While we were away, I missed Zen so much. She missed me too but I think the sunshine, copious amounts of attention, and the brand-new heating mat softened the blow a bit.

I wonder what the drive back up to Portland will be like with Zen. She likes car rides, but she’s never been in a car longer than an hour. Regardless, it will be a piece of cake compared to her transatlantic cargo adventure.

Writing from: a kitchen in Marin County. Listening to: Bernie Sanders on television.