a radio was on.

The first snow of the long winter fell this week.  We knew it was early because the blanket of snow was liberally sprinkled with autumn leaves, and we had to scramble with the new snowplow.  Thanks to Kyle and Kim, the boys were outfitted with boots and mittens, but my mind wasn't there. I found myself drifting to the California shore of last month, with its cypress trees and the surfers looping themselves down the rocky cliff, one hand on the guide rope, the other arm clutching a surfboard.  As some of you know, when I get blue, my tendency is to go inward, and I'm not sure that's all wrong.  I am building days with writing and yoga and children and bundled up walks with the dog.  It pains me that suddenly the bog is buried under snow--I'm hoping the temperature will linger in the forties long enough to melt the path through to clear, so we can trudge through a bit longer. I went to visit a friend who is patiently suffering through a long stint in rehab after a long su

The first snow of the long winter fell this week.  We knew it was early because the blanket of snow was liberally sprinkled with autumn leaves, and we had to scramble with the new snowplow.  Thanks to Kyle and Kim, the boys were outfitted with boots and mittens, but my mind wasn't there. I found myself drifting to the California shore of last month, with its cypress trees and the surfers looping themselves down the rocky cliff, one hand on the guide rope, the other arm clutching a surfboard.  As some of you know, when I get blue, my tendency is to go inward, and I'm not sure that's all wrong.  I am building days with writing and yoga and children and bundled up walks with the dog.  It pains me that suddenly the bog is buried under snow--I'm hoping the temperature will linger in the forties long enough to melt the path through to clear, so we can trudge through a bit longer. I went to visit a friend who is patiently suffering through a long stint in rehab after a long

All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown) And the sky is grey (and the sky is grey) I've been for a walk (I've been for a walk) On a winter's day (on a winter's day) I'd be safe and warm (I'd be safe and warm) If I was in L.A. (if I was in L.A.) California dreamin' (California dreamin') On such a winter's day. Okay, I hear you.  It's not winter, some golden and orange and red leaves cling defiantly to the trees, and I was in Northern California, not L.A.--two very different beasts.  Still, you hear me. I need to thank many of you for sending me to California on a week-long cancer retreat.  I've been back over a week now, with Halloween right in the middle, and I find myself longing for the people I fell in love and like with during my respite.  It was a marvelous time, for many reasons, and I'm so grateful for the break from my usual programming. Better than expected was the food and the atmosphere and the incredible deep and sp

All the leaves are brown (all the leaves are brown) And the sky is grey (and the sky is grey) I've been for a walk (I've been for a walk) On a winter's day (on a winter's day) I'd be safe and warm (I'd be safe and warm) If I was in L.A. (if I was in L.A.) California dreamin' (California dreamin') On such a winter's day. Okay, I hear you.  It's not winter, some golden and orange and red leaves cling defiantly to the trees, and I was in Northern California, not L.A.--two very different beasts.  Still, you hear me. I need to thank many of you for sending me to California on a week-long cancer retreat.  I've been back over a week now, with Halloween right in the middle, and I find myself longing for the people I fell in love and like with during my respite.  It was a marvelous time, for many reasons, and I'm so grateful for the break from my usual programming. Better than expected was the food and the atmosphere and the incredible