turning the day around

It was a rough start - I hate to begin there, when so many moments are sweeter - but I was one more 'Mooommm, where are my ______?' away from pulling a Betty Draper, rifle in hand, shooting birds out of the sky.

(Which would be tough to pull off, considering I don't own a gun or smoke. But the thought crossed my mind.)

Three half days in a row had messed up our routine. (Parent-teacher conferences. It's bound to happen, although I'd gladly take a whole Friday off over this schedule.)

I gave up on my Mad Men fantasy and managed to turn the day around, making potato-leek soup, and then tomatillo salsa, giving my food processor a whirl.

After homework and chores were done - whew - we headed to Elk Rock Island, accessible this time of year on foot, with some ladies who were up for an adventure.

I'm always fascinated by this landscape, this world we live in.

It's a gift, I know, to still be surprised in an age when it's easy to become cynical. (I'm looking at you, November 4th. The TV ads alone might be the end of me and any cheer I can muster.)

I am thankful.

Greg beat us home; our tacos were waiting for us once we made it through traffic.

And I kept my promise to finally carve pumpkins with the kids.

The fresh air did me some good.

_______________

Five years ago today, we put in our offer on this house, after putting in some hours beating the streets and begging for candy. Houses were in high demand. Another offer came in, sometime after 2 am. We weren't the only folks in costumes, filling out paperwork, it seems.

Our For Sale sign looks sad these days, surrounded by leaves and little hope. But today, I'm remembering just how grateful I was to call this place my own.

It helps.