Your links on Facebook to stuff we like, or that reminds you of us, are delightful and, IMO, just as good as actual mail. You're so thoughtful and diligent about maintaining friendships, and I really appreciate that.

Woot! [imagine exploding pink hearts]

Hec, I can confirm the package arrived. I left it in the dining room for Drew to open when we get home.

More Woot!

I am with Steph. I know we used to joke about it, but you have such an attention to actual people that is really inspiring.

I am in tears here for such a stupid, sappy reason. I feel I can share with you because I have been pretty vocal about the overuse of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah to tug the heart strings. But, I grew up in a small town with a fantastic music teacher (now retired). Every year at Christmas we sang the Hallelujah Chorus, and everyone in the audience was invited to join. They kept it up until last year. This year they did it, and then the seniors from 2020 did Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah because they missed their whole senior year of concerts. And wow am I a mess in the feels department. And they have my retired music teacher up to sing too, and my friends kids. But hearing the “cold and broken Hallelujah “ from these poor kids who have been so resilient over this time just broke my heart.

Sophia, just reading you post made me tear up.

Teppy, I'm so sorry. You all are just going through it and through it and through it. I hope every stays safe and healthy (and has some fun).

Merry Christmas to everyone celebrating, and Happy New Year to all!

(Skipping to say happy holidays and Merry Christmas to those celebrating. Lots of love and ~ma, and may 2022 get the clue. And now I'm back to finish writing my thesis. Happy holidays!)

Shir sighting! Thank you my dear and best of luck with the thesis.

Difficult morning. My mother and I have been estranged since I was a child, but I have sent her a dutiful Christmas card each year for the last few decades, and sometimes an email. Today is her 80th birthday. She has always resented "losing" her birthday to Christmas. I was going to grit my teeth and make an effort and send her a "Happy 80th Birthday!" email.

My Dad died last night. I got the call this morning at 5:00 a.m. He has had a variety of health problems over the past decade, but it's always sudden.

Somehow sending my mother an email saying, "Your ex-husband died last night! Happy Birthday!" seems wrong.

I'll be wrestling with that puzzle all day.

Oh, dcp. I'm so incredibly sorry. Much love and strength to you.

Oh, dcp! I am so sorry, both for the loss and the massive emotional quandaries. I'm thinking you may have to wait a few hours before composing that email.

I'm sorry, dcp.

I'm so sorry, dcp, for your loss and all the fraught emotions.