Going for a run in a familiar yet nostalgic environment was truly amazing. The dog that always barked at me, barked at me again this morning. The usual park with the usual twisted trunk that lay low upon the ground was still there. Although it had been only a month, it felt like years. When I got back, there was a stray cat sitting on top of the wall along the side of the house, which bordered a small road-like alley, that really isn't an alley but I guess it is. I waved at it and it waved its tail back, but had its eyes on something else. Maybe a mouse.

Dad made a simple but elaborate meal of sunnyside up eggs, toast, and green salad. Then I volunteered to go shopping and received a list orders of all manner of ingredients. Dad cooks for himself, however he can and whenever he can, which is a good thing for me. One less thing to worry about. Mom was an excellent cook as well, or so Dad says. She died soon after I was born, so I have almost no memory of her. Plus, babies couldn't eat solid foods, so there was no way for me to taste her cooking. I taste it all through Dad's memories.

The grocery store was not so crowded, although it was a Sunday morning. Then again, Sunday was calm. Sunday was also nice clothes and silent prayers, as well as small talk and joy. Sunday was Sunday, but Dad wasn't religious, so I followed suit.

I strolled down the jam aisle, a wall of all manner of flavors of jam from all manner of brands.Of jam. Just jam. I picked a jar of strawberry jam off the shelf and placed it in the basket. And strolled onward. When I turned the next corner, I was met with a massive fluff of dust and I felt sand under my feet. Like beach sand. And sure enough, there was sand all over the floor. Why, I don't know. It was just... there. As if someone had cut open and dumped a few sandbags on the floor of the market. An employee soon noticed, then the whole area was full of bustling and worried employees, tails between their legs and antsy as couples at high school prom.

That was a weird metaphor there, at the end. But it was perfect to describe the situation. Now, I am safe and sound at home, in my second home. Mel burst out about how much she missed me, and when Liz heard it over the Skype call, they began a playful argument of who's best friend I was. Oh what fun it is to be surrounded by lovely friends.

Signing off,

Naomi