It's been a long, rough, year here in Paradise Cove. The slow-motion sewage project reached the upper section and the roads all went to hell. Then the roads went away altogether and we were driving on dirt. The dogs loved it, ran like maniacs down the street - traction! - chasing balls. But the dust and ruts and bumps were a drag. And did I mention the dust?

Yesterday, something of a miracle happened. Brand new pavement, spread like frosting on a cake. Here it is, the new Cove road at sunrise today, inching its way toward my house. People are giddy. We're talking block parties now, dance parties, skating parties and slumber parties. New road, new start all around.