Krampus walk! That sounds fantastically fun.

My neighborhood goes hard, and a Krampus walk is 100% on brand for us. (Tim and I are not participating as Krampuses [Krampi?]; we're just going to be spectators/cheerleaders and then join the Krampus party after the walk [the Krampus party is being held, hilariously, at a church].)

I was just looking at the Facebook page for the Krampus walk, and we apparently have a guy who moved here from NOLA and is all in on the event; here's what he posted: "Sounds like great fun! Are drums welcome? I'm thinking about organizing The Mystical Krewe of Krampie. Drummers and marchers in full rigs handing out Moon Pies. I was one of two principal drummers in the Krewe of Nutria in New Orleans." AWESOME.

I'm not decorating my house this year, so I'm decorating myself.

I approve this strategy and I'm going to need pictures.

I went to a xmas party last night and if the weather settles down a bit, I'll be going to another one in the East Bay tonight. And that will be my full quota of sweater-y socializing.

The East Bay party is mildly daunting since it's with Emmett's godparents (I've known Karen since HS, and she's the mom of Maggie the Girl - who just had her second child, btw).

I will not have seen Karen's social circle for several years so I'm bracing for a few rounds of "I'm sorry for your loss" and "How are you?" said with earnest eye contact. "Oh, you know, the usual grieving widower bit with depressed teen daughter." Then I do a hard pivot to "Matilda's going to Japan!" and that will divert conversation.

See? I've got a strategy.

Matilda and her friends went to see Interstellar last night, as apparently it's a bunch of people's favorite movie and it's having its ten year anniversary.

Matilda and her friends went to see Interstellar last night, as apparently it's a bunch of people's favorite movie and it's having its ten year anniversary.

We went to see it last weekend and it is such a DUMB movie but I love it to pieces anyway. The water planet sequence is worth the price of admission alone.

Matilda and her friends went to see Interstellar last night, as apparently it's a bunch of people's favorite movie and it's having its ten year anniversary.

Oh, that explains why it was in the Letterboxd top ten video this week. I was confused how it could be #2 when the list is usually just what is in theaters or recently released on streaming, or IP for what is in theaters. (Though The Holiday managed to sneak in at #10 this week.)

Putting that one on my list.

It’s good to have a strategy, David. Here’s to people taking your cue.

I’m doing some straightening up and then going to a couple of makers fairs this afternoon. On my own tonight, so planning on bath and book.

Also trying to figure out what I can eat for the next few days. Colonoscopy on Wednesday.

It’s good to have a strategy, David. Good luck.

I love the Krampus parade thing Teppy!

I made a double batch of Rice Krispie treats last night and they’re already almost gone (there are six of us). So now Chex Mix is in the oven. And later today we are decorating the tree and making sugar cookies.

Not decorating the house, either.

This has been such a difficult and horrible year, it's quite enough for us to sit near and read, hold hands if the urge occurs, smile and share small jokes. We've been insular as DH endured and recovered from five surgeries in turn, lost 45 lbs, a lot of muscle mass and strength, and much of his concentration and memory. He is still recovering but this setback has impacted his ongoing recovery from the stroke he had last year, so we're taking all things easy. I haven't even managed to get the candles plugged in in the front windows or the wreath on the front porch railing, nor the Santa flag flying. And nothing indoors. I'm sure the neighbors share some mild disapproval, but, it is what it is, and I'm not going to perform holiday decor for them. Far from being cheering for us and celebrating the season, we're just enjoying our quiet and beautiful-to-us home, and not worrying as much as possible about the future.

We do wish our dearest, near and far, a happy and joyous season filled with light, laughter, hope, and love.

Oh Bev, I’m so sorry to hear all this. Enjoy what peace you can and the neighbors can suck it.

It's one thing if you miss it yourself, Beverly, but I wouldn't worry about what other people think.