What a great day. I needed it. I've not had a day like it for some time. I took it off, and although I did a bit of pre-work in the early am, I shut down and disconnected for the entire day. The E N T I R E day. And that includes leaving my phone and watch at Matson from 9 am until around 8.30 pm when we returned. Jeri and Jen, and I went to Monterey. We went to the aquarium and fully immersed ourselves in the experience in ways I've not done before. Having the time to roam, no pressure and people to share the experience with that were as engaged and interested was a total game-changer. Their new exhibit, " Into the Deep," was jaw-droppingly fascinating and deeply humbling. Today was "Earth Day," and the idea was put forth in my calm mediation that I will be mindful and conscious of everything, and I do mean everything, is a product of the earth and the world we live on. The unique circumstances allow and support life in every possible realm, from micro-organisms to the largest species. Going to the aquarium today moved me to be reflecting on the gift of living where we live, having access to such unique places, and appreciating that there are so many amazing, varied forms of life all around us. Along with this incredible exhibit, we saw the octopus awake and actively moving about. I got as close as possible to focusing on and immersing myself in many of the exhibits, and it was almost enough to move me to tears. It's likely because as I have grown older I've developed a deeper appreciation for the wonder and beauty of nature and the relatively short-lived gift of life itself. And being on the top of the food chain is a gift as well. We took a break for lunch, during which I applied our admission to renew our membership so we'd have the option to return throughout the year ahead. They're hiring, and I want to tell Tommy to apply. I was filled with fond memories of so many visits over the past with him and Lauren and sorrowful to realize that time had gone and that all those visits with only the desire to instill and support a passion and interest he had in marine life now seemed to be forgotten. We left after we finished seeing pretty much everything and went to Wrath in Carmel to wine taste. We had a great time; we tried all sorts of different Pinot Noirs and other varietals. We talked with locals and bought more bottles than I care to mention and as many that we don't need, and joined the wine club too. It's good stuff, Jen loves it, and that's enough for me. We don't do many things to treat ourselves beyond wine and coffee, so WTF. We drove back to a beautiful sunset. It was a wonderful day.