Thanx, Josette. It's good to be back.

Needless to say, I took my time hanging out by the pickle barrel.

The Pickle Barrel. What a great name for a bar.

Vicki is uneasy about a dream she had last night and discusses it with Julia, admitting confusion over feeling threatened, but not afraid. She further confesses that it may not have been a dream at all; she had evidence that someone may very well have been in her room. Eventually, but not unexpectedly, Jules talks her down.

I wonder if we are supposed to get something out of this? Does Vicki knowing she was in danger and yet unafraid mean there is some sort of destiny at play? That perhaps fate had destined her to be with Barnabas? More obvious is the set-up for a confrontation between Jules and Barn sometime in the near future.

Did anyone get the feeling that Julia was slyly reinforcing Vicki’s relationship status with Burke during the pleasantries they exchanged before commencing on the dream? Grayson didn’t use any of her arsenal of physicality to indicate as much.

Vicki: I’m not worried, it’s just strange, that’s all! (Well, excuse me!)

Finally, Barn acts as I expect him to by letting Julia know that he is not used to taking orders. Julia really lays into him regarding Vicki’s ‘dream’; she’s one brave woman. I think her courage is bourn of her determination to find a cure. I didn’t realize that the experiments on Barnabas were all ready in the mix, so a whole lot more makes sense to me now regarding his and Julia’s tolerance of each other. If Julia’s falling for Barn, I don’t think we are supposed to know it at this point. I’m not seeing it.

I am surprised that Vicki is at all hesitant to marry Burke. But having just jumped into the project I am not going to elaborate on that. Once again I mirror your observation, Lydia, as I too wondered where in the cluelessness arc Vicki was. Not realizing Barn is attracted to her and that Burke was on the verge of a proposal seems a bit of a stretch. Liz practically proposed for Burke earlier in the evening. I was somewhat comforted that Burke didn’t get nasty about it.

Can anyone be surprised that Willie’s report of Burke's proposal throws Barn in to a tailspin?

Afterthoughts: I enjoyed both of Joan Bennett’s scenes. Liz is my favorite character and I always delight in her presence. These happened to be two particularly good performances by Ms. Bennett. I love it when Liz is engaged in what I like to call formal casual conversations. Alexandra, Grayson & Karlen all turned in good performances.

I found all of Frid’s performances lacking. Even Anthony George outshone him, but not by much.

Thanx, DL. I appreciate the info. It seems pretty obvious at this point that Sarah's presence is because of Maggie.

My memory is extremely faulty. Now I won't have to waste what brain cells I have left on that issue.

Liz & Carolyn, "Hey, Vicki, is that Burke's ring your wearing?"

Burke, turns from Carolyn in embarrassment after blurting out, "Nice sweaters...uh, I mean sweater!"

Burke considers the prospect of taking on a mistress once he weds Vicki.