Good morning from chilly Portland, Maine, where the temperature is a surprising 55 degrees. After sultry Chicago, the air feels downright cold, though I expect the town will be back to summer again shortly. Clearly not much rain fell while we were gone, but the garden still seems vigorous. I picked two big cucumbers and a handful of green beans, noted a bit of groundhog damage, and wondered what's been eating my blueberries.

I'd planned to go blueberry picking today with friends, but then started to get that sinking post-vacation desperation feeling and knew I'd be better off hunkering down to the editing project and re-learning how to work. Also, I realized I hadn't been alone at all for six days, and possibly my introvert button is flashing. After a week at the conference and then most of another week in Chicago, I seem to be having a solitude attack.

So today I'll walk, and then work at my desk, and then figure out what else needs to be done around here. I am sorry to miss out on the blueberry fun. I am glad to be home.