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Here is the latest picture of the damage done at the Port of Brookings that was in our local newspaper and it shows the hard working Coast Guard personnel trying to salvage a few of the boats that were knocking against the pier. Ten boats were lost and over sixty percent of the docks destroyed. Hopefully some disaster money will be forthcoming and repairs made as this is one of the busiest ports on the coast.

Meanwhile granddaughter Erin and some of her pupils had a day in town visiting and taking part in a 'soup kitchen' where the homeless go for a meal. They tried cooking and even though they burned a few things the folks ate them and smiled at their efforts. They learned the youngest 'street' person was nine and they were upset and want to find ways to end this horror on our streets of America. The girls learned a lot about their world and about why some of the street persons wear a bracelet on their ankles and are tracked. They met one man who was telling them his story and trying to elicit sympathy only to be told by the policeman he was a sex offender. The girls were in shock and learned a little about 'trust'.

They all want to grow up and be successful in their chosen fields and this experience will help them to become stronger and better citizens of their world. They may not be able to 'cure' all the ails of the 'street' but they are aware of the problems and may, in their day, help to resolve some of them.

the police escort was a boon. There is a lot of the tale I cannot tell until I have my granddaughter home for a visit and she tells me more. I want to know what prompted the visit to the streets and learn more of the details as to the children and what can be done. The homeless do not want to lose their children to the courts and you cannot blame them for that, but changes need to be made for the safety of each child and , as a matter of fact, each person that is homeless. It is a terrible problem for them and for us. We have some street persons here in our community choosing to live under bridges, or in a huge field near the ocean, or you will see three or four of them huddled near the highway visiting one another. They choose to live like this and that is theirs to do, but those with families, now that is a story of another kind. An extremely difficult problem that needs resolution . . . but what . . . how? The authorities have the key but we need to supply the door.

So today, think about your fellow man who has been effected by mental problems, loss of income, in need of help and donate a few dollars to your local mission or churches that are trying to run a soup kitchen and/or give them a bed in the cold. Count your blessings and be thankful for the life you have. Most of us have nothing to complain about. Hugs to all.