I’ve spent a good amount of time on airplanes and in recent history. I’ve typed many of these journal entries on these flights. I’m still not a fan of airline travel (especially when the in-flight movie is “She’s the Man”) but time spent in this tin capsule affords me an opportunity to reflect. And, time to reflect is exactly what I need after time away from home.

I was fortunate to cross paths with a dear friend. Karen and I have been friends for over 15 years. During most of this time, we’ve lived on opposite coasts. And, we’ve managed to trade coasts on the micro and macro scale. When I lived in California, Karen lived in New Jersey. Almost to the day that I moved back to New Jersey, Karen moved to California. Even on short visits to the opposite coast, our trips have so often overlapped. But, on the day that Renu and I were to return back to New Jersey, Karen and Jon moved to Portland. It was an unbelievable coincidence, one for which I am grateful.



Sherpa and Bernie are the adopted canine members of Karen and Jon’s family. Sherpa turned ten this year. But, I remember when Sherpa was the size of her present-day head. She was adopted from the Oakland Humane Society by Karen when Sherpa was only a few weeks old. As she cried all night, I slept on the floor to keep her company. It has been years since I last saw Sherpa and I hope that she remembered me. I hope that her kisses were because she was happy to see me, not because I had beef ribs for lunch. Seeing Sherpa reminded me of how time passes in such a sneaky way, and hopefully I will hug those who I care for (human and canine alike) a little tighter from now on.

Renu sits next to me on this flight as she has in the car for the past week. We put several hundred miles on the car together. Sometimes we were filled with enthusiasm and energy. Other times, we were exhausted. And, I am so happy to have explored a few corners of Oregon together. I very much look forward to the more adventures together…on the road or right around the corner.