On Tuesday it didn't look like there would be any lavish pool parties for some time, but on Wednesday a crew of workmen showed up and started sawing and removing all those trees and the pool company cleared out the cement pond the next day. Today there are New Yorkers lounging around the back yard as if nothing--except for the loss of any trees--had happened. The neighborhood does have the feel you are in a giant beehive, as the never-ending sound off the sawing of trees continue.

du Barry did, indeed, show up for the surprise visit and, while we were having cocktails together who bounced in but Officer Brian. A short time later Brian's phone rang (how exciting it is to hear cells working again) and it was Jesse.

Jeremy is safe and is very busy with disaster-related duties; let's hope he stays away from peasants with machetes this time.