No Ice Storm Here...

Having lived through the Great Ice Storm of 1998 and 11 days without power or heat, complete with frozen pipes and burned out well pump, we so sympathize with those living through the same in the Northeast. Somehow Mother Nature didn't get the memo about global warming.


But here on SSI, the weather is usually a comfortable 60 degrees, just right for walking the beach without those pesky sand gnats. These little critters, smaller than a black fly, deposit a drop of acid instead of biting in order to liquefy the skin so they can feast. It burns like... well, acid. When they are really thick, you can't breath without sucking them into your mouth and nose.

We have been working at a local shop and getting some retail experience. Something new and interesting. The owners are Charlotte and Troy Hull, nice folks. It's a neat shop, 3000 sq ft, specializing in clothing and art from 3rd world countries. The company buys direct from artisans in Indonesia, South America, Mexico and Africa, compensating them at a much higher level than if dealing with a middle man. We are there to keep the store open while they are on their annual mission to Peru, working with the poorest of the poor. Glad we can help.

Here are some pics of some of their wares...




Talked to Katie this morning. She is just back from a business trip of 1o days in Turkey, Bulgaria and the Ukraine. She slept for 13 hours last night!! 6 days to Ryan, Katie and Julianna's visit. YAY!!!