Country Weekend

We headed upstate (and out of state) for my birthday a couple of weeks ago. The get-away was more about seeing some old friends, and spending a beautiful autumn weekend in the country, than it was about my birthday. But, as anticipated, it was the perfect birthday present in and of itself.

I am so, so happy to see you again SB. I'm counting on your prediction that there's likely lots of hikes in our future. No matter how much time or distance, it always feels like coming home.

Kids giggled their way through oodles of outdoor time, and oodles of arts-and-crafts time. Meanwhile, the adults giggled their way through the second presidential debate--it was the only way to cope with absurdity of it all. Well, other than the wine and popcorn.

Please note the Sunday NY Times crossword. Getting my game on again! First crossword in three years, and it felt GREAT. And so much better with a buddy--thank you, MB, for sharing (wink, wink).

The crossword wasn't the only game going down that weekend . . .

DB and MB have the best backyard EVER. It's no contest. Bike racing, zip lines, tree swings, tree house, magic hideaways. Can't wait to come back in the summer for the pool!

 And the view ain't too bad up the street from SB's and NH's house!

Of course, one of the highlights of the weekend was reuniting with our dear Fiona. We are all very grateful to DB and MB for taking in Fiona, almost two years ago now, and giving her such a loving home. We miss her, but we're so happy she's happy. It's a tremendous gift to know where she is in the world and be able to visit her. Thank you from the bottom of our doggie hearts for all you have done, for rescuing our hearts from a loss we could have never anticipated. We love you, and we are forever grateful.