The last day of vacation. Time to go out and buy dog food. Then fix the shed roof. Take the dog for a walk in the clear, cool morning.

And think about the years past and the year to come. It's a time of reflection and resolution--after Thenksgiving, birthday, Christmas, New Year's Eve--things get back to normal and it's all too easy to get sucked down into the mire of everyday petty concerns, losing perspective.

A day or two, to reflect and ruminate (my boss calls it "marinate"). Then gird the loins (metaphorically speaking) for another year. I've been working to support myself and others for 47 years. I'm starting to think about retirement, though it's not a likelihood. I can dream, can I not? Dreaming keeps hope alive. I have faith it will all work out.