Hello all.  It is Saturday morning. We've seen much, but internet access has been little, so bear with us.  Thursday after some rest we did some initial touring of the area - villages/hamlets in the area of Houmont.   The countryside is beautiful - spring is on the way here too - and it is very hard to imagine tanks, mortar fire and a World War being fought here. But the evidence remains, and people remember and continue to honor . John J. has visited several areas where the 17th fought, and has been welcomed warmly.  We spent some time on the Dead Man's Ridge yesterday - overlooking the area, and learning of what happened where and when.  The Ridge is now adorned with...windmills, based on its height.  We visited the pinnacle (?) of the ridge, with Flamierge - the objective of the entire 17th division - close by, and Bastogne was visible in the distance and we spend the afternoon there.  John J. has been shown much respect and gratitude, and the French is flying fast and furious(ly).  To a service in Flamierge this morning, then more battlefield area touring - and also back to Bastogne.