Antonio – ah yes, ye olde Ithaca days ;) I have mixed feelings about the place, but it should be incredibly beautiful right about now. Are you staying the whole summer in Ithaca? Love Aladdin’s. I miss CTB too!

Rachel – the Flatirons will be lovely in July, but the high country will start blooming wildflowers! I hope you have a great time. Boulder is so pretty in summer!

Jennywenny – we too consider NZ a place to settle some day… perhaps :) Thanks for the good vibes.

Kathy – thank you!

Bridget – well, then I start radiation, but it will be much better than chemo!! Keep searching, you’ll know it when you find it :)

Lori – a kindred spirit :) Thanks for your kind words.

Laura – oh, I can’t shut up about NZ. Absolutely love it there. One of my favorite places on Earth :)

Merry – thank you, you’re very sweet!

Adam – thanks!

Amanda- ah well, this is just what my life is about. People are certainly entitled to their versions and I think many exist :) Thanks for the encouragement!

Christine – oh, Sam is not Maori, although he is an artist who works closely with Maori and their culture. However, he is most certainly a hottie :) Luck of the draw, he was our paddling guide when we signed up! My salads are nothing to your salads, woman… :)

Lynn – awww, thank you!

Psychgrad – I have the same problem using up tahini! That’s why I like this dressing (or else the tahini will languish for a while). Thank you for your kind sentiments!

Zoe – see why I love all things NZ?!? What an incredibly concise and powerful language, eh? You know what I really love? The Haka!!! :) Thank you for that lovely saying.

Holly – I hope you have a wonderful time getting out and enjoying the natural beauty with your baby. Kids are lucky to grow up knowing what is green and beautiful :) I doubt this one will be any easier (each one has been tougher, in fact), but the knowledge that it’s the last one is friggin’ huge! Thank you :)

Kalyn – thank you, love!

Shoshanna – thanks so much :)

Mrs. Ergul – you’re too kind, sweetie. Thank you.

Chanit – thanks!

Lan – well, hopefully you won’t get cancer ;) Thanks for the encouraging words. I hope to return to our regularly scheduled programming in due time!

Bri – thank you!!

Bunst – no, thank YOU for writing. If we can make a difference in someone else’s life, then I think we should consider ourselves fortunate, no? So glad to do it, and I hope you’ll do the same for someone else! xxoo

Mark – hello dear! We have warmer weather on tap in… oh a few months! But that’s when I hike at 5 am to avoid the heat! ha ha ha. Thank you for the ascii flower – that is so sweet of you :) xxoo Trust me, I have many plans related to fooding once my chemo is done! Even radiation sounds like a walk in the park (so to speak) compared to chemo. How can you have not had beef in a salad before? Have you even tried any of those amazing salads that Christine has posted? For shame ;) I actually like the Viet style beef salads to this one.

Julia – thank you.

Maja – it always makes my mind and heart feel clear and full when I can settle my eyes on the beautiful outdoors – even more so when I can travel through it. You will find the right place at the right time and you’ll know when you have. Thanks for the good thoughts. xxoo right back at you!

Aidan – ha ha, you’re too kind! I am no goddess, just OCD and hyper ;) Thanks for you’re sweet comment.

Haya – mmm, fresh veggies… I am jealous!

Kevin – I’d have never thought of it myself, but I love it!

Steph F – thank you so much!

Peabody – So I want to know who carries the pup out?? :)

WoRC – you so crack me up! What are you going to do when we’re in So Cal to visit? Just cry the whole time?? ;) I think you and T have built quite the gorgeous paradise right in your backyard. It is enough to transport anyone to a happier place. Email me your mailing addy, hon. I have just the cure for your blues (although it may take a couple of weeks). The Eastern Sierra is also one of my loves – probably #1. Ranking up there is NZ and CO :) As for Kaweah – I think she ate deer poop after that picture ;) xxoo