Cabin in the City

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Unsolicited Advice: Make a Baby Playlist

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Vinyl records

I know many people create birth playlists or even queue up a particular song the moment their child is born. I knew this was not for me, but I did know that the first song I’d play my child was important.

As I looked at him that first morning, I wondered what song I would play him. What would be a proper introduction to this side? What song would encapsulate my feelings for him? What song would be emblematic of our family? I know the song did not matter to him, but the symbolism mattered to me.

That morning while I held him in the hospital room, I pressed play on “Dreams” by the Cranberries and whispered Oh, my life is changing everyday //In every possible way // And oh, my dreams // It’s never quite as it seems // ‘Cause you’re a dream to me.

I began to think of this as our song. Sometimes I’d sing it to him as he drifted to sleep or put it on as I swayed with him in his room.

As the weeks went on, music began to take up bigger parts of our day. I’d put on soft music for him as we relaxed in his nursery (“Girl from the North Country” by Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash). Other times, I’d queue up something fun while we did baby activities like stretching or bouncing (“I’m Gonna Be” by the Proclaimers or “Can I Kick It” by A Tribe Called Quest). Other songs were just for having fun as we moved around the house (“Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley and “Someone New” by Hozier). And there were just some songs that struck a chord as they came up on various Spotify playlists; I played “The Story” by Brandi Carlile a lot.

After about two months, I realized I wanted to capture as much of these moments as I could. It wasn’t enough to just think of my son if I heard “Crazy Love” by Van Morrison in passing; I wanted to have these moments saved in a time capsule of sorts. Enter the playlist.

Every time I hear a song that reminds me of those early days, I add it to this list. I listen to it with him at home, I listen to it when I’m missing him. It’s an aural comfort blanket that we can snuggle up with together.

So here’s my unsolicited parenting advice: Make a playlist for you and your child(ren). Keep one and add to it forever. Make one seasonally. Just make one. Like a good mix CD, a playlist will transport you to those tender moments.

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On Grief and Joy

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It’s been nearly a year since my mom died. It still feels unreal. Often, it feels like she’s just absent, but might walk in the door at any time or be on the other end of the phone. She feels as immediate as ever; after all, I’m surrounded with memories of her, gifts from her, thoughts of her. But at the same time, when I try to connect with her, I don’t feel her there. When I try to push through the ether to send her a prayer, I feel like I’m leaving a voicemail. She is all at once there and not.

And when I think of the joy my son is missing by not having her, I break. My mom was the most fantastic mother on the planet. She was born to it. She always made me feel loved, she was so fun, she was so kind, she was straightforward, she was soft, she was tough, she knew how to get things done. To think my baby won’t know her laugh is soul-crushing. To think my mom won’t know his coos is heartbreaking.

But I also know that in some way, she knows him, that maybe she held him before he was born. After all, I had dreams of her: a dream that I told her I was pregnant, a dream where she told me what name she liked best. She is there, but not in the way I most wish her to be.

Losing my mom makes every moment precious. It makes me quick to express joy and also grief. Every moment with my son is wonderful, something to cherish. I also grieve every passing second knowing he will never be so small or fragile again. I am at once enjoying every moment in the moment, trying to soak it all in, but at the same time I feel those moments fleeting. I wonder if my mom ever felt that way, if she tried to wring every ounce of happiness and wonder out those early months. How did she carry the burden of motherhood with her grief? After all, she lost her mother not long after my sister was born (and years before I came into the world).

Knowing that we both have trod the same path feels like some sort of curse, but I also feel some comfort. My mom gave me all the love and happiness and joy I could have asked for without her own mom to turn to. Now, I’ll do the same for my son. I hope, like me, he feels so loved by his mother.

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30 Days of Thanks 2024 // Week 3

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In less than a week it’s Thanksgiving. What a month! One thing I’m grateful for that’s not on this list is that I get to spend the holiday with my family this year (provided our baby doesn’t make an appearance!) and that I get to get a break from all of the work. Don’t get me wrong, I love making Thanksgiving treats, but right now I think I love sitting on a comfy couch even more!

Day 16: Food

After I left Taste of Home, there were still bits of me left behind, including my mom’s paczki recipe that was featured in the February/March 2024 issue.

