{"id":6094,"date":"2025-08-22T05:21:18","date_gmt":"2025-08-22T05:21:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/?p=6094"},"modified":"2025-08-22T19:36:48","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T19:36:48","slug":"usa2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/travel\/usa2\/","title":{"rendered":"USA &#8212; Part 2"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>After <a href=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/travel\/belarus\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">a short detour to Belarus<\/a>, I returned to visit friends and family in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan and California.  This post is a BIG thank you to everyone who hosted me on this journey!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">New England (CT and MA)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e522120b839&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e522120b839\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"6099\" src=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0118-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6099\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0118-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0118-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0118-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0118-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0118-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0118.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e522120c44e&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e522120c44e\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"6098\" src=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1000021959-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6098\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1000021959-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1000021959-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1000021959-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1000021959-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1000021959-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1000021959.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e522120cad5&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e522120cad5\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"6100\" src=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0142-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6100\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0142-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0142-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0142-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0142-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0142-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0142.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The East Coast blossoms in summer.  Here I am with siblings, nephews and friends in and around Mystic, CT &#8212; an historic tourist town where hundreds of ships were built in the 19th century.  Mystic is still popular for boating.  There&#8217;s a parade of ferries and yachts every hour when the drawbridge opens.  It reminds me of <em>The Great Gatsby<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Mystic River Bridge, Connecticut, July 2025\" width=\"910\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hym1x6KDOxc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Michigan<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My mother&#8217;s family are Michiganders.  Counting 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th cousins, I&#8217;ve got about 400 cousins living in the Upper Midwest.  We gather at a cottage by a lake, surrounded by Amish farms where produce and baked goods are sold from horse-drawn carriages.  Amish carpenters also keep our cottage standing.  This is an America that few tourists know about, and which my family treasures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e522120f1c2&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e522120f1c2\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"6104\" src=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Resized_20250807_200055-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6104\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Resized_20250807_200055-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Resized_20250807_200055-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Resized_20250807_200055-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Resized_20250807_200055-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Resized_20250807_200055.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e52212103a3&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e52212103a3\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"6103\" src=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0196-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6103\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0196-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0196-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0196-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0196-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0196-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0196.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e5221210f23&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e5221210f23\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"769\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"6116\" src=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0236-1024x769.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6116\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0236-1024x769.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0236-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0236-768x577.jpg 768w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0236-1536x1154.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0236-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0236.jpg 1597w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e52212119be&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e52212119be\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"422\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"6105\" src=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0189-1024x422.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6105\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0189-1024x422.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0189-300x124.jpg 300w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0189-768x317.jpg 768w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0189-1536x633.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0189-2048x845.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e522121241e&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e522121241e\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"403\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"6107\" src=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0245-1024x403.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6107\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0245-1024x403.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0245-300x118.jpg 300w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0245-768x302.jpg 768w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0245-1536x605.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0245-2048x806.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Every few years, my cousins hold a big reunion.  It was wonderful to see family and friends I hadn&#8217;t seen for years.  They were glad to see me <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zoa.com\/2024\/travel\/resurrection\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">alive<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e5221214162&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e5221214162\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"6111\" src=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0270-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6111\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0270-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0270-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0270-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0270-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0270-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0270.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e5221214842&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e5221214842\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"6112\" src=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0271-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6112\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0271-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0271-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0271-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0271-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0271-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0271.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e5221214dc7&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e5221214dc7\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"6109\" src=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0281-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6109\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0281-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0281-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0281-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0281-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0281-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0281.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e522121522d&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e522121522d\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"461\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"6114\" src=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Jickling-Reunion-2025-1024x461.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6114\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Jickling-Reunion-2025-1024x461.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Jickling-Reunion-2025-300x135.jpg 300w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Jickling-Reunion-2025-768x346.jpg 768w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Jickling-Reunion-2025-1536x691.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Jickling-Reunion-2025-2048x922.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This year&#8217;s reunion included a baptism for a new member of our family.  At <a href=\"https:\/\/christchurchcranbrook.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Christ Church Cranbrook<\/a>, cousin Carol treated us to a concert.  If you&#8217;re ever invited to climb a bell tower during a carillon concert, do it!  The climb is well worth the thundering sounds of giant bells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Christchurch Cranbrook, Michigan, August 10, 2025\" width=\"910\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/qYIQ6UMuw_E?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">California<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before flying back to Kosrae, I spent a week in San Francisco and Los Angeles.  Although kayaking on the Bay is always invigorating, San Francisco is quieter than it used to be.  BART stations are almost empty because so many techies now work from home.  My last meal in the US was tacos and margaritas &#8212; goodies that I won&#8217;t find in Kosrae.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e5221224c1d&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e5221224c1d\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"6113\" src=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0298-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6113\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0298-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0298-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0298-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0298-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0298-2048x1536.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e5221226cfe&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e5221226cfe\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"479\" height=\"358\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"6117\" src=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0291.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6117\"\/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e5221227719&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e5221227719\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-id=\"6110\" src=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0307-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6110\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0307-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0307-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0307-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0307-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0307-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0307.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>From LA to Kosrae takes 15 hours by plane &#8212; not including the overnight layover in Honolulu. Stella has waited patiently while I&#8217;ve been gone for almost three months. She met my plane and welcomed me home to the Island of the Sleeping Lady.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e5221228612&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e5221228612\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"340\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0318d-1024x340.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6135\" srcset=\"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0318d-1024x340.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0318d-300x100.jpg 300w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0318d-768x255.jpg 768w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0318d-1536x510.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_0318d-2048x680.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>The fall semester at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.comfsm.fm\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">College of Micronesia<\/a> has started.  I&#8217;m teaching Environmental Studies.  Field trips involve masks and snorkels.  Yay!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For now, I want to thank everyone who hosted my journey across America from coast to coast.  It was truly wonderful to see you all!  Hopefully, I&#8217;ll introduce you to Stella on my next trip to the US.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After a short detour to Belarus, I returned to visit friends and family in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan and California. This<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6097,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6094","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6094","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6094"}],"version-history":[{"count":29,"href":"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6094\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6148,"href":"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6094\/revisions\/6148"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6097"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6094"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6094"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zoa.com\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6094"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}