We hiked to the Hearst Lodge, deep in the woods of St. Martins. Yes, we hiked -- 2.7 kilometres, along the Big Salmon River. A challenging hike it was, and 4-year-old Aiden hiked 3/4 of the trail. Natalie had Sarah in a backpack and Doug packed Aiden the remainder of the way. What a blessed sight when we saw the Hearst Lodge come into view, made our way toward the log lodge, and the rain started -- a downpour. "Come in, come in out of the rain," the host called. She served us water and coffee -- weary hikers. It was a real accomplishment. We were tired that night! Now we are home, and Heartland Fredericton is growing each day. Pippin and Uncle made an appearance on Sunday and it was a really nice visit. I wished they lived here in the city again. Tonight there are twelve people staying here -- Deb, Doug, Natalie, Aiden, Sarah, Paul, Brenda, Luke, Afton, Ivy, and Granny & Jed. Two RVS and people sleeping in every available space, including the floor. A picnic tonight on our mini-campground with invited guests, Charlotte, Willard, Mason, Becky and Joel, which made 16. A deck-building operation is underway this week, and what a deck it is. Mom & Dad are still not living in their house, but the company promises it this Friday. We'll see. They promised last Friday, but alas, other projects seem to be taking precedence. What happened to a man's word, anyway? We have quite a daycare operation happening here as well, along with Cousin C and her children next door. It's like the Old Woman and the Shoe Explosion. A woman like me keeps very busy looking after all her little children. Tomorrow I am 53. I can't believe it. But I am happy and blessed to still be alive -- that God would grant me many many more years to live on this blessed earth.