We have good news tonight - Lucky's boat has been rescued from the icy waters of Joe's Pond and is resting (draining, I suppose) on the snowy shore. We don't know who pulled it out or exactly when, but Jim Farnsworth noticed it was out of the water today and took this picture. Probably it's a bit worse for the experience, but the hull doesn't seem to be damaged, from what we can see. 

Can you believe we're going to get rain just in time for Christmas? Perhaps our White Christmas will be washed out. On the other hand, here at Joe's Pond the rain may not be as intense - or it could be we'll get more snow than rain, but right now the forecast doesn't look like this storm will miss us. Lots of wind is involved, too. 

We have normally observed Christmas Eve with our family gathered at one or another's  home; last year Fred and I hosted, but belatedly since I had a sudden attach of vertigo and we had to postpone for a few days. This year is totally different. Jamie and Marie are making Christmas dinner for me and for Marie's mom and sister; the others are doing their own thing at their homes. This seemed like the only really safe way, and while it isn't perfect by any measure, it's far better than someone getting exposed to the virus. We are all pretty careful, but why take chances? I will miss getting together with the family, but I would hate it if our getting together caused someone to become ill or worse. It is definitely going to be a different holiday season for me without Fred, but then I think of how many other people are without their loved ones due to this terrible pandemic or other causes, and I stop feeling sorry for myself. Still, holidays are especially hard when you've lost someone dear to you.

I want to thank all those who have sent wonderful cards and messages to me. It is very nice to know you are thinking of me and your kind words about Fred are very comforting. I am still in the process of answering some of the very thoughtful comments; I know you will understand that this all takes time. I don't seem to have enough hours in the day to do all the things I set out to accomplish - the things I conjure up in the wee hours of the morning when I'm attempting to make good use of those early hours while I wait to fall back to sleep. I've never been much of a morning person, but now I'm awake before dawn most mornings. It doesn't seem productive to think sad thoughts, so I try to think of things I will do later in the day. That, in normal times, would be equivalent to counting sheep, but it doesn't often work that way for me now. It's all part of the process of adjusting to my new lifestyle, and I can deal with it, knowing it will get better. I don't always remember exactly what I had on my mental "to do" list, but at least some of the things do get accomplished, and that's a good thing. 

Take care, watch out for the weather heading our way, be safe, warm and happy.