This morning I went through the Christmas cards received in 2007 and 2008. I didn't find any for 2006, so I must have sent some that year.

Earlier I had typed up a newsyletter so as to save my writing the same thing on the dozen+ cards.

And . . . at about 2 PM I mailed cards to those who had sent me ones in the last two years. I'm sure I forgot some people, but at least I tried. The (carefully chosen) cards did not mention Christmas, but were generic in holiday thoughts. When I bought the cards I did that deliberately in case I didn't get around to sending them before Dec. 25.

When I checked my mail I discovered that I am not the only person to send cards late. My first cousin's widow had a card for me, along with a newsy note. Good--because I didn't have her Oregon address.

After I mailed the cards I headed to PJ's. I did not read the geeky book I've been reading--the mail (which I picked up on my way out) had Douglas Adams' Dirk Gently and the Holistic Detective Agency. I'd forgotton how incredibly funny Adams is. It's been years since I read Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy and the two or three books following that. Who cares if TV is nothing but reruns--I've got a book to consume.

On my way home this afternoon I stopped for more raccoon food (dog biscuits) and when I was in the checkout line I discovered that I'm not the only person who puts out food for raccoons. And for him also, it was Katrina's habitat destruction that brought the raccoons in to "civilization." (He doesn't have a visiting possum, however.)

So, I can end this day feeling very virtuous about having (finally) caught up on holiday cards.