For the incredibly fit young couple resting under a shade tree on Ten Oaks Road, the day could not have been more glorious. This young married couple with their 75-pound dog, Ashurah, took a mid-morning stop to enjoy West Friendship and Glenelg.

Narek and Keresy Kirakossian began a bike trek from Boston nearly three weeks before the mid-July day that found them taking a break on a back road in western Howard County.

"We learned about this road from the Adventure Cycling Association," Narek, said.

Narek's wife, Keresy, was enjoying the breeze and a refreshing cold water before the couple and their dog would continue a journey which will end on the coast of North Carolina. Nonplussed and amused by a visitor's amazement at such a trek, the couple simply said they have the opportunity and they are seizing it.

According to Narek, the people in Maryland have been wonderful to the traveling trio, one family even offering a swim in their pool and a backyard to camp in if it was the twentysomething couple's choice. Narek and Keresy took the folks up on it and enjoyed a lovely stay as they pedaled through western Howard County.

They admit they've received quite a few stares as they "pull" the 75-pound dog who is enjoying the comfort of his own little cart along this amazing journey. We wish the trio well as they head to North Carolina.

Whenever we have guests coming for the weekend, I always make certain to tuck one of R.J.Caulder's incredibly scented soaps between the fresh guest towels. Without fail, the guest will ask, "Where did you get that wonderful soap?" The answer is, "Right here in West Friendship."

Caulder, of West Friendship's Breezy Willow Farm, is one of our town's best treasures. Her products, herbs, soaps, vegetables and crafts are all top-notch. A frequent vendor at the Glenwood Farmers Market, Caulder is well deserving of the praise which is heaped upon her.

Caulder's small, specialty farm doesn't use chemicals in their growing practices and produces vegetables, berries, herbs, flowers, honey and a line of natural goat and sheep's milk soaps.

If you'd like to learn more about this local green thumb and purveyor of all things heavenly scented, then go to R.J.'s Web site at www.breezywillowfarm.com, shoot her an e-mail at RJCaulder@aol.com or phone her at 410-442-1807. You won't be disappointed.

Over at Shepherd of the Glen, the book sale organizers are still collecting.

"Bring the books on," Carole Kramer said.

Shepherd of the Glen Lutheran Church is seeking donations of books, CDs, videos, records, cassettes and computer software for the church's 13th annual Media Sale. Items can be left at the church anytime, in the beige plastic bench at the side door of the church, 14551 Burntwoods Road in Glenwood. Tax contribution forms are available inside the box lid.

Questions? Call Kramer at 410-442-2475. Need directions to the church? Call 410-442-1204.

Joel Goodman, founder of the Celestial Searchers Young Astronomers Club and also known affectionately as "Stardoc," wants to see a big turnout for the group's summer star-gazing parties this year.

"Bring your friends and family," Goodman said. "It would be great to hear from some former Celestial Searchers."

The Celestial Searcher Astronomers Club will enjoy its eighth annual Star-B-Q Party Saturday, July 26, 7 p.m., at the Alpha Ridge Park. Telescopes, good picnic fare, community fun and star gazing galore are on the menu.

For this year's party, participants will enjoy the benefit of close to 30 avid amateur astronomers who will share the view through their top rate telescopes.

Goodman admits that feeding the astronomers home-baked brownies is enough to get them in the telescope sharing mood. If you would like to learn more about the Celestial Searchers, e-mail Goodman at StardocJG@aol.com.

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