A REAL Kardashian, smonster? Huh.

ND, if you haven't already, you might ask your doc for an Rx for a Lidocaine-based throat spray. Better than the OTC stuff.

Oh, Andi,love. I wish I had something so wise to say that I would change how you're feeling, but I don't...so I will offer silent support.

Probably not a real Kardashian. But tall and dark-haired and leggy and orange, and wearing an odd backless dress.

Steph, your outfits sound amazing. I wish there were pics!

I forgot to report on the TJs scallops wrapped in bacon (which I am having again for lunch today): SO GOOD. Oh yeah.

Oh, dear, instabuy! Thanks for mentioning those, Tep. I did not know they were a thing.

I don't know how long they'll be around -- they were a new holiday thing, so they may disappear quickly. I'm going to run out at lunch tomorrow and get more to stash in the freezer, if they still have them.

Oh dear god. I just checked TJs site to see if the bacon-wrapped scallops were still listed (behold!), and I see under their new products, they have SWEET POTATO TOTS.

It is the Promised Land, y'all.

Health ~ma for ND and bonny. Andi, love, I hope you get what you need.

I have seen the sweet potato tots but haven't tried them, Steph. Am waiting for your report.

Must shower. Have exactly zero motivation today.

There is a big glowy ball of light in the sky, and I'm taking that as a portent of better weather and better everything for the coming year.

Strix, ND, Andi, bonny, any others of you out there sick and sick at heart, all possible best things being shooed in your direction, wherever you are. Life should be kinder and more merry. Dammit. And less fraught and difficult and sad.

H and I are running away from home for the day to bask a bit--either on a mountainside or on the curve of a bay, possibly both. And then we'll run home to open the wine, light the candles, lay out a few munchables and welcome a neighbor or two for some quiet merriment and well-wishing.

Happy New Year, loves. I'm glad you're here. Stay here. Here is good.