We send at least two teams per year, but we haven't been able to get in the country for a year now, due to the unstable conditions before and immediately after the elections. I haven't checked lately to see how the new President is doing. The small orphanage we support is administered by Dr. Hubert Morquette, who is a wonderful Haitian physician who returned to his country after being education elsewhere. You bring up a very important point....as the kids reach a certain age they need to learn some skills or advanced education to find some work, and even with those skills there's not much to do in the Haitian economy. Several of the older kids have been adopted and brought to the U.S. by families who were fearful of their future in Haiti. As is the case in many parts of the world, the only ones left after the govt's leave are the faith based organizations, which is true in Haiti. The U.S. government has once again withdrawn Peace Corps Volunteers, and it looks as though they have abandoned the mission there. There are no plans to reinstate Peace Corps in that country.

My sympathies for this heartbreaking turn, Nik, and I am glad you are seeking another love. Sissy was beautiful, as is Lara -- I think gold-colored dogs are especially beautiful. Funny about the "wrong color". My late uncle, Bob Zimmerman, among the last of the true cowboys, was renowned for his line of "yellow" McNabs. McNabs are a local (originating at the McNab Ranch) lineage of Scotch collies that are usually black and white, but he got a gold-colored one in one batch of pups ("Gyp"), who went on to father offspring where the occasional pup was that color, too (recessive mutation, I suppose). Gyp was an exceptionally good herder, who won sheepdog trials at the county fair, as were many of his yellow offspring, so rather than being shunned, the yellow pups were highly desired by local ranchers. They seemed to consider them a sure bet for a good dog, as well as being of that relatively rare and novel color that lent prestige. But, as Camps points out, not so practical, considering that most of lower-elevation California is the same color as these dogs in the summer and fall -- Gyp, son Teddy, and grandson Rowdy (the ones I knew best) were hardly visible at a distance, at all, on the range.

Yeah, yeah....it's the middle of JUNE, but....I have to say again that I really missed seeing you all this year! Miss ONE year and it's two in between - not good. Thanks to all for the notes and fun pics, and for plants brought to me by Lisa (some from Nancy, some from....who knows?) :) Next year it seems I need to get in on some Heidi action! Next year....it will be here before you know it! Sharon

The sample in store we just looked at did not show so many dark pieces - do you happen to have another photo of another area of your house? My son chosen this for his Colorado condo and he wants a lightish/medium color thank you!