Sometimes, I need to remind myself how unusual my life can be and not take it for granted. For instance, yesterday, I paddled across the river to Tivoli to pick up my groceries. I did this as a matter of course. Yet, I must ask myself, how many people get into a kayak to run errands?

I belong to a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm in Germantown. As a member, I get a box of vegetables and a bouquet of flowers from the farm every week in the summer and fall. Another friend of mine, Harry, is also a member. He lives on the other side of the river, so I arranged with him to pick up my weekly share in Germantown and leave it for me at a mutual friend’s house on the waterfront in Tivoli. Then, I paddle across to get my groceries at my earliest convenience. This week, I had to wait through a couple of stormy days before I could easily paddle across.

Today, while sailing, I noticed a familiar green kayak on the river. It was Courtney, who lives on the farm in Germantown. I offered to take her sailing, but she declined. She has to transplant lettuce back at the farm later in the afternoon. Each week, Courtney kayaks across the river to help with cleaning the lighthouse. After milking goats and tending the vegetables in the morning, she rides her bike from Germantown to Tivoli. At the Tivoli waterfront, she borrows a kayak from a friend and paddles across.