SHIP'S LOG:

      It is truly August. For awhile there, it hadn't been, but now it is. The weather had been cloudy and rainy and the evenings cool to the point of cold. But now, it really is August and the weather is steamy and hot and humid and hazy and there is little wind. Some, true, but not a lot, and what there is will disappear today at 6:10pm when the races are scheduled to start.

     My toe and knuckle continue to heal but I believe that "Arthur" has taken up permanent residence in my right knee. I guess I am beginning to fall apart . . .  at least a bit.

     Over the next two weeks, perhaps three, everything here will sort of "shut down." Already, even though the weather is perfect for the beach, not many people are here spending these days soaking up the waning sun.  Kids will be back at school in two weeks, less if they are off to college, and there is all that stuff to buy in order to be ready. The last two Wednesday night races are coming up, followed by the Commodore's Cup and the Chilli Series and then racing is over. People on the porch are already talking about where they are hauling out for the winter and when. Of course, no one says that summer is over, it isn't after all, they won't even say that it is coming to an end, but sadly, it is. we have been lucky so far as the dire hurricane season predictions have failed to materialize, but until there is snow, there can always be a hurricane. There can be one after the snow, but they just call that a "Nor'easter!"

       This is all too depressing, I am going sailing.