The wildfires in the LA area are on everyone’s mind. Cities are totally destroyed. Homes, businesses, schools, libraries. The air is awful, filled with smoke and the output of all the materials that burned.

Where is it safe to live?

On vacation, I became aware of how Julie stops eating when she is no longer hungry. I never learned that. Came home and was exhausted from the trip and discovered no food appealed to me. I skipped meals. A whole new experience.

Progress.

Went to Mexico with Jules. At the pool, I spoke with two women, also mother and daughter. They were from West Bloomfield, a city away from where I lived in Michigan. The mother is the daughter of the man who was the doctor/friend of my friends Jane and Steve Raitt who died of covid five years ago.

Small world.

Jane Fonda, 88 years old, says that the key to doing well as we age is to be around people, to nurture friendships and family times. I concur. I believe it was one of the offshoots of the pandemic that affected people dramatically. Many have still not gotten back to active human interaction.

I encourage socializing.

My grandpuppy Harold came for a visit over Thanksgiving. I had his favorite toy for him, ZippyPaw cookies. Watching him play is a highlight. When he left, the cookies went into the laundry.

Preparing for his next visit.

Jules was in Palm Springs and noticed a dog wandering in the street. She eventually was able to identify the dog, but the person did not want it. Jules brought the dog home, took him to a vet for shots, and is seeking a home for him. Having Harold and Henry is enough for her. But Razskull is a fabulous dog.

I am tempted.

Today I made a chocolate chip coffee cake I have not made in at least 25 years. When I reviewed the recipe, it said I needed a tube pan. I wasn’t sure I still have one. I found it.

I hope the cake is as good as my memory suggests.

This is the 13^th year I have had the family for Thanksgiving since I moved to California.  This year there was the potential of having four more guests, which would bring the total to 15.  I spent time trying to figure our how I would seat that many.

Three declined.

I did not like the amount of mail I received from candidates. I did not like the number of signs for candidates on people’s lawns. Now I do not like the number of text messages I get from candidates.

I like that I have the right to vote.

In one day, I have an eye doctor appointment, am meeting friends for lunch, have physical therapy, and am meeting other friends for dinner.

Yep, I’m working too.