Yesterday morning, we had another lively walk before breakfast, up and down the hills of Mystic, then down through the village to the bookstore for a brief rest, and then back along the river to the car. Then, after lunch, we drove up and spent a few happy hours with Jamie and Amy and the kids. Cia and Ava and Avis put on a charming play for all of us, full of elegance and danger and mystery -- with Cia as the narrator. Later, I sat with the kids and read a story about a girl from Afghanistan who bravely stood up to some vicious enemies. I think they enjoyed it, but they also got a little restless before the story was finished. (Ham, next time bring a shorter story!)

Today Cia rested for her hike tomorrow, so I walked by myself along River Road after breakfast. It was a bright and warming morning, and I felt light and enlivened as I walked along. I loved pausing now and then and watching the gulls and geese soaring here and there above the river. My binoculars, a gift from my best friend ever, is now one of my fondest possessions.