A VIOLENT STORM WHEN WE WERE GONE took down some trees—which, on our island of old jack pines, is not a rare occurrence. But, hard and sweaty work though it may be, clearing them gives one a good reason to be out. To take a break on a comfortable boulder. To look down the channel at clouds arising on mid-day air currents. To watch a mama black duck and her brood pass by. And to notice the everyday magic of a North Woods island.