On our way to Boston on Friday we stopped off at Quabbin Reservoir for a walk and a picnic. We used to go there a lot when we lived in Belchertown, way back in the early 1980's. It's just as peaceful and beautiful as I remember.

This first week back in the states has been lots of family. My family has included lovely dinners, games at the table with family friends and attacks by my sister's tiny little special needs dog.

In Boston we spent time with Lee's family walking around the city's new park, the Greenway, celebrated a belated birthday dinner for Lee and hopped on and off lots and lots of subways.

Today we borrow a car and head to Simsbury for the week. We're hoping the weather clears up and we can do a lot of biking. My wrist isn't completely healed yet but I'm trying not to let it limit us too much. We're looking forward to reconnecting with friends after a year away.