Judy,

There’s no way I can ever repay you for the help and assistance you’ve given Mom. I know you and she enjoy each other’s company most of the time; that helps me feel less indebted and/or guilty. But the truth remains: you’ve been essential when it’s come to keeping Mom safe and comfortable as the pandemic rages.

Thank you for that. ::big bear hugs::

My fizzy post-inauguration energy has diminished. My thoughts are turning increasingly to what I can do to generate some revenue… I had a series of nightmares last night, dwelling on that exact theme. In one, I was being badgered to admit I was a failure as a writer; in another, I was stuck in a airport with no wallet, phone or tickets. I didn’t even have shoes. I walked quickly, hoping no one would notice I was barefoot, but that meant I couldn’t look to see where I was going.

The irony is that Paul and I are doing better than 90% of our fellow Americans. We can afford to get banana cream pies delivered to our doorstep!

I’m gradually growing accustomed to a much slower and saner news feed. Part of me misses the endorphin rush from doom scrolling; a much larger part feels weak with relief at how close we came to actual utter disaster.

But I’m trying to keep looking forward.

“All together now/ All together, alone in the chrysalis…”

Barrels of love! 

C/