1. Morning walks. Only one left before I head to Oregon. I suspect I may end up missing prime fall, its peak color, by leaving just now. But maybe, like my peonies did over the summer, the last bit of color might still be here when I get back.

2. Practice. We tried our first short class at Red Sage, just a half an hour during the lunch break, and even though time management isn’t my best skill and I always plan way more than I’ll ever be able to get through, more people (and one dog) were able to come, and it was a fun midday break.

3. Knowing that while I can help, I don’t have to fix it. Not that I don’t struggle with my desire to fix it, just that I don’t beat myself up about it when I can’t, that I’m more realistic about what I’m able to give, to do, to be for other people, and about when I need to take a break. I’ve spent the last two weeks vetting assisted living/memory care facilities, have narrowed it down to a few we can tour, scheduled those visits, and shared the necessary information with those involved. It was a lot that sometimes didn’t feel like enough, but I know that I’m going there to help. I don’t have to fix it.

4. Tony time. As much as I love my friends, I love their dogs too. This past week, I got to hang out with Carrie and her dog Tony (the Tiger). Carrie and I went out for brunch and then back to her house to see Tony, spent some time in the yard picking tomatoes and chewing sticks. It was good for the soul.

5. My tiny family, small house, little life. I wish I didn’t have to be away from them, and can’t wait until I’m able to come back, to come home to them. With all the hard things, it’s such a gift to be able to have a soft place to land.

Bonus joy: the picture Chloe’ sent me of me and tiny baby H. (he was so little!), breakfast burritos, peaches, green tea, Mary’s Mountain Cookies chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, cuddling on the couch with Eric, naps, listening to podcasts, watching TV, eBooks from the library, texting with Chloe’ and Chris, baby zoo animals, rain, clean sheets, a warm shower, an extra massage, cooler temperatures during the day, the smell of rabbitbrush, feeding other people, friends who share their harvest, reading in bed at night while Eric and Ringo sleep.