Jerry is an expect carver with his sharp knives, so we put him to work in the kitchen before dinner.
But he too finally got the chance to enjoy the fruits of his labor.
Sandy, Newt and Marilyn filled our room with good conversation and fun. 
Now we have to pack up to head back to Colorado on Monday morning.
Arriving, finally, at the end of the Chesapeake Delaware Canal, after a two hours longer trip than normal, we were too tired to continue on to Baltimore, and ducked into the calm Sassafras River. Though late in the year, there were still touches of fall colors.
The country might be suffering from a poor economy, but construction seems to be booming in Baltimore's Inner Harbor.
Among the many wonderful things to see in Baltimore's Inner Harbor was the visiting Norwegian 323 foot Tall Ship, used for many year to train sailors.
The Maples still had their leaves with red hues,
And the oak trees still wore their gold mantle.
In the meantime, Rita, one of Sandy horses was eating and wearing her dinner.
As Jerry's "horse" stood watch.
Meanwhile in the house Tommy, one of Sandy's many cats reminded us to take the time to smell (and eat) the flowers.
Sandy can go about her business, and the deer, confident of her care, pay little attention. But I never saw the males, except for a glimpse through the window.
A few of the deer returned as long as I was in hiding, but that ended when this nervous mother with her yearling sounded an alarm.
The famous cathedral, referred to as "the great pink angel of Strasbourg" dominates the skyline of the old city, and is one of the most remarkable masterpieces of Gothic art in northern Europe. The enormous facade, which is 66 meters high and 45 meters wide took nearly 100 years to construct from 1277 to 1365, and the spire, which rises to 142 meters wasn't completed until 1439.
One cannot stroll through the streets of Strasbourg without enjoying the many Patisserie shop windows which display fantastic creations of sweets.
Some of the chocolate even resembles our American hot dogs and hamburger patties.
A visit to Strasbourg would not be complete without a tour of the city by canal boat. The trip takes you past the charming waterfront of the canals, 
through a lock to the river system and the modern glass buildings which house the seat of the European Union.
And as with everywhere, there are always the children!!
I was disconcerted to be greeted by one of my favorite animals in this position, but the wine were delicious, and the spirit jovial.
We had ample time to stroll the cobblestone streets of this charming town, with cameras in hand,
And sample pretzels from the shop - that reminded me of philadelphia soft pretzels.
These are some of the vineyards that surround the village.
On the bus trip back to the barge moored at Strasbourg, we passed more vineyards and villages, and castles on the hilltops. What a wonderful place to visit. We must come back.
We arrived back at the barge to tables set for our farewell dinner, and napkins folded in another clever design at our places.
And an evening spent enjoying the spacious lounge and packing.
The next day we were bussed to the charming town of Colmar which was elevated in statis from a village to a municipality in the 11th century when it came under the direct rule of the Emperor. Our Statue of Liberty, a gift of France 120 years ago, was created by Auguste Bartholdi, a sculptor who came from Colmar, and as we entered the city we pass a replicate of his work.
The school children of Colmar are a charming as the town.
The town abounds with wonderful restaurants with outdoor seating which are crowded with diners even when the temperatures are cool.
And shops advertised by their charming signs hung from the buildings.
And flowers galore.
The area know as "Little Venice is aptly named, and in my mind at least, surpassed the real Venice in beauty.