My mom was really proud to see her recipe in the magazine, and I’m glad she was able to appreciate it. We celebrated by making a batch to share with the family for Fat Tuesday.

Day 17: Seasons

I’m grateful that the timing of my pregnancy aligns a bit with the seasons. I spent spring and summer watching this life grow in incredible ways. Now, in fall, I’m starting to wind down. I’m moving slow, doing less, and preparing to settle in for the winter.

(Above is a photo looking out at Lake Michigan from my doctor’s very nice waiting room. When I first started to visit, the trees were full of new leaves and flowers. Now, it’s deep into fall – and deep into the third trimester.)

Day 18: Adventure

Despite only living about an hour away, I’d never spent much time in Lake Geneva. This year, I visited twice! I spent a weekend with my family back in February, and then Michael and I had a short babymoon there this summer.

It was fun to explore somewhere new in very different seasons.

Day 19: Love

After her mom dies, Fleabag turns to her friend and says, “I don’t know what to do with it… with all the love I have for her. I don’t know where to put it now.”

I felt like that for a while after losing my mom and my great-aunt. But as time goes on, I realize that all that love is still there and it isn’t going anywhere. I’ll love my mom (and aunt!) for the rest of my life.

Day 20: Books

I hit my goal of reading 40 books this year with over a month left! I’ve read more duds than usual this year, but I’ve discovered a few new reads that I cannot stop recommending, like Morbidly Yours by Ivy Fairbanks and anything by Grady Hendrix.

Also, I’m grateful for finding a new reading buddy at my workplace. It’s always good to have someone to get recs from!

Day 21: Hobby

While I might have slowed down on crafting this year, I’m thankful I always have a needle and thread to come back to.

Day 22: Memories

About this time last year, I finished up a major quilt project: a memory quilt for a family friend. This friend dropped off a heap of Christmas sweaters with my mom, but my mom wasn’t ever up to the task. I was, though!

This project of preserving memories in a practical and festive way was really soothing for me. I found a lot of meaning in the project (and I love how it turned out).

Now, I’m finding meaning in making memory-based items using my mom’s old fabrics and clothes. My dad has already been the recipient of a pillow made of her favorite shirts. Certainly there will be more on the way!

I’ll be keeping up with this series for another week. Share what you’re thankful for below, and stay tuned for more!

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30 Days of Thanks 2024 // Week 2

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I’m a little slow on the updates this year but know that I am still counting my blessings.

Day 9: Friendship

This year has been wildly challenging. I am so grateful to all of my friends for supporting me during all the twists and turns that 2024 threw my way.

I can’t express the immense gratitude I feel for friends who reached out after my mom died or showed up for her funeral. I feel the same way now for the friends who have been helping me out as we prepare to welcome our baby.

Even though I may not be on top of my text game or able to drag myself out of the house, I appreciate all the kindness and grace my friends show me.

Day 10: Nature

Even though we live in Milwaukee, I feel like our home is very outdoorsy. I’m grateful that our neighborhood gives us glimpses into nature thanks to some overly friendly deer and foxes (not the turkeys, though. I’m also thankful for the rare days we get snow like this. I feel like our house is at its most homey.

Day 11: Health

This is what advanced maternal age looks like! Despite being in that category, I’ve been very fortunate with my pregnancy so far. It hasn’t been without some hiccups, but I’m thankful to have a really great healthcare team and family to support me.

Day 12: Work

Preparing to welcome a baby is a lot of work! I am extremely grateful to Michael, my dad and my father-in-law for getting the baby’s room ready. Painting, installing lights and unpacking all the heavy stuff is no small feat. I’m grateful to them for making sure it all happened in time for our baby’s arrival.

I also know that taking care of me and readying the rest of our home, yard and garage for this baby is a lot of work. Michael put in so much effort, and I’m so thankful (and happy that we’re more ready than ever!).

Day 13: Kindness

I’ve been on the receiving end of a lot of kindness this year, and assure you that even if I wasn’t in the headspace to fully express my gratitude, all your efforts were not unnoticed.

To the friends who wrote my mom touching birthday cards earlier this year, thank you. To colleagues who delivered dinners after my mom died, thank you. To family who brought us baby gifts (even before our shower!), thank you. To the strangers who have made room for me in public to sit down, to skip the line, to take up more space, thank you. To my newest sister-in-law, sisters and aunts who put together a spooktacular party to celebrate the baby brewing, THANK YOU.

