coming full circle, part deux.

Since we've come home from New Jersey (nearly a year ago, officially as of July 7), we often marvel at the things that we've settled back into here that we really enjoyed.

Like the Hyde Park Blast.

It's a July 4 (ish) run/walk/community celebration that we really like. Today, Rob ran, and Wrigley and I walked. Rob finished third (hooray!) and looked mighty fine doing so. Wrigley and I made pretty good time, with the dog pulling at the leash the whole way and feeling good. One person (of the many folks who asked about Wrigley's breed) said he looked happy. He did. And does. It was such a joy to watch him trotting along, healthy and happy. We all scored some eats at the end of the race (and a Christian Moerlein, which tasted amazingly good for 9:00 in the morning).

Life is good. Ridiculously good.

Now, we're on the Side Porch, enjoying some fan-freakin'-tastic wine and some good tunes. Wrigley is cashed out. There are delightful summertime sounds coming from the pool across the street. A gentle breeze blows. The sun is setting behind a scrim of clouds, casting a neat glow through the lattice on the west end of the porch. A young cardinal chirps on the overhead power line. Fireworks pop in the distance.

Life IS good.