We went to the beach for a day last weekend — we had enough time to walk the shore, explore the boardwalk, wade in the surf, spot dolphins beyond the breakers. We had time to get sunburned and wind-whipped and eat too much ice cream. But we (or least I) came back to a house transformed. The place looked tidier than I remember leaving it. And the mental break seemed much greater than what 15 hours could merit — it felt like we’d spend a long weekend at the shore, at least. All of this from just one day away.

An update on yesterday’s post: I called the number, listened to the sad announcement that the service would be discontinued and then, miracle of miracles, heard Rob Luchessi’s brilliant forecast. Was it just my imagination or was there a special lilt in his voice when he said, “Have a GREAT day!” The Verizon weather line has been spared. Hooray!