Day 14: Change

2024 has changed my family and me irrevocably. Over the course of a few months, I lost my mom, my great-aunt, and our cat. These are losses that have changed me forever.

And at the same time, this year is full of positive change. Despite mourning, I’ve also been able to embrace the absolute joy (and anxiety and hope!) that comes with expecting a child.

I am not grateful for the losses this year wrought, but I am grateful for the positive changes that help temper them.

Day 15: Music

Michael and I have seen the Decemberists every time they’ve come to town since we first met. In May, we saw them again.

This was our first big outing after my mom died, and it was nearly a spiritual experience for me. I felt joy for the first time in weeks, I felt optimistic, I felt hopeful. It was probably the first evening I had where I didn’t feel completely burdened by grief.

I’m grateful to have this memory, and to add it to the list of great experiences we’ve had at these shows. Almost every concert we’ve seen of theirs has preempted some wonderful change, like starting to date or getting married. We can also add expecting a baby to that list!

I’ll be keeping up with this series all November long. Share what you’re thankful for below, and stay tuned for new editions every Friday.

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30 Days of Thanks 2024 // Week 1

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I’ll admit it: This week doesn’t make me want to jump up and down with gratitude. Life feels unbearably heavy, and the dread I feel thinking about the political landscape over the next four years is insurmountable. I know that feeling is shared by (and is so much more pronounced for) others. Know that I feel the difficulty of this moment and those to come acutely.

That all being said, I know there is still a lot of good to be cherished in the world (Tammy Baldwin will still be representing Wisconsin in the senate!). To help me put one foot in front of the next in terms of gratitude, I’m going to continue a November tradition of mine: the @positivelypresent Gratitude Challenge.

Since 2018, I’ve dedicated space on this blog to reflect on the year with this gratitude series. As hard as this moment is, I don’t want to stop now. I know there are still wonders to behold and moments to be grateful for. So let’s start.

Day 1: Comfort

In hard times, in busy times, in times when you need some rest, take your comforts where you can get them. Lately, those comforts have been very literal (like finding a pair of very cushy Allbirds shoes at Nordstrom Rack), but sometimes those comforts are nice routines like picking up a mint mocha and taking a minute to read. I try not to let these small treats to myself go unnoticed.

Day 2: Animals

Each year I am thankful for our pets. I still am! But this year, I want to extend my feelings to Daisy, my mom’s cat. After my mom passed away, there was a lot of discussion about what would happen with Daisy. My dad wasn’t up to keeping her, but we all wanted her to have a good home.

I’m very grateful to my aunt who took Daisy in. I’m so glad that Daisy is still part of our family, and that I get to see her whenever I visit (even if she never wants to sit by me).

Day 3: Time

A thousand years wouldn’t be long enough to spend with the people you love, but I’m grateful for every minute I spent with those I love best this year (especially my mom).

Also a major thanks to my friend Brianna of Alternative Bride Photography. She gave a major gift of her time to make lovely photos like the one above happen.

Day 4: Routine

I have off every Friday with my current job. It allowed me to create a routine, for a while at least, of visiting my parents every Friday.

Until my mom died, I spent Friday afternoons playing cribbage with them. While this routine didn’t last as long as I hoped, I’m really grateful that I got this time to enjoy with both of them.

Day 5: Hope

This year has been so so hard. But expecting a baby is giving me a lot of hope for what is to come.

Day 6: Weather

This summer, I had one mission: to float on a raft in an outdoor pool with a good book. That was it!

To make this happen (and to get some much-needed time away from work), Michael and I went on a short trip to Lake Geneva. While it was a pretty rainy trip overall, I’m so grateful the weather held out enough for me to check a good float off my list. I’m also very grateful for taking the trip in general. It was a really good way to spend some time together.

Day 7: Creativity

After my mom passed, I really struggled with creativity. Without my mom around, who was I going to make things for? Who would I talk crafts with? Who would look at what I made with such kind eyes?

But having a baby on the way has re-energized that part of me. After the tiresome work of the first trimester, I felt really excited to tackle all kind of baby sewing projects, like burp cloths, a receiving blanket, and a small patchwork quilt.

Making will never be the same without my mom here, but she definitely still inspires me. I’m grateful that her spirit is never far!

