I always look forward to a new year. In this case, I’ve stayed positive despite a horrific cold and cough, and the political news which seems to get worse each day.

I’ve also learned that Teslas are at high risk for damage by rats and mice because the company uses soya protein in the engine wires, as well as peanut oil as lubricant. Who knew? Yum! Also, when the battery is charging it becomes warm, attracting rodents. Our car is kept in the garage except for the last almost two weeks because it is at the Tesla dealer waiting for a new part to fix the damage from one hungry and clever rat.

The rat has been illusive but finally was willing to accept peanut butter, and is waiting in a humane trap for a lull in the rain so it can be driven somewhere for release. I don’t know what its fate will be after that.

To counter all this, my son sent me this article by Kevin Kelly to cheer me up. It’s titled How Will the Miracle Happen Today, and invites pronoia, the opposite of paranoia.

I’m also with the wit and insight of Steven Wright: I have a large seashell collection, which I keep scattered on beaches all over the world. Maybe you’ve seen it.