A Fox-Free Walk, a Hummingbird, a Confirmation, a Conversation and an Odd Couple

9. No sign of foxes or coyotes on an early morning walk.

8. A hummingbird dipping into a pink Rose of Sharon bloom.

7. Brian telling me he thinks I have been right all along about the benefits of cooking dinner, those benefits being more than simply financial. This is due to a radio show he listened to as well as a New York Times magazine article.

6. A great conversation with a publisher.

5. A man dressed as a cowboy and a woman made up to look like a doll who were chatting near the free coffee section at the grocery store. I asked the manager if they were in costume and he told me they are in the store several times a week -- and always look like that.