Andrea: When we went to Whidbey Island last year, I only packed extra underwear. I knew there were good thrift shops and we bought a couple changes of clothes when we got there. In our case, it saved carrying stuff on the plane; we returned by truck.

It seems we have all made it through the holiday season relatively intact. I am realizing that I manage to get all the daily nitty gritty done. It is finding a LIFE and a way to exercise that suits me... Long talk with dear friend in Maryland yesterday, catching up. He goes to a gym and rides an exer-cycle for an hour - frequently - listening to Bulgarian dance music! I could do that if I had one here - maybe a half hour, listening to music or even talking books! AND he gave me names and number for friends of his in Montreal who are musicians and into dance - as a resource for more dancing! Yesterday I walked around the block; I was starting to feel the chair grow around me like a prison! Arghhhh!

So - phone calls to make, 2 emails to send to arrange for "coffee date" with friends, one to work out logistics re raccoon books. I ordered several copies of one useful book and had them mailed to a woman in Ohiio (that darned border). She will then send copies to others as needed. What a sweetheart! And an email to SPCA encouraging a meeting to talk about strategies for wildlings as the birthing season will start in April.

Now to peruse the almost 30 emails awaiting.