The summer has just flashed by since the last episode of the TV series, "Home Improvement", and for the first time since the series began eight years ago, it will be the first year my brother, Earl Hindman, hasn't been able to come visit us here in Christoper Creek. Actually, now that I think about it, it'll just about be the first time in 25 years that he hasn't been able to make it up here!

His summer visits started when my husband, Bob, and I moved up here back in 1975. Earl was then playing a part in a daytime soap opera called "Ryan's Hope". His character was "Bob Ryan", brother of the airhead, "Dellia". I used to really get teased about alledged similarities between her, his on-screen sister, and me, his real-life sister. That job only lasted seven years, thank Goodness!

This month, Earl and his wife, Molly, have been invited to the University of Arizona at Tucson (Earl's Alma Mater) to attend the dedication of their new Student Union building. They will have the honor of sitting in the President's box for the ceremonies. In addition to the dedication, there will also be a skit presentation, starring "Mr. Wilson", his wise and worldly "faceless guy behind the fence" character in "Home Improvement". Earl will be a spectator this time, watching someone else play the part.

Since "Wilson's" face was finally revealed during the last episode (against Earl's wishes), I think it's OK to show a couple of photos taken of him during one of his recent Rim Country visits... Shelly Hansen got these cute shots of Earl with her kids, Dylan and Alexis, and she gave me permission to share them with everyone.

Earl and Molly will only be able to stay in Tucson the one day for the ceremonies, will attend the football game against Stanford that night, then they're on their way back to Connecticut in the morning.

So, we probably won't get to see him this year. But, you never know... if you see a big, handsome, lovable guy peering over your fence at you, and you think you recognize him, but you're just not sure... invite him in anyway. Even if it's not my brother, Earl, it's definitely the neighborly thing to do.