Fresh Starts and Changes

School begins today here on the coast, as well as many places around the country. Fresh starts. Seeing old friends.

Jill and Wayne's two boys are going to be in high school together for the first and only time as a senior and freshman. Jill's volunteer time will be at only one school this year! I can't believe that Ian is almost ready for college as he was a babe in arms visiting our house just moments ago. They are amazing parents and have two remarkable sons.

Natalie's life changes today. Winnie starts kindergarten at the same school where William went, high in the mountains. We had a local school bus drive the children to and from when he was there. With all the financial cuts, there is no longer transportation. They will be arranging car pools, etc. Little Oliver will begin his childcare today as mom begins her new jobs. Their lives are dramatically changing for several years to come as of this morning.

Mile markers. Life markers.

Our 39th Anniversary is this week. Michael's 60th birthday is next week. We realized yesterday, while enjoying the backyard swing, that we have been together as a couple for 41 years. I was expressing to him that I am almost jealous of the time during his childhood when we didn't know each other, wishing I had known him always. He glanced at me sideways and said, "If you knew me then, you would never have wanted to know me." Which makes me want a peek into his life back then even more!

The smell of Fall is in the air. Leaves are dropping. Summer flowers are fading. The rhythm of life continues.