The stories in these pages are a celebration of a most enjoyed life. They represent some of the people and values, the hard work and long hours, the laughter and journeys that have made the decades of my life quite wonderful. In my roles as psychotherapist, innkeeper, writer, friend, and family member, I have found a rich blend of experiences that can explode with humor or create moments to ponder. These stories are all true. I have changed the names of a few friends to ensure their privacy but have not changed any of the details. Because of my combination of diverse careers, I enjoyed a particularly wide range of relationships and experiences. The following stories express my heartfelt gratitude for both the humorous and serious moments of my life.