I also neglected to mention that it was wonderful to see you last night!

You know we are very bad Buffistas for once again forgetting photo evidence. We know how hectic the visits are and really appreciated that you took the time to come up.

Oh, aren't there dragon shaped cake pans out there? Probably other stuff along those lines as well. I hope she's read The Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking already, if not it might be worth breaking the no-books rule for.

That is very sweet! It must have arrived just after I left. I've been out here since the 13th. I'm ready to head home.

Yep, tracking says it arrived on the 13th. Square cardboard box about 6 inches on a side.

Yeah, it arrived the day I got on a plane. I'll make sure to get it opened tomorrow evening when I get home! Now I'm shivering with antici....

wait for it...

I sent a copy of Wizard's Guide to her cousin.

Books are a problem because she reads anything rather than doing her homework. Smart kid, got an F in math because she didn't do or didn't hand in any homework. Her parents are really struggling. Neither carrots nor sticks are doing the job.

But maybe an age-appropriate book about ADHD... hmm.

That might be helpful. I don't know of one but there must be some.

Oooh yeah, I can see how that would be a bookworm problem.

I just got a massage and it was amazing. But when she stops as soon as she starts touching your neck and says “what happened to your neck?!” You know it’s bad (answer: nothing but I clench my teeth at night). I made another appointment on the way out—she’s right that my whole right side is jacked up.

The massage I got on vacation (damn, that was 3 months ago!) was great, and I really need to get them on a regular basis. I'm just wary about being in close quarters with someone for an hour or so, b/c of Covid. Speaking of which...

In the bast 2 days, both of Tim's brothers were exposed to someone who tested positive for Covid within 24-48 hours of their exposure. His brothers have taken rapid antigen tests and so far they're negative. The big problem isn't so much Christmas (although it'll be disappointing if we can't all get together); it's being able to have in-person visits with their dad so they can advocate for him, because too many things have fallen through the cracks regarding his health care. But they can't risk exposing him, because he's very fragile right now. He's vaccinated and boosted, but he's still also 84 and medically fragile. So...shit, man.

The Christmas plan, as of today, is that everyone has to wear a mask, and before coming over, everyone has to take a rapid antigen test. And that's a good idea, but they are impossible to find right now. I found 2 at our local independent pharmacy and paid an arm and a leg for them, but at least we have them.

This all fucking sucks.

Now I'm shivering with antici....

...pation!

It's been fun sending off bits and bobs to various Buffistae this year. If I haven't sent you anything please don't interpret it as a lack of love on my part. I love you all individually and as a group.

I am just sort of floating downstream with the pop cultural flotsam and jetsam, and as I encounter the Right Thing For the Right Person I'm making an effort to get it in the mail. Mail has been one of my abiding lifelines during the Pandemic and I've tried to put surprises into people's mailboxes over the last year and a half.

Timelies all!

They let us go home early today, and we have tomorrow off.