Up North

We left city life behind for a week to relax and enjoy company at my family's biennial reunion. I wish I could stop time on those sparkling lakeshores.

Roomie Reunion

Fifteen years ago I spent a season living with these three beautiful girls; it could be said that our lives ever since have been mystically intertwined.

This summer the stars aligned and we reunited in Minnesota for a few dreamy days. It was a delightful, soul-cracking, gab nonstopping, sightseeing photo-fest; revisiting our last teenage dreams and catching up on our better selves. It was intense and intensely satisfying.

Ladies, let's do it again. And next time let's not wait 15 years.

Crabfest

We were Marylanders for seven years and somehow never had ourselves a proper crabfest. We were long overdue.

You start with a dose of courage,

a mallet,

and a pile of hot steamed crabs, coated in Old Bay seasoning.

It also helps to have an authentic Marylander in company, of which we boasted one (1).

Employ said Marylander to instruct you in the ways of shell and innard removal.

You can also throw in other seafood, such as oysters.

It will make a grand mess.

Even this expert was impressed.

But never fear, it's all a part of the joyful tasty journey.

Just make sure there's something nearby for the kids to climb on,

this could take a while.

Ocean City, Maryland

A favorite pastime with some favorite people.

Catching up

And we're back

Even the parking lots are a sight to behold.

A flood of analogies fills my mind when I think about how it feels to return home to America: a marathon runner stumbling through the finish line; a parched throat able to quench a burning thirst; a swimmer coming up for air at the limit of breath; an involuntarily clenched fist mindfully releasing.

We're just so grateful to be here.

Four days

A week before our return to America I again found myself in a hospital in London for a medevac, this time for myself. It was entirely unexpected and I did not relish the prospect of what it would entail. Nevertheless, the doctors were gifted and experienced and they took great care of me in my condition. I was grateful for the emotional support and prayers of family and friends.

The next time I visit London I hope it will be as a tourist.

Annual Independence Day Picnic