Waking up early and finding the news from NYC, the Gulf Coast and Mexico incredibly ... heavy.

So, I'm going to call my mom and dad and tell them I love'em, tromp through the woods and admire the miracles that are birds like this and this, and strike up a conversation with a total stranger to remind myself how easy it is to connect in a warm, healthy way with my fellow human beings.

And then maybe I'll listen to the Beth and Debbie "Pre-Final Four" podcast and have myself a couple of laughs.