I ended up finishing my holiday letter instead of getting into the yard, partly because it didn't warm up after all. By the weekend it will be in the low 70s again. I stood in the next door neighbor's yard talking with him and his sister (who lives four doors up) while the ambulance workers loaded up the across-the-street neighbor and headed out to the hospital. That was enough fresh air for today. Now to get these letters in the mail.

The doldrums have settled in today, not sure why now in particular. The politics are looking progressively worse, but we've had a little time to accustom ourselves to the idea. Listening to Jamie Raskin this evening is hopeful - he feels we have a robust Constitution to protect Democratic institutions and people. I hope so!

As winter approaches I've rearranged some of the dog beds around the house, putting out the biggest one (the size purchased for the 70-pound Lab) with another one on top of it and doubled up the bed in my office closet (a bit of the princess and the pea scene here with piled up beds). They have various places around the house they sleep, depending on where I am or what the weather is doing. (If it is thundering the Blue Heeler sleeps in the hall bathroom tub. I have a rug in there also.)