As far as illness near the holiday goes, I got lucky with the type that visited, a virus that was unpleasant for a couple of days and led to careful food choices for a couple more, but didn't cancel the holiday or cooking. This bug seems to be making the rounds, but since it isn't transmitted by a cough or sneeze as far as I know, it's really sneaky.

My decorating is modest by modern standards, I think, and I've put most of it off, but the whole family will be here over the weekend so I'll put some garland on the mantle and a couple of other favorite ornaments around. Our delayed holiday could, in theory, give us the opportunity to do deeply discounted gift shopping but no one is such a glutton for punishment. Stores are not to be approached this time of year.

There is a lot to do around the house for the next few days so decluttering isn't a huge focus, but since things are being pulled out that are seasonal, I can choose to thin collections of things on the fly.

The dogs and I went for a two-part walk today; the exercise around a large block, then the excursion into the woods across the road. We haven't gone often because it was bad for ticks this year, and it's warm now, so I still need to check everyone over. Next time we head over I'll take my clippers because there were a lot of greenbriar across the path. Fitness for all of us, and an attitude adjustment for the newest dog who has gotten progressively rowdy lately and needed a reminder of who is the pack leader. When we go for the walk it is the dogs' job, ala Cesar Milan, and I am in charge. And after the walk, breakfast. They had a lovely morning of it!