A wholesome kitchen

In each place I stay, I find inspiration for my own fantasy nest. When I arrived at Ben and Loren's house in San Diego, Ben professed, "We're kitchen people," with a laugh. The ingredients and tools for home-cooked meals are organized and accessible, an open invitation to nourish. Wholesome indeed.

Homeless loner

Last night was the first that I spent by myself since moving out of Brooklyn. Even Pickle had to sleep in the car as the Ramada Inn in Wilkes-Berre, PA "is not pet friendly" (please, never stay there). As I lay alone in my non-smoking room that stank like cigarettes and cotton candy, I had to keep reminding myself that I am not wandering aimlessly--that this might feel difficult but there is ultimately a point.

And today I am grateful to have a set destination: Rochester, NY to visit my old friend Kurt and his wife Ali. Kurt and I were abroad together in New Zealand during college. Kurt vibbed to Nora Jones and wrote philosophical reflections in a spiral notebook; I was enthusiastic but closeted and tough. We traveled and made fun of the other people in our program. We were cool to ourselves. Although our communications have become biannual at best, I will always value his friendship, and I look forward to seeing him.

Tip: guesting

Arriving empty-handed as a houseguest is a no-no. To insure a happy welcome (and an invite back) make sure you show up with SOMETHING... For my next stop I'm bringing a baby aloe from me and a some farm-fresh cucumbers from Pickle. Easy.

Help me help you

Part of my mission in staying with people who are happy to host me is to help out in any way that I can. So, if you have some kind of job that needs doing around the house, yard, basement, garage, or otherwise, and you have a place to sleep for a guy and his dog, don't be afraid to let it be known.

If I learned anything from today, It is that I will love and miss my friends in New York