Normal

This week, after the crazy rush of the holidays, I feel like we're getting back to normal.

Doctory stuff? Done! Real estate craziness? Settled! Work? Ovah!  Well, not really - just over for a week. So: time for a road trip! Ulster County, New York. Nice place to be. It's country, no doubt. But it's also a little sophisticated. Some great shopping, gorgeous scenery and wonderful food. The Gunks lurk around every corner. The weather can be imposing. Thunderclouds, black as pitch, loom overhead. The blue sky will not yield. Hop in the car, get lost and find yourself - if you are wild; quiet; introspective; outrageous; dramatic; earthy; hippie; slick; saucy; fun; simple; authentic. It's all here...keep watching.

Drama

I've been dealing with a few things this week. Anticipation (new job). Tension (new people). Stress (new traffic patterns). But as the week unfolded everything pretty much settled in. Then along about Wednesday there was this. So nice, yah? It was one of those supremely {hot} and {humid} New York days...nearly 100 degrees. Hazy blue sky (at least that's how it looked all day through the tinted windows of my new air-conditioned office). The top was down (in fact has been for 3 days straight) as I zigged and zagged my way home. Clouds started to gather and drops started to splat on my windshield. I bailed a couple of exits early in case I had to pull the top closed. Around the bend, this painterly scene: the sun battling clouds, from brilliant whites to angry grays, occasionally parting to reveal clear blue patches. Breathe deep. Sigh.