state of affairs...

Friday evening here in Israel. The dig finished off its second week yesterday with good progress. The second square of the street has been opened, although not deep enough to observe anything yet. Some team members departed so fewer squares will be in the works.

One of the things probably on most minds right now is the battling going on between Israel and its neighbors. When Lebanon became involved and military actions moved north I think we all became aware the situation was closer to our own peaceful habitat. There bomb shelters have been opened and Haifa has been hit, but that is going on well west and north of us. From my standpoint things are still calm on the kibbutz, and aware. They test military shells in Syria far away in the Heights, but close enough that we can hear them, but they did that last year. The only difference I've noticed is they did it last night, the first time I've heard them after dark. Also there is more jet action overhead. In the kibbutz they've started hanging patriotic streamers.

Those are the only changes so far. Nobody, including locals, has indicated any worry of harm to this spot. So I hope that is assuring.

The most happy-go-lucky ones now are the dogs. Right now four are running in circles in the water on the shore, barking and occasionally racing to the sand and back. I think I would like to come back in another life as a kibbutz dog.

-Rachel