Today's gig: Babysitting Ripley while cousin Sally, accompanied by her husband Judson, is off to Asheville for a medical appointment.

We are safe with our warming fire. And I am grateful for the utility workers and road crews who are working out in this cold to bring safety and warmth to WNC. I'm grateful for those who donate money and supplies and volunteer time to relief stations dotted across the region. I'm grateful for agencies -federal and private alike - who persevere in the face of misinformation, suspicion, and criticism to provide assistance to those struggling in the aftermath of Helene.

Things are getting better ... one day at a time.