Hey, thanks for the note this morning — really appreciate you checking in. I’ve been meaning to reply sooner but things have been a bit hectic around here. I finally got around to testing that pasta recipe you mentioned last week and it turned out better than I expected. The kids actually ate it without complaint, which is basically a miracle in this house. I added a little extra garlic and used some fresh basil from the farmers market and it really made a difference. I’m definitely adding that one to the regular rotation. Let me know if you’ve tried any other variations because I’m always looking for easy weeknight options that don’t require a million steps or a dozen ingredients. Also, we finally booked that cabin trip we were talking about for the fall. It’s a small place up near the lake with no cell service, which honestly sounds perfect right now. I found it through a friend’s recommendation so I’m hoping it lives up to the hype. I’ll send you the details once we get closer to the date in case you and your family want to join for a weekend. Would be great to get everyone together for some campfires and hiking. Anyway, hope you’re doing well and that work has calmed down a little since we last spoke. Talk soon!

Hey! I just got your message about the documentary you recommended. I finally sat down and watched it last night and wow — I was not expecting it to hit that hard. The cinematography alone was worth the watch but the storytelling really pulled me in. I ended up staying up way later than I planned because I couldn’t stop watching. Have you seen any of the director’s earlier work? I looked up a few interviews afterward and apparently this project took over six years to make, which explains a lot about the depth of it. I’m thinking about watching it again this weekend because there were a few segments I want to revisit now that I know where it was headed. Also, your suggestion about that hiking trail near the coast was spot on — we went last Saturday and the weather was perfect. The trail was a little more challenging than I expected but the view at the top made every step worth it. We packed a simple lunch and just sat there for almost an hour taking it all in. I’d love to go back in the fall when the leaves change. Let me know if you have any other trail recommendations or hidden spots around that area. Oh, and I finally tried that coffee shop you mentioned near the park — their pour-over is excellent. Anyway, hope your week is off to a good start and that we can catch up properly soon. There’s a new exhibit opening at the museum downtown that looks interesting if you’re free sometime next month.