When I look back on my life, it is hard to imagine where the 61 years have gone since my birth. With each passing year, it feels like time is accelerating and I feel more compelled to suck every bit of marrow from the bone. As is my habit on my birthday, I like to take stock in how closely I am living to the standard of my Constancy of Purpose credo. This year with letter grades.

Achieve Balance:

• Remain Healthy (B-)
• Spend Time with Family (C)
• Work Passionately (A)

Strive for Excellence:

• Improve Everything I Touch (A)
• Learn Something New Every Day (A-)
• Create Innovative Works of Enduring Value (A)

Enjoy Life:

• Seize the Day (A)
• Remain Curious (A-)
• Dare to be Great (B)

I spent the morning on the soccer pitch; a more perfect fall day you could not ask for. I got about 40 minutes of playing time which was just the right amount and managed one very nice shot on goal that just missed wide. We secured a 6-1 win. I spent the rest of the day with Jeanine and the boys. We watched the Patriots game together, played an epic match of bocce (with Maya observing via FaceTime), and then enjoyed a birthday meal including one of my childhood favorite foods; corn fritters. Kyle, while manning the grill, spotted the coyote pictured above. I managed to get my telephoto lens mounted just in time to capture his purposeful traverse of the field behind our house.