Yesterday, it rained almost the entire day. IF anyone wants to see an authenic/ accurate war movie of the invasion of Normandy watch: The Longest Day. Every spoken word seems to be taken from the history books. We had read about the incidents portrayed and then there they were on the big screen, with John Wayne as the para-troopers leader, Henry Fonda portrays Theodore Roosevelt Jr and Richard Burton as the savy, British fighter pilot. The acting is good and the stars too numerous to believe and then, of course, it is accurate. The kids watched it twice!

As for our numerous questions on the thatched roof, yes, we tested it yesterday, it is completely water-tight! The thatch is attached directly to the rafters and is the considered the most protective roofing for coastal homes. They key is the pitch. It must be a 45 degree pitch to work. The water resistent reed is hallow and is applied so densely that water cannot penetrate it. For the most amazing tidbit: they last 70 years if maintained properly. It is not a particular fire hazard since the reeds are applied so densley that if it catches fire, it smolders due to lack of oxygen. The oddity is the plants that grow from the roof. They grow from the ridge of the rooftop. We have lots on ours. They are maintained and keep the ridge connected. Calvin says it reminds him of the smell of the Rock Eagle cabins. You definately know there is moisture and mold growing here.

Did we mention that we have a poney club horse barn about a mile from the house?? The girls have been there 3 times and had 2 lessons in French. It has been a challenge for them and their instructor! But I love to see them get lazy, school horses to go. Once again, if you say you can jump here, they set the bar at 2'3" as a small jump.

Lastly, Sean's new head-gear. We bought it at a steet fair. There was a table full of WWII military items. He wanted an old gun, so we settled on this French berret. It is post-WWII issue, but it is still authentic and old.

warm regards to all.