Crankitude be gone! And so it was.

Last February, my brother-in-law quit his corporate law gig, ditched his suit and tie and hit the Appalachian Trail. (yes, I know-- a man after my own heart although I feel pretty certain that phrase is not meant to be used to describe the brother of my husband). He began the 2160 mile stroll in Georgia and reached New England a couple weeks ago.

He arrived here on Monday, his face beaming with happiness-- or at least what we could see of it, obscured as it is with a beard worthy of Hagrid.

We ponied up to three barstools at our local pub last night and listened to his wild tales from the trail. (NOTE: All you storytellers out there looking for character inspiration, here's a tip-- go hike the AT-- man, there are some seriously one-of-a-kind types out there mixing it up.)

Anyway, my point being, it was fun. All the dark brew of yesterday morning is long gone. Not only did we have a great time last night-- that afternoon I got an email of congratulations that the grant I had applied for had come through in the full amount. That felt really good. Given how the grant writing last Spring was the nail in the coffin for me on this job-- it's what put that last layer of crisp on my toasty fried self-- and given how crappy I feel about "quitting"-- I hate that word, but it does apply-- it felt really good to know I took an almost, guaranteed failure of a grant app and turned it around. Blessed be.

Of course, it doesn't hurt that today--after her bath-- Daisy is a most sweet-smelling, lovable girl and that she and I took a walk, just the two of us, this morning down sun-dappled paths as the weather is simply gorgeous-- high pressure, cool breeze, lots of sun.

I do have work that must get completed by the end of the month, but I'm feeling better, day by day. Better and better.

I hope you are, too.

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