Our Humble Days

The peace of our western trip has followed us home.

We’ve been back in Jackson for two weeks now, and all is as good as can be hoped for. It’s been comforting to slip into the routines of home life. They offer peace and a pinch of sweetness to our days. The search continues for a life in rural Vermont, but until then, we are happy here.

Our lives are built around walking, healthy eating, and words. The spices of friendships bring zest, and I continue to feel grateful for the daily gifts of a humble life.

We are truly hobbits at heart, and I am reminded of this often.

The other morning, while our gentrifying little town was humming with Memorial Day weekend activities, we stole across the backyard and took Aragorn’s path down to the Ellis River. The levels and current have both lessened, so it was easier wading across than the first time when we hurried to follow Wonalancet into the forest. But it’s still deep enough to lift Emily off her feet and force her to swim for a few kicks.

I mar…