An aroma of sharp cheddar and freshly baked bread. Wood rafters and paneling rise to a slanted ceiling. A Buddha on one wall, and other cultural icons spread around. We make our way past a salad bar, pastier and fresh-cut meats. $18.99 for veal rib and ground lamb are among the offerings. Arriving at the cheeses, we…

The shuttle bus pulls into a parking lot for the Long Trail somewhere out of Johnston. We stretch, introduce ourselves and set off. Pat sets a pace we weren’t used to. The forest closes in. Ascent follows ascent, each sapping a little more of our energy. Still, we carry on the usual small talk with…

The Hudson surges against the black boulders of the Nyack Beach shoreline. A woosh of water on stone is a chant in rhythm to the river’s tide. Frankie bikes around a bend in the dirt-and-granular track. We follow on foot, content to be left behind for a time. Hook MountainCasts a wide shadowWind caressing waves…

She serves from half-court. I return forearm. She backhands it over the net. I race into position and pivot, delivering the best backhand of our volley. Did she return it? Did I? Getting water later, I say, “We’ve progressed from terrible to rotten.” Tennis court bathed in sunlight slapping sounds We return from the country…