Day 8: Growth

I’ve found a certain amount of calm in surrendering to the physical changes of pregnancy. So much of the process is beyond my control, including the size of my belly and how much rest I need. I’m grateful that during this stage of life, I can just sit back and be grateful for what on its way.

I’ll be keeping up with this series all November long. Stay tuned, and please share what you’re grateful for in the comments.

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A Baby Is Brewing!

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There’s definitely magic in the air over here! We’re expecting a baby this December.

We’ll be keeping our baby off the internet, but I couldn’t help sing the praises of my incredible family (in particular my sister-in-law Kate) for putting a Halloween-themed shower together. Also I have to shout out my girl Brianna of Alternative Bride Photography for doing the most by being a great friend and a rock star behind the camera.

After an incredibly difficult year, it is a joy to feel so much love.

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The Best Scary Podcasts for October and Beyond

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I’ve got a few seasonal reads lined up for this month (and here are some of my favorite spooky reads of all time), but I’ve been spending a bit more time with podcasts lately as I tackle projects around the house.

Back in 2018, I assembled this list of Halloweeny podcasts, but there are more amazing listens out there than ever! Here are more creepy listens to get you into the Halloween spirit:

Spooked

To me, Spooked, hosted by Glynn Washington, is the gold standard of scary podcasts. Glynn opens each show up with a haunting rhyme or story of his own, and then sets up people to tell their terrifying tales. These range from classic hauntings to odd premonitions to unexplained sightings.

The production on this podcast is phenomenal. There is no obvious (or irritating) interviewing, and the stories are all punctuated by the perfect creepy sounds.

If you ask me, these are the episodes you should start with (though all are worth your while:

  • Lost in Time (this is my favorite podcast episode of all time!)
  • The Paperboy
  • Take Me Home

The Midnight Library

This podcast is a little kooky and I love it. The Midnight Library is led by a fictional host and maybe-witch Miranda Merrick as she dives into real history about the unusual and supernatural.

As you listen, you’ll get to know some of the ancillary characters like Mr. Darling, a werewolf, and Irma the demon. It’s very Addams Family-meets-Stuff You Missed in History Class.

Here are some of my favorite episodes:

My Victorian Nightmare

Folks in the Victorian era were absolute freaks — and I love it. In My Victorian Nightmare, host Genevieve Manion walks you through some of the creepy history of the era, like people’s strange obsession with vampires, deadly fashion trends (no, not corsets!), and seances.

Ghost Church

I find the rise of spiritualism super fascinating. How did three teenage sisters from Rochester, New York give rise to a whole movement of seances and communing with the dead? It’s wild!

Spiritualism in its current form is also wild! In Ghost Church, Jamie Loftus explores what the spiritualist faith looks like today. She travels to Cassadaga, speaks with mediums, and tries to get in touch with what makes it all so appealing (plus history!).

This is limited series, so I recommend you listen to every episode. And then listen to Jamie’s other projects like Aack Cast.

And if you’re looking for some single listens, here are some of my favorite scary season episodes from non-spooky podcasts:

You’re Wrong About

You’re Wrong About is a great podcast anytime of year. In it Sarah Marshal (and once-upon-a-time Michael Hobbes) and a guest dig into topics we think we know all about but definitely do not. It’s thoughtful, it’s funny — what more could you want?

Here are my favorite scary-adjacent episodes:

You Are Good

You Are Good is also co-hosted by Sarah Marshall. She just does podcasting right, IMO. In this series, she and her co-host walk dissect favorite movies along with a guest. It’s a simple premise, but I find Sarah and her insights so endearing.

Here are some episodes I love about scary (or sort-of scary) movies:

Happy haunting and happy listening, all! May your Halloween be spooky and delightful!

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What to Say (and Not Say) at a Funeral

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My mom died back in March. In mid-April, my family held her funeral. It was obviously terrible, but it was also really comforting and healing. I am so grateful to many of my mom’s friends and some loved ones of my own for coming to pay their respects and to check on my family.

Despite being really, really hard, so many folks shared so many thoughtful words and stories. I treasure those moments as I grieve.

With this all in mind, I want to share what I found most touching and helpful at my mom’s service (and honestly at others I’ve attended too).

