This place has 2 non-working fireplaces, one in the basement, one upstairs, and they’re a bit of an eyesore. We try to decorate the topside one to make it look less forlorn. But this year (and a really good discount at Electric Fireplaces Direct) means we actually fix the problem, and because this is the season, Jane and I are combining our Christmas presents to each other, splurging just a bit, and getting something nice—an electric log set. I’ll let you know how this goes. Should be here within a week, so we can have a nice little ‘fire’ in the hearth for the holidays—and no smoke or ash, to which I am seriously allergic, and no gas, to which Jane is seriously allergic. We’re quite excited. We’ll have to put the living room on our cleanup list.

I have so seriously reformed: making the bed before getting to work, folding the laundry within hours, I mean, almost all the lights work now (one bulb to go) I have 3 living potted plants, and my room is a very model of proper piratical decor. I wonder if you can do that to Gilbert and Sullivan…