text: welcome back to Riverside!
  This evening we are celebrating Christmas and New Year's Eve all in one.
  Several hours ago, Fudge entered his little cottage in the forest with a large bag. A very large bag. It was filled to the brim with apples, oranges, nuts and cookies.
  "Look, Pickles," Fudge said to his best friend, the little dragon, that was following him. "Santa was in a great hurry tonight, so he left our gifts at the front door!"
  Fudge sat down at the table to drink some spiced wine. Pickles had a look and a delighted sniff at the bag of presents.
  All of a sudden there was a knock on the door and somebody white with a santa hat walked through the door and into Fudges' arms.
  Fudge shared a warm hug with his good friend, the snowman.
  Fudge pushed a plate across the table and proudly said, "We are having homemade cookies and cupcakes... and cake for dessert."
  Fudge took another sip from his mug and smiled happily at the thought of tasting his homemade chocolate and cinnamon cake.
  Together they drank lots of mulled wine and ate the delicious cakes and cookies that Fudge had prepared for the occasion.
  Thank you for your lovely comments upon the Riversiders' return to blogland.
  Last but not least, thank you, dear and loyal Cutata, for your very precious christmas wishes and beautiful card featuring the alpaca family.
  I told Jemima, what you wrote on the back of the card.
  "Made wid wove... I bewieve dat!"
  🎅 MERRY CHRISTMAS
  AND HAPPY 2024!🎅