best-laid plans.....

ok, so......we delayed the beginning of our eldest's european holiday so that we could all go to shakertown together with my brother......but the annual meal is this evening, and as of 9:15 my brother had not yet left his house.....in the d.c. area.....gentle readers.....he will have to drive like a maniac to get from there to shaker village by 7:00 tis evening.....and given his state of health....he doesn't feel well, hence the traveling delay.....i am hoping he takes his time and arrives safely even if he doesn't make the dinner.......