ventus aestatis

As someone who generally eschews technology, I have been surprised by how much I appreciate video chat. I prefer my newspapers in physical form, I stubbornly whip cream by hand, and I am writing this with a pen.* But being able to not only converse but also to see the myriad shading of expressions -- the familiar mapping and choreography of facial features -- is wonderfully connective.

*Ok, I did get a new phone, and a functioning phone number.  Limited time offer, call me now!  This is my third phone in 16 years.

The lake levels are historically high so I walked the Suburban where the river meets the bay.

I've also been connecting with wind and water, cycling the coastal roads, paddling parallel to the shore, walking alongside orchards and vineyards when I think no one will see me trespassing, and checking out the far north of the UP with mom and dad.  My little tent and rainfly did great in a thunderstorm, and though we later retreated to a hotel, we swam in Lake Superior and ate pasties and foraged for firewood like you should.

rock islands near Copper Harbor

The driftwood didn't burn so well but there was plenty in the woods.

Houghton is surprisingly similar in style to the towns around Pittsburgh.  -Joanna, I thought of you and your "sisu" shirt here in Finn country.