You really helped this past year, and seeing so many of you in person - especially those who hosted, fed, and took me to see their cities - felt like a miracle this year. As in, I still can't 100% believe this happened, and I'm so happy that it happened, and that you are the wonderful bunch of people that you are.

It was such a joy to have you here, Shir. And we have pictures so it did really happen.

Once again, Nilly, I can assure you that you were altogether inoffensive.

I'm wrapping you and yours up in a shield of Buffista love.

It feels so long ago already since you were here Shir!! But so glad you were able to come.

It looks like Florida has endured the onslaught of Milton fairly well.

Only 7 deaths so far, and five of those from a retirement community in a trailer park hit by a tornado closer to the Atlantic side.

Lots of damage and loss of power but it doesn't look as devastating as Helene was, or (going back) Hurricane Andrew.

One advantage to Milton happening so close to Helene is that people were way more aware that they shouldn’t fuck around and that they needed to GTFO.

One advantage to Milton happening so close to Helene is that people were way more aware that they shouldn’t fuck around and that they needed to GTFO.

Several stories about people who were displaced in NC moving to be with family in Florida and having to flee a second hurricane.

Timelies all!

I am going to echo Nilly, and ask forgiveness from anyone I may have hurt this past year.

Mr. S got discharged from the hospital today, and is now in a partial hospitalization program. In this program, he is at the hospital from 9-3 getting therapy and whatever other things he needs. He will be at home in the evening. I don't know how long he'll be in this program. They say it can run from 2-6 weeks, depending on the child's needs.

I do hope this program is helpful for all of you, Sheryl.

My sister is back home after her evacuation. All's well in SE and SW Florida. Brendon's flight for tomorrow had been cancelled, but he leaves Tuesday now.

My NY sister had her knee replaced this morning. Outpatient. Went into surgery at 7:30, which took about an hour, and after walking the length of the hall and going up and down 3 stairs she was released at 12:30. She has an apparatus which circulates cold water around her knee and massaging things on both her calves and I have to take her to PT tomorrow. She had her other knee replaced a couple decades ago and it was a 3 days in the hospital deal.

I hope your sister’s recovery goes well, Laura.

I just came back from a brief jaunt out into the boonies to catch a bit of the northern lights. It made it down to NC! So cool. I’ll be putting pics up on Facebook soon.

I went out to see the lights, but it was too cloudy. Maybe I'll try later if I am awake after the moon sets. It is supposed to be a good night to see them Saturday too.

Wow! A neighbor posted that the clouds had cleared and get out there right now. I posted a bunch of pictures. Amazing. I haven't seen them since I was a kid.