Long-term program number 48 is finished, as is an autumn poling trip on the St. Croix river. After a long time away, I’m home with all that it means. Family, dog, wifi, hot showers, an indoor kitchen, etc. Part of living without these things for much of the year is the incredible appreciation I have for them upon my return.

Now that I’m back I have a lot of things to do that have been postponed. Websites to update, calls to return, programs to plan, dogs to walk, and many more. I’ll get to all of it, I promise.

But this morning, sitting with a hot cup of coffee and the dog at my feet, looking out at the turning leaves around Rust Pond, the word that keeps coming to mind is gratitude.

It’s an amazing life and I’m fortunate to live it.