Well, the only other Americans we know here came over for Thanksgiving on Thursday. Then they stayed in town until Saturday evening. Feels like I've done nothing but cook since Wednesday night! Giving myself a break with some take & bake... At least they paid for the groceries. Pretty happy overall.

Other good news is that my wife has an interview! If she gets it we'll have to move halfway across England, so we're visiting next month to see if it's a good fit. If you know anything about Leominster I'm all ears.

I've been fighting a flu for the past two weeks, and since then haven't touched caffeine because of how it makes my throat all raw and choke-y.

Today is the first day I feel relatively fine, I didn't oversleep (I work nights) and rose up with the glorious winter sun. Normally I'd be stumbling about, reaching for a heavy brew of the brown stuff staring into my phone, and stressing about the day to come.

This time it's different. I have energy, but not from the caffeine. I'm happy even, just drinking in the morning winter sun.

We'll see how long I last this time without caffeine, but for now I'm enjoying it