Bev and Louise left for home this morning. It was sad to see them go, but I'll be here just one more day myself. As I was lying in my sleeping bag last night, I almost talked myself into leaving today with them. It seemed that an extra day at home might do me more good than one more day here.

In the end I decided that was wrong. I'll deal with the broken refrigerator and life's other tedious realities tomorrow, and for the rest of the week. Today can be my last day for just me, because I don't know when my next chance to escape will be.

Because so many of us are leaving tomorrow, those of us left today went on one last cruise, with the two remaining ski boats. We went to two marinas for shopping and ice cream, and we stopped twice to swim in the middle of the lake. By the time we got back to the houseboats the shade was starting to settle over our cove.

It hasn't been as hot as it was during the middle of the week, but shade is always welcome at Shasta Lake this time of year. During the middle of the day you try to find an unoccupied spot that's directly under something. We have two patio-type umbrellas that we keep repositioning around the back deck during the day.

That's why the late afternoon is the best time of day, at least where we've been tied up the last few days. It's still hot and sunny, but the sun isn't beating directly on you no matter where you are or what you're doing.

It turned out to be a good idea for me to stay this extra day. I've really enjoyed the people here and it's been good to put off thinking about — you know. Next week. I won't call it "real life," because this, what I'm doing right now with my feet dangling in the lake, is very real. To me it's "real" life.