I'm bringing the chocolate

I did less lying about today than on other days so far this holiday. I was in and out on the e-bike three times; twice to go feed a friend's cat and the third time because my mother rang up and said she had everything organised but chocolate; please go and get some. She spoiled this by waffling, "Don't go to any trouble!" to which I said, baffled, "But it's chocolate."

Neither of us does Christmas, exactly, but she still thinks getting together is important on this day. So tomorrow will be go feed cat, chat to Gillian if I can find her online (g), gather the munchies together and depart, after making sure the rats are comfortable with their airconditioner and plenty to eat. A couple of them aren't doing too well; respiratory problems, so I'm really hoping we don't follow the Christmas tradition and have somebody expire. I swear they wait for a public holiday.

So, a bit busier than I thought I'd be, but doable. I've even had a visitor; a friend I hadn't seen for some months.