What to Say at a Funeral

  • “I remember when…” I love to hear memories. If you have a heartfelt, goofy or just plain nice story, please share it with the family as you work your way through the receiving line.
  • “They were such a great…” Tell someone what an amazing person the deceased was. Were they a wonderful listener? A fun coworker? A first-rate gardener? Terrific at mixing a Tom Collins? These remarks can help remind you how incredible your loved one was—or can even give you some unknown insight into their talents or character.
  • “You remind me of them.” The highest compliment I could ever be paid.

What to Do at a Funeral

  • Bring a treat or gift. My friend Gina brought me a chocolate croissant during my mom’s visitation. She had it packaged up to take home to enjoy later. My friend Katie dropped off a card with a grocery store gift card. These gifts were really appreciated (and they were super useful to keep me fortified the day-of and days after).
  • Send flowers. When in doubt, send flowers. They are a visual reminder of your support (plus my mom loved plants).
  • Make a donation. Some families may suggest donations can be made to a particular cause to honor the deceased. This is a great way to show your respects. If a family hasn’t chosen any certain organization, choose one you support or one you think the deceased would appreciate (provided it’s not political or religious in a way the deceased wouldn’t like; this is not the time to rile up a family). Great options always include humane societies, libraries, environmental causes and food pantries.
  • Write a card. Sometimes funerals and receiving lines are busy. If you have words to share, write them down! They’re a nice token to revisit later.

What Not to Say at a funeral

Even though most came to the funeral with kind intentions, there were still some more challenging conversations. I know that death is hard. I know funerals can be uncomfortable, but here are a few things to just not get into at a visitation or service (besides the obvious topics to avoid in polite conversation):

  • “How did they die?” This one really stung. Someone walked up to me and said, “Oh I thought your mom was sick or something was wrong. What happened, and how did she die?” I understand the curiosity, especially when someone isn’t particularly old, but please, do not ask (or at least do not ask the family). It’s really painful to rehash the details of someone’s physical decline in the midst of an extremely difficult day.
  • “They weren’t looking so great.” Trust me: A grieving person knows this. They know that their loved one wasn’t feeling or looking their best. Do not point this out. It does nothing to console. It’s insensitive and insulting.
  • Any comments about the appearance of the deceased. My mom was cremated, so there was no viewing. However, I’ve been at many a funeral with an open casket. Don’t make any remarks on how a person looks. Don’t say they don’t look good. Don’t say they look peaceful. Don’t say they look like they just fell asleep. Even if the words are honest, they aren’t always ready to be received. And under no circumstance comment on how the deceased doesn’t look good. Please.
  • Any critical comments about the visitation, viewing, service, eulogy, etc. Didn’t like the songs? Wish there were more photos? Thought the service was long? Keep it all to yourself. The people that organized the day are sad, they are struggling and they are doing their best. Good vibes only.

Depressing? You bet! But I hope this is helpful to people trying to support friends in need.

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Mom

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It’s been a few weeks, but it feels unreal that my mom is gone. The brightest light in my life has gone out.

After battling brain cancer for three years, my mom passed away on March 23, 2024. This isn’t something I’ve shared much about, though it’s occupied my mind every minute of the day since her diagnosis.

Despite a really terrible prognosis, my mom did so much since her surgery back in February 2021 and all the subsequent treatments and therapy sessions. She traveled to Maine, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon and all across Wisconsin. She celebrated her 40th wedding anniversary in spectacular style (and her 41st too!). My mom gained a daughter-in-law. She attended comedy and drag shows. She shopped so many craft fairs and street festivals. She played countless games of cribbage and cards. My mom did so much.

And she continued to love us all as well. When my mom finally woke up after a long recovery, she knew my dad, my family and me. She made us all feel incredibly loved, and that’s something I’ll carry with me forever.

It’s been a really tough few weeks since losing my mom, so even though I could write about her for the rest of my life, I’ll leave you all with her obituary:

Nancy Ann (Michalek) Kaminski passed away March 23, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Nancy was born to Norma (Brannan) Michalek on March 10, 1956 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

From an early age, Nancy had a knack for creating. As a girl she spent weekends sewing with her grandmother. Nancy would practice this skill for decades to come. She worked at a seamstress at Gimbels and continued to sew throughout her life. Nancy made clothing and costumes for her children, altered clothing for friends and family, stitched up projects to decorate her home, and made plenty of scrub jackets, surgical caps, and masks for the many doctors and nurses she worked with throughout her careers.

