I've had delightful company all this past week and not as much time at the computer as usual. Joan, the visitor, is also a writer–when she gets around to it.  In her company a different slice of her life becomes an anecdote to relate and, of course, I urge her to "get it down on paper."  She is a fountain of humorous life experiences.  It may well be that her attitude turns what some might consider bad experiences into humorous ones–a real gift.

And this reminds me to tell you–speaking of gifts–that I did not know whether the C.S. Monitor, Home Forum Page pays for the little anecdotes they publish under the general title "Over-The-Hedge" but mine, featuring the footprints of a racoon preserved in concrete, was published on June 27 and the check arrived on July 6–$75.  I'll have more of these to submit.  About 200 words seems to be the maximum and the pieces do not–despite the title–require reference to gardening.  Try one.  Send to Judith Lowe, Editor, Home Forum  at homeforum@csmonitor.com . Put "Submission: Over the Hedge" in the subject line.