Poor Don. The last two days have been all about “Hurry up and wait.” And then, as in yesterday’s news: nothing. Stella was in Newburgh, which is the site of Stewart Airport, so she must have been flown from Ohio to Newburgh. So she did make it to NY in 4 days, but what we didn’t realize is that another company loads her on a truck and brings her to the cottage. So, there was Don, having made all the arrangements, on the receiving end of a phone call from the shippers who wanted to arrange delivery on Monday. At first he tried to push for yesterday but then he realized it would cost more money, so he went for Monday. Then he had to call his friends to let them know, call our propane guy to rearrange set up for Tuesday and take back the refrigerator dolly he had rented and that he’ll have to rent again on Sunday.
Secretly, I was hoping NOT to be there for the unloading and unpacking and bringing into the house. I’m too nervous about all of it, so I was happy that I wasn’t going to be there for that part.
But now I am going to be there.
However, in a world of serious problems and hurricanes and constitutional crises, pardons of racist sheriffs and the banning of transgender soldiers, contempt for the rule of law and corruption, along with the reemergence of white nationalism and anti-semitism, this is a minor blip on the screen. It’s only a stove.
All that news, combined with the stress of the last 8 months – since the inauguration – took yours truly down last night. Too stressed. Too disheartened. Indigestion. Discomfort. And utter bafflement as to how anyone can defend him for one second longer. If you still do, please don’t leave a comment here. Leave that comment on a blog where the blogger agrees with you. You’ll be happier and I’ll be much happier. Tolerance is admirable but not in the case of racism, discrimination, corruption, treason, birtherism, “grab ’em by the p**sy”, bigotry or white nationalism.
If you’re ‘disappointed’ in me, so be it. To be perfectly honest, I’m fine with that.
SO. I’m taking a break from the news for a couple of days, except to keep an eye on the path of Hurricane Harvey. My heart goes out to everyone who has been dealing with this devastatingly powerful hurricane. Stay safe. I cannot begin to imagine what you are going through but know that I am praying for you.
I’ll be sure to take pictures of Stella’s arrival on Monday but I also have to get my car inspected on Monday morning (I’ve left it very late and it has to be done by the end of this month!) Between the two of us, the arrival of Stella will be well documented.
Happy Saturday.
Claudia you care so much and I think you’re right to take a break from the news for a couple of days, your health and well being are important too. Those of us of a similar mind will continue to follow and support you.
Stella has nearly arrived in her new home and although you didn’t particularly want to be there when she arrived, at least you’ll be in your home for short while which will be good for you both.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Fiona. And you’re right – I’ll be home and that is a good thing! (And I’ll get to see Stella!)
Hang in there Claudia! You’ll be glad to see your lovely stove, but I know what you mean to miss the moving in etc. Hearing a bunch of guys grunt and groan drives me crazy!
Taking a news break may be good. That man’s press secretary is about to push me over the edge as well. WHY would she want that job honestly? BTW this is your blog, so speak your mind! Take care Claudia. Becky in OK
Thank you, Becky!
I agree with Becky – this is YOUR blog! Sing it out, Sister! Besides, I agree with your views about The Orange One, and many other things. Praying for Texas (son is there). Can’t wait to see sweet Stella in her home.
Hope your son is safe during all of this hurricane’s wrath!
Morning! I can’t help but think (you two being in the theater) that there will be a definite “Stella!!!” moment at some time during the delivery…lol Does Don own a white t-shirt. :) I hope all goes well and you are happy with your new member of the family. Yes, take a break. Think of home and hearth and good things. And all the great items Don will cook on your new stove. Take care, Kit
Yes, he owns a white t-shirt! Thanks so much, Kit.
I can see Don standing in the front yard doing his best Brando imitation, while waiting for Stella. Hear Hear it is your blog and you know I agree. What a moment to choose to announce your pardon of that racist! No class or feeling for the poor people in Harvey’s path. tump said when asked about the people in Texas ” good luck” unbelievable. That’s what he came up with for encouragement and hope! I heard ,good luck you are going to need it I really don’t care. Everybody take a deep breath.
No class at all and I’m sure he was hoping that the news about the hurricane would lessen the impact of his pardon. Don’t think that worked. I couldn’t believe the ‘good luck’ – no compassion or leadership whatsoever.
You were meant to be at Stella’s arrival, Claudia! Nothing will go wrong…repeat over and over again!
I’m repeating. I’m repeating.
As I read this today I couldn’t help but think of Don – doing his very best Brando – going out in your yard at some point yesterday afternoon and yelling “STELLA!!!!” at the passing clouds. Put a smile on my face, which is quite the accomplishment today. I watched MSNBC all night and between the hurricane coverage & everything else, all I’ll say is – twas a major downer. But you know what? We’re allowed to get dejected every now & then. This is NOT going to be easy. Saving a country is hard. It will actually require us to possess super-human strength [even if it’s only emotional strength]. And I remind myself all the time that this nation was born because a bunch of hick colonial Americans went up against the mightiest army the world had at the time – and prevailed. THEY prevailed, Claudia – against the best & most professional soldiers of their day. I’m beginning to equate Robert Mueller with George Washington, which I’m sure you understand. And I can’t believe the Universe will allow this country – with all its flaws still the best hope for this planet – to be brought down by one individual, this slug, this earthworm of a human being. So we must lift our heads and be strong a while longer. Enjoy the rest of your weekend as best you can & have fun when Stella arrives. I’m predicting you’ll actually be glad you were there for her glorious arrival! Peace. Shalom.
#Resist
Bless you for these words, Janet. xo
Well…you know I’m behind you 100%! Speak your mind whenever you want…take a break as well. I really liked what Janet in Rochester had to say… in especially the earthworm part. That’s exactly what he did…he all thought we would be so busy monitoring the hurricane, we wouldn’t pay any attention to him slithering around with his special proclamations!
And Stella? Guess she needed a rest after traveling all that way! Hope you are able to enjoy your day! ;)
Because he thinks because he can’t multitask, we can’t. He’s mistaken. Thanks, Donna!
I’ve been reading your blog for several years, and haven’t commented before. Your blog is an absolute joy… honest, down-to-earth, and a blessing. Your blog is an oasis of peace and in a real sense, a community of people who care about the world beyond their own doorstep. When I need a sanity break during the work day, I pull up your blog and am able to more easily reset my attitude& outlook for the remainder of the day.
Love your honesty, your everyday commentary, your photos and book reviews. Thank you for being you! Politically? Ahhhh, we’re such sisters and I admire how you speak your mind and from the heart & soul!
Bravo to Janet in Rochester… couldn’t agree more with your observations!
Looking forward to Stella’s arrival and the wonderful stories & photos I’m sure you’ll be sharing.
Peace be with you.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Amy. I really needed them today. I can’t tell you how much they mean to me!
Peace, my friend.
I’m baffled how anyone can still defend 45. I’ve been in a mixed-race marriage for over 35 years and have never felt as worried as I do today.
I’m so very sorry that it has come to this place – where you, long married, have to worry, Jen. We are with you.
Read your most recent blogpost and had to jump back in again after a long hiatus from commenting. I have read constantly and with interest—-being married to a Parrot Head, I have followed Don’s adventure with more than usual interest; I had the sister to that very stove (Stella!) in a house we owned in St. Louis many years ago and am drooling over your good