Once a year as a planet, we take a day to honor all rare diseases. It's traditionally been a time for us to climb up to the highest tower we can find and shout USP7 for the entire day. Until we lose our voices, basically. But in 2021 we did something different.

We've often said that vacations are the times when Tess takes steps forward. When she unleashes a new skill or ability. When she levels up. And this week was no exception.

Have you, Tess Army, ever thought about the title of this show? Let's do that together today, shall we?

As a result of all this, all this that's happening, well, we're all kinda sloppy. Yes, even you. But it's okay.

People have some choice words for this year of 2020 as it ends. Most of which I shouldn't repeat on this here podcast, in case your kids are listening. But despite this year's challenges, we're choosing to look at a different side of it all.

Sometimes you're tired. And sometimes, when you're tired you just try something because you don't know what else to do. And once in a while, that thing you try turns out to be just right.

Very few things are as precious in our household as our morning cup of coffee. And very few things are as sad as when it gets spilled. Nevertheless, these days we're bringing our cups as close to Tess as we can.

Since March 13, Tess has gone almost nowhere. She's been on total pandemic lockdown. Except there's one place she's been going, in person, fairly regularly.

Tess seems to have figured out one of the secrets of getting through this pandemic. Let's check in with her.

At Thanksgiving time, I feel like the world's divided into two--you either watch football or you don't. And in case you're looking for something to watch other than the big game, I got something for ya.

Our kitchen's where we spend about 90 percent of our waking hours. It's Tess's fave place for sure. What exactly is our girl doing there, when she's not eating?

Another week and Tess has just celebrated another birthday. She parties in style.