Our household goods left Seattle today by cargo ship, due to arrive in France on July 9th. If the Mayflower could carry my wife’s ancestors from Europe to America in 66 days, why, after 400 years of progress in maritime shipping, does it take 83 days to get her furniture from America back to Europe?

My Dad would have turned 100 today. Ten years ago, on the occasion of his 90th birthday, I composed this "Hands" limerick for him. I miss you, Dad — corny limericks and all!