My husband and I are away from the usual in a small town in a lovely part of eastern NY state. We had a lovely day! On our way here (in NJ just below the NY border) my husband asked the gas station attendant about a lunch place near there, and would you believe suddenly Steve Carell, the actor/comedian, who was also getting gas, answered our question?!?!

The little town we're staying in is lovely as is the Airbnb apartment were renting. We'll be mostly driving across to western Massachusetts most days, hiking, swimming in nature swim holes, visiting a museum or two, and attending two concerts at the Tanglewood music festival.

It's only a little after 8 pm and my husband is already sleeping, though not "officially" (he's in day clothes). No need for fireworks for us.

I really love the part of the US that I live in, and in which I grew up. It is where much of the Revolutionary War was fought. It's possible that hubby and I may move abroad someday, but I will always be an American, from the region I've been all day today.