs, and half a zucchini.

It was 40° when we woke at the camp on Sunday morning. Outside, the black flies and now mosquitoes were still a problem, but their flying was made more clumsy by the little down vests that they had to wear. Sandra worked hard to rake away the leaves and fallen branches, making the camp look fresh and open, even if the skies were gray and damp.

When my father arrived for coffee at the camp on Saturday, the first thing he said was, "What are going to do with this boat?" He's talked about selling the sail boat and about keeping it to see if anyone of us is interested (and able). The boat isn't really in the way. Its biggest problem is that it's a reminder to him.

Mike and Lynn invited us to their house for spaghetti yesterday evening. Mike had returned with the older kids from a rainy camping trip in Maine. We had a fine and fun time, seeing Tess's collection of shells, hearing Krista practice her piano recital piece, watch Michael Francis demonstrate their new weight-lifting set.

The visibility is bad at the intersection where the accident took place. Tragically, a 13-year-old girl died in the crash. Few other details about the crash were released, but that didn't stop the reporter.

A utility pole guy wire off the southbound side of Route 68 was smashed, and there were a lot of tire tracks and footprints in the sand there, along with broken pieces of plastic, two CDs, and half a zucchini.

There were no roadside memorials to the girl late yesterday afternoon.

Few houses are near the intersection.

The for-sale sign is gone at our neighbor's house. When last we heard, there were several offers, including a couple at-price, on the first day.

A job that sounds innocent-enough, Correspondence Coordinator in an HMO, includes the following duties: Maintains a copy of the current denial process and templates; Maintains an accurate log of all denial letters; Produces all denial letters. If they do a good job denying services, their profits can go through the roof.

We had a good discussion at Mike and Lynn's about the role of denial in helping to keep us going when dealing with chronic illnesses. Some might call it denial, others resignation, still others acceptance. The point being, you have to acknowledge the presence of the illness and, simultaneously, get on with life.

My energy in all areas has been quite uneven, leaving me low and not a lot of fun, notably on the weekends. Sandra sees the most of it. My spirits have been ok, which is encouraging. Depression is one of those illnesses that can rob you of the ability to do the things that you need to do to get better. I have a doctor's appointment in a couple of weeks.