WordPress asked if I would like to use AI Assistant? What on earth would be the point of that? Maybe I shoudl have AI write this post, and then instead of you reading it, AI could read it, and then we could all just go outside and enjoy the weather, I guess? More likely the powers that be would prefer we use that time to work some sort of factory job though, so I think instead I’ll just write this damn post by myself, thank you very much.

Now, I just spent a few minutes looking at pictures for a blog post about Vermont. Did you know that I never finished writing about that? Why yes, probably, because I’ve mentioned it. Now, I’ve already forgotten about how busy I was, because I finished up my college teaching a whole week ago which freed up about 12-13 hours in my weekly schedule and suddenly WHEEEE I have tons of free time, and my memory is short, not at all like an elephant. I’ve organized my closet, I went to a play AND a musical yesterday, and now I’m writing a blog post, can you believe it?

Look at me.

But one of these days. First however, there’s Christmas to deal with, and then I’m going to Morocco for two weeks (practically) so I’ll actually maybe tell you about that first. I finished up my church gig this morning, had a lovely lunch there with some colleagues and them came home and started using what is usually my teaching studio as a staging area for packing. Normally I don’t get to do this, so it is very exciting! My mother likes to pack for trips several months in advance and uses an extra bedroom for it. I suppose I could do that, because we do have a guest bedroom but I’m not going up and down a flight of stairs every time. Plus, when I go upstairs, Muriel (my cat) follows me and she has this horrible habit of jumping up on the bannisters and it drives me insane plus I’m worried she will inadvertently kill herself with her tricks. Best to just go across the hall for my packing.

It’s only a few days in advance, and a few of those days are still busy with work, plus I’m not entirely sure what other things are going on. I’m not in charge of Christmas, and I honestly don’t even know what we are doing. I fly out the next day, that’s what I’m doing. I’ll be happy just hanging out with Louie, as he’s been gone all week, and then I’ll be gone, so whatever is fine with me.

It’s also important to note that Miles is very sad. He loves Louie the most, more than anything, and when Louie is gone and I’m here, Miles is so sad. Miles will be so happy tonight when Louie gets home!

I made Sally’s Gingerbread Blossoms for my Cookie Exchange Party. They turned out really well. I didn’t freeze the cookies before adding the candies like she says (like, what?), but I did freeze the candies. I think they were pretty hot for awhile, so just don’t touch them after adding them until they are cooled. Unless you want to eat them right away when they are super melty, in which case, I recommend doing that, yes.

It’s nice to look ahead at about three weeks off from teaching. It’s going to be a lovely break. I am excited to take a break, to leave the country and see the world, to do something totally new and different, to have an adventure…and I’m hoping that somehow 2026 will be a better year than 2025. Personally 2025 was fine, but it’s been a slog and not good for a lot of people I know, and that makes it harder, you know? The whole empathy thing is a real pain sometimes.

If I don’t pop in again (which I might), happy holidays!