Nancy also happily spent countless hours in the kitchen, a passion she inherited from her mother. Those lucky enough to know Nancy surely indulged in many of her baked goods and wonderful dinners. Nancy’s talents gained her recognition in the form of Wisconsin State Fair ribbons, an article in The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and plenty of requests to share her recipes (which she did happily).

Beyond crafting and baking, Nancy enjoyed her garden. She had a special love for beautiful flowers, vegetables, and herbs. Hardly a summer day went by without Nancy pulling out just one more weed before she ran out to spend time with family and friends.

Because Nancy never liked to sit still, she filled any spare time she could with games of cribbage with her husband Allen, traveling, bumming with her sisters and daughters, and volunteering at Ascension Columbia-St. Mary’s.

What Nancy was most known for, however, was her warmth, kind heart, and infectious laugh. These qualities made Nancy an incredible wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend.

Nancy is survived by her husband of nearly 42 years, Allen; sisters Debby and Mary Michalek; children James, Charles, Chad Kowalewski (Katie), Heather Kowalewski, Angela, and Lisa (Michael Stock); and grandchildren Benjamin and Anna Kowalewski. She is further survived by many, many friends.

Nancy is loved beyond measure and will be deeply missed by all those who knew her.

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On Having Traditions Just for You

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Package of coffee from Stone Creek Coffee, a Kindle, an iced coffee and a small quiche on a table

I hold so many traditions — particularly holiday traditions — close to my heart. Every year, Michael and I stir up a batch of Irish cream together, we share oplatki with my in-laws every Christmas Eve (a nod to our Polish roots) and watch all the Bob’s Burgers Christmas episodes during winter break.

But as important as it is to share these annual rituals, I’d argue it’s just as important to have a few traditions that are for just you. These don’t need to be time-consuming or major, they just need to be comforting.

I’ve found having some solo traditions can be very grounding during tough times, can provide much-needed stillness during busy seasons and bring joy because you deserve a little magic, too.

Here are the Christmastime traditions that I hold just for myself:

Christmas Wrapping

I love wrapping gifts. Picking the paper, finding pretty bows (less so now that we have a curious kitten at home) and nestling all the packages under the tree.

But the tradition here is not the wrapping, it’s the when. Since I’ve been young, I don’t allow myself to wrap a gift until December 1. It’s a good way to kick off the Christmas season — and it can help put me in the spirit when I may not be quite ready.

A Holiday Coffee Stop

Don’t get me wrong: I will stop and get regular mint mochas from Thanksgiving to the New Year, but once a season, I’ll slow down and take myself on a coffee date—often as a reward for finishing up holiday shopping or baking.

This typically happens on a Saturday morning shortly before Christmas. I like to hit up Stone Creek Coffee, order a nice coffee, pick up a bag of their seasonal Bumble roast (a treat I like to share with the family on Christmas morning) and settle in with a book for a short while.

Watching White Christmas

I didn’t grow up watching this Christmas classic, but it’s a film that’s fully ingrained itself in my holiday season as an adult.

And it’s a movie I’ve never watched alongside anyone. I’ve always enjoyed White Christmas solo on a snowy afternoon or during an evening wrapping gifts. It’s such a lovely movie and one that makes me weep every time.

Holiday Baking

This is a tradition that is close to me no matter who is in the kitchen. I like to bake with my mom whenever I can. I also had a fabulous time baking cookies with my nephews and sister-in-law last December.

But I always enjoy taking some time to bake on my own during the holidays. While I love making pioneer molasses cookies and spritz with my mom, I have a few bakes I always make on a just-me day in the kitchen: chocolate-almond mandelbrot, white fruitcake (it is delicious) and babka.

Christmas Crafts

Crafting might just be my favorite part of Christmas—especially when paired with a Christmas movie or Christmas audiobook. Every year I tackle a project or two—sometimes for gifting, sometimes just for fun.

A few years back, I was in Christmas cross-stitch mode. Last year, I sewed zippered pouches for most of my family. This year, I made woven star ornaments (a project I’d bookmarked at least two years ago). At the end of the season, I never regret being up to my elbows in thread.

It might be late in the season, but I hope you still find some time for yourself!