Chasing some quiet

When my wife said she wanted to live on Long Island, I wasn’t so sure. I always wanted to live near the water — now I’m surrounded by it — but with young kids, finding time to enjoy it isn’t easy.

After Julia was born, I started waking up earlier than ever. And instead of going back to bed, I started chasing the sunrise. Windows down, coffee in hand, music playing. No real destination.

Those early morning drives along the coast became a kind of ritual. Everything felt still — the water, the trees, even the air. I’d pass deer, fog on the grass, a flash of gold hitting the bay.

Didn’t expect to find this much peace in the chaos. But it’s there, if you’re up early enough to see it.