May 8, 2026

Good morning!

It’s Friday. And after leaving French soil, our big plane roared across the Atlantic, passing so close to our house I could’ve parachuted into our backyard.

And now, having completed all the formalities involved in entering another country, we’ve made our way back up the coast on a much smaller aircraft and are in our final approach for landing.

A rather spectacular cloudbank has assembled to welcome us home, making our little plane bounce and leap across this familiar ground like a puppy.

“That’s what the American odyssey is really about: Leaving home. Leaving home and coming home, and trying to understand the difference.”

—Tom Bodett

Respiteers, shall we gather in our imaginary pavilion this afternoon? As always, check your inbox right before 2pm EDT.

Onwards,

Clara