HARD AGROUND

St. Helena, CA

Our driveway.

I miss living aboard when …

1. I find, once again, there is no turquoise water outside.
2. the animals out there are cats and dogs instead of dolphins and starfish.
3. I hear people use words all wrong, like 'swell' and 'anchored.'
4. I see the same thing outside the window -- day after day.
5. someone asks me where I'm from, and I have an answer.
6. the neighbors are annoying, and I can't pick up the anchor and move.
7. people judge me by clothes and makeup and whether I brush my hair.
8. I don't hear friendly voices on the radio.
9. I have to wear shoes.
10. I don't step into the cockpit in the morning and feel the fresh, salty breeze against bare skin.

I'm happy to be on dry land when ....

1. I go entire days without using the verb 'pump.'
2. I take a shower without wearing shoes.
3. my bedroom remains perfectly still and quiet -- all night.
4. the radio plays music.
5. I only check the weather for wardrobe purposes.
6. people no longer suspect me of stealing toilet paper.
7. I remember there's no crap under my bed.
8. I don't smell anything.
9. after a long, hot shower, I sink into a poofy bed with clean sheets.
10. I have no underlying sense of impending doom when a glorious storm front marches overhead.

Today, I am grateful for: Napa Valley clouds.