I am grateful for the silence of this house, punctuated by the rumble of passing cars on a county highway. I am reminded of my grandparents’ house when I was a child.

I am grateful for the overheard conversation about hunting rifles when I was picking up pizza last night after a long drive. The conversation reminded me of those I heard growing up in the country.

I am grateful for the open space around us here in NY. I grow so tired of the crowded feeling I get at home. At heart, I am a country boy and I yearn for more open spaces in my life.