The semester now (just) past has brought so much; re-establishing at work in-person, a very new routine re work, commuting, my fundamental relationship with where I work and the people I work with. Home, which is lovely, is so very different than this time a year ago. In time, I’ll try to capture some of these things as I return to this journal after a three-month long hiatus.

At this moment, Pattie and I are in Roatan, Honduras. We arrived yesterday, picked up and brought to Cocoview. Very, very helpful folks here got us an orientation to the dive operation–a required step before being allowed to begin doing the regular boat diving. It was a very helpful session for just Pattie and me, showing us how everything runs (some logistical systems in place which seem very logical, but definitely new to us), as well as the diving immediately around Cocoview. We got in a 40-minute dive which allowed the divemaster to check our weighting, buoyancy, etc.

When we got to our accommodations, we were a bit surprised. As we booked this a bit last-minute, all the cabins on the main property were already taken; so they put us in a “beach house on the adjoining property.” We’re about a 5-minute walk to the main area (dive operation, dining hall, etc.). And it’s wonderful.

Now, as I write this, I’m sipping coffee while sitting on this very large screened-in porch, facing our little beach, watching the sunrise. Another morning where I find myself extraordinarily fortunate, experiencing a slice of a perfect moment in a gorgeous place.

The breeze here on the porch is delightful; and the air conditioning in the bedroom last night was just perfect and quiet. It’s almost 6am now, the time Pattie asked me to wake her, so I’ll sign off so that she can get to enjoy some of this morning porch-coffee before our day begins with breakfast and an 8:30 dive.