Megapode

Good morning, Happy Hogswatch. 

I never meant to avoid this space, but here we are. 

Yes, part of it is due to the work, where I have to talk and write all day, so this isn't much of a break. 

I also took on English tutoring for a student in Ukraine, although we've only managed the virtual Chat once, we exchange messages daily. He's anxious to do more, but between power outages and his own work schedule,  we are down to reassuring each other this will happen when life calms down just a bit.  Meanwhile, I watch the news (via reddit and read-only-twtter) and consider my own language. Apparently, keeping it straightforward and low-idiom, is the most useful form of English for international use. 

We continue to work towards re-thinking our "stuff' - so that what we buy is what we can keep the rest of our lives. Having the income right now to do this means investing in better materials that can be repaired and maintained for 20-30 years. At which point we may not have the income. I continue to teach myself how to make and mend. Dylan got a wool duffle coat, and I'm getting some leather boots. 

I was given a lot of soap and candy from work friends. The best thing was a foot square cushion cover, from Bolivia from my hand surgeons. They do medical trips there every year, and apparently got me one last March and gave it to me Friday. I will get wool filling (I know where to get that) and stuff it. It's  soft wool and rather lovely.  Zeppo already loves it. 

Most of the soap/lotion will be regifted, since it's all pretty strong smelling. The Starbucks gift card immediately went to a work friend who will give it to her mother, because neither of us are scabs. 

This is all I have today. I do think of all of you. I will try to be back.