Solstice Preparations
Listened to Net Assessment's National Defense Strategy evaluation—incoherent and poorly assembled, written for Trump who won't read it because it's too long. Kitchen cleanup. Accumulated Joey's belongings in a box, put in the guest bedroom closet. Breakfast listening to "Never Split the Difference"—lessons wished I'd learned before Mexico. Day planning. Cleaned bird feeders. Wrapped Leland's presents, took them to Sydne's—they were preparing for a gathering focused on Dakota's family. Bought groceries. Other household tasks. Played Minecraft, created Lelandhome. Prepped fondue. Cathy, Mary, and Michael came over for Rare Exports night—noshed on great appetizers, watched the movie, fun evening. Woke later to message from Joey confirming New Zealand trip. Worked on trip planning, drank tea. Back to bed, slept through the rest of the night. Winter solstice holidays truly the low point of the year, particularly the run up—could be in a crowd of lov...