Hello Boys & Girls, we are just back from a wonderful week in Hong Kong. Our excuse for going was the Rugby Sevens Tournament, but really it was all about visiting with the great friends we made during the time we spent in HK and China since we first contracted to build DavidEllis, January '04. We felt at home immediately upon returning to HK.

Rusty remained behind. We'd hoped to have a dog-sitter for him, but when that didn't work out we kenneled him with the vet where he's stayed before; they're good folks. Unfortunately during our absence, Rusty acquired an injury to one of his hind feet, which now requires a lot of attention (to keep him from worrying at it). Since both Dorothy and I have classes today (at Seattle Maritime) I am going to have to put poor Rusty in the "Cone of Shame" while he waits for us in the car. Rusty hates the "Cone of Shame"!

The Sevens Tournament was great as usual. The games were fast and furious; Hong Kong's team won one of the finals, punching well above their weight, which pleased everyone. The US team made it into one of the semi-finals, which was great to see. The party in the South Stands was in full force including lots of fun, creative and (in some cases) puzzling costumes. I'll post some photos, after getting things a bit more sorted. My most surreal moment at Sevens: going into the crowded men's restroom, when the only space at the trough-type urinal was between two individuals in high heels, stockings, short skirts with ruffled underwear sticking out from under and some kind of bustier top... there was no other room, I had to go, so stepped between them, looking from one to the other and asked "are you sure you're in the right place?" They each looked down, then back at me and said "yes". And that's all I'm gonna say about that.

Our friends Bob and Margaret of sister-ship Highland Duck, have departed Subic PI and are headed south, enroute I believe, to AUS. Calm seas and fair winds to them.

Easter Sunday we drove to Bellingham for dinner with long-time friends James and Sharon; both retired from CA law enforcement (as are Dorothy and I). A great visit, and sharing of old stories. James also went back to school after retirement, is now working as a nursing assistant in a local hospital and headed for his RN; recently got a "compassionate employee" award... Some of you will get the humor/irony...