I didn't realize how hard this would be. I had more times I failed at this, despite thinking I was going to try hopping into the shower that day, than successes.

Partly I think at the end of the day my brain needs this as a time to just slow down and reflect. But I need to find a way to do that while I'm not wasting water. This is an area for me to try and improve every day.

I didn't realize how quickly these miles add up. I've been riding the bike to school a lot the last about 3 years, but I'm getting better about being consistent. 73 miles in a month this month I didn't realize how that adds up over time. I've driven to school probably less than 10 times so far this year.

I don't pickle or can, but I do make use of aging bananas. I got 27 from the Half Marathon and made some of the best banana bread I have ever made. Turns out pecans and blueberries pair so nicely.

Though I did not make it to a farmers' market this October, I visited the Wheaton market more this summer than I have in most of the last decade. I could always eat more vegetables, and I have taken a liking to cauliflower the last four years. I prefer the farmers' market version that is never wrapped in plastic.

We do not have to look far in the world to see the destruction of Gaza and Ukraine. I cannot imagine the path to rebuilding and how tenuous the peace in those areas will be for some time to come. And those with money will rebuild bigger and better. And those less fortunate will struggle to rebuild at all. So many challenges.

I always think about the effect cattle have on the environment. But the daily choice helps remind me to be more conscientious about these choices.

I could smell the skunk, see the possum, and hear the crickets, cicadas, and other nocturnal noises. My kid and I camped out with our black house cat in a neighbor's half acre backyard. She has been so kind to us, so the combination of her compassion and willingness to let us explore her backyard have given me hope and a better sense of community. Thanks to Jean K!

I know not many will read this, so I'd like to confess that my house cat escaped 4 months ago. On Saturday I posted on NextDoor asking for help, and a woman had my Po on video camera in her backyard--2 miles from my house. So I spent two hours last night and two hours another night camped out in her backyard. A black cat (not Po) walked right by without noticing me. A baby possum came out three times, and an adult possum also came out to visit. The cool air, the breeze through the trees, and the consistent night noise made it relaxing, even though my Po never came by. I'll be back... but cannot talk about it in person without getting choked up. But keep wishing Po good thoughts. Fingers crossed he comes to visit me one of these nights.

As I researched this for a potential NVeco grant, I understand the value of bees more and more. I do not think elementary school students know the value and necessity of bees, but we will incorporate the cycle of bees to continue our ecosystem and keep us alive and healthy. I need to be careful of lawn care. That is one of my main weaknesses. However, I do have many plants for the bees, which have grown/expanded immensely from their pollination.