[Mike P]

John, when does the Derby end this year? I usually go for the last week. Normally it ends the Friday or Saturday after Columbus Day, but the holiday is early this year. I'm planning to be there the last week, but I have to arrange my vacation now, so if anyone knows the dates for the Derby I'd appreciate it if you let me know. If go solo, I'll stay in the Vineyard Harbor Motel, they have nice big rooms with kitchenettes--the only downside is that they don't like me keeping my eel bucket in the shower under a dribbling faucet <img src="/Images/Sad.gif"><!--e2--> Otherwise, they're used to fishermen coming and going at all hours, and the manager is a budding fisherman himself.

The only fly in the ointment is the possibility of my wife's union going out on strike, negotiations with Bell Atlantic aren't going smoothly and the strike deadline is midnight tomorrow. If they walk and are out for any extensive time, money is going to be tight. I don't want to commit to going with a group and renting a house if I have to bow out. If they walk and stay out, I'll probably take the week anyway and spend it at the Cape, maybe I'll go over on a day boat for the awards ceremony to see Huff's memorial awarded.