Joanna & others,

I haven't forgotten your wish to be informed of our decision about shipping luggage. I simply want to warn you to be patient. With so many companies on my list it will take time to sort them out- to the degree we can. Sailing is still >6 months off, & with the companies all willing to go into action at short notice (days or even hours) we can take the time to make the best search we can & get back to you then. We will not charge you by the hours invested.

I am aware that extending search time does not necessarily guarantee better results. Years ago my friend Alex, the Mad Hungarian, decided he needed a new car. He spent weeks researching every available make, tormented us with endless questions. Finally, he decided (on a Rover); we all sighed with relief. He bought 1 & drove it home. Making a sharp left onto a busy street there was a loud Clunk!- & his transmission fell onto the road.

Finding good delis or bagels or bialys is becoming very difficult. One of the best delis (2nd Avenue Deli, if you know NY) closed. Apparently a landlord/rent problem. The wonderful bagels of my youth -baked rock-hard with a bright, shiny surface (due to earlier boiling says Elly) & chewy, gummy & fragrant inside are all but gone, replaced by great, soft tasteless pillows made of a bizarre assortment of flours, with blueberries, raisins & the kitchen sink embedded.

Good Bialys (pletzls to Initiates) are also disappearing.

The tragic decline of these treasures is in no way compensated by the growing scourge of Burger Holes, Blimpies, Taco Bells, Subways, et al.

As my father said: "Progress can be hard to take".

Best wishes to everyone from Lawn Guyland.

Elly & Al.