Dear Kids,

I’ve been sick for the last several days so this letter will be a lot shorter than usual. Dad took me to the ER yesterday and they tested me for covid, flu, RSV, pneumonia, and several other things, but it all came up negative.  They concluded that I have “a bug.”  Very helpful.  Anyway, since it’s Christmas Eve, you’re all welcome to come here in the evening, and I will try to stay out of the way.  We’ll have the usual hot chocolate and pumpkin cookies, plus popcorn.  Besides, my neighbor dropped off a carton of vanilla ice cream along with two bottles of topping, leatherby’s hot fudge and caramel.  I tasted them both before I got sick and they’re exquisite.  

Tomorrow we’ll try to get around and visit those of you here in the valley, if I’ve improved a lot by then.  Tuesday will be our sledding party.  It pretty well plans itself.  Lunch at 1pm, featuring Donna’s chili, and everybody’s leftovers.  Lots of people, and the magic of the cabin–it’ll be fun.  

I haven’t thought ahead to book club, but let’s meet the third Sunday.  That will give me plenty of time to recover. We’re reading Sled Dog School, and you’ll really like it. 

Love to everybody, Mom