On Thursday of last week, the United States citizens living on campus celebrated the American Thanksgiving holiday. There were 34 in attendance, with Tim and Rhonda Mitchell -- the Brentwood Sea-Rescue instructors -- from Salt Lake City, Utah, acting as hosts. Special guest Andrea Pennells gave a toast to the friendship between nations, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Rhonda Mitchell. Tim Mitchell gave a toast to the United States and to absent families, then proceeded to carve the ham and turkey. The guests enjoyed a pleasant few hours before returning to their regular routine, including a planning session for the decorations for next year. 
 

Left: Mike Strom visiting from Orcas Island shares a table with son Dane.

The rosy-cheeked girl, with tousled auburn hair and a new, popsicle-blue windbreaker on stood as still as a statue.  Her dog, which was also her best friend, stood panting heavily beside her.  The pair was resting for a moment on the deserted beach.  They had been running and frolicking together for what seemed like hours and hours, and both were freed of all energy. The cheerless grey sky seemed to hover ominously low over their heads, like a bulging bubble about to burst.  The tide was coming in. Slowly, one frothy blue wave gently rolled over each minute grain of sand, coming closer and closer to touching the girl's sandaled toes.  The girl's nose was a cherry red because it was so cold.  Her newly "salted" hair clung to her chapped lips and clammy cheeks as it flew around her head in the fresh ocean breeze. Unmistakable cries of seagulls, ever present near the ocean, could be heard in the background, if you strained your ears against the storm of the wind.  Now that the girl had finished ridding herself of nagging worries, she was ready to go. home.  She turned and softly urged her dog to follow her.  The sky was getting dark and the small girl knew it was time to leave the peaceful harmony she had found on the lonely beach. 
 

All alone I stand here, 
Silent in the wind, 
The snow falls around me, 
The little boy brings me heat and warmth, 
He walked for what seems like hours, 
But he still smiles. 
He offers me gifts and warmth but I do not answer, 
He brings me hope in the cold of December, 
The dull whites and browns fade to gold and purple, 
The sun shines for this child's heart, 
Now I the lonely scarecrow, know someone who cares, 
I'm no longer lonely.