I sometimes get weirdly attached to inanimate objects, especially if I’ve owned them for a long time.

I get nostalgic when it comes time to let one go. Usually this involves first apologizing to the item, and then thanking it for its years of loyal service.

Today's departing object of affection is an area rug I've owned for 31 years, since my first post-college apartment in NYC.

As Neil Peart once wrote, “Changes aren’t permanent, but change is.” Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.