The real news is your sudden reappearance only to say “how’s it goin’?” — seriously, double-you tee eff?

As for Christmas itself, it was excellent. Part of the benefit of living so close to one’s parents is the simplicity it brings to holiday gatherings. A fifteen-minute drive beats a plane ticket any day. We received a Wii, along with several games, and spent our holidays playing it. Because the Wii was so expensive, we got little else, other than lovely chocolate (the only candy I eat, really). Oh, and a new set of pajamas, as is family custom on christmas eve.

I’m still reeling from your out-of-the-blue contact. I wish for more. More I say!