I live and write on Lingít Aaní, and gratefully acknowledge the past, present and future caretakers of this beautiful place, the Jilkaat Kwaan and Jilkoot Kwaan.

The truth is that it’s just really hard for me to sleep without a dog in my bedroom.- Jimmy Stewart

Haines, where the Chilkat River meets the sea in my backyard. 2:00 pm, 37 degrees, low tide. Snow and slush. High clouds and a south wind.

It’s been a long travel and unpacking day — and the morning walk was on the car deck of the ferry, and I didn’t think that was very scenic, so I waited until we got home to take today’s picture. It was so nice to see the dogs and walk on the beach again.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I hope Stojanka thawed the turkey. There are two pies in the oven and the washing machine is cleaning Chip’s hunting clothes.

Please forgive me if I join him and the dogs by the fire, have a glass of wine, and count heads for tomorrow’s dinner so I can figure how big to make the table and if I have enough clean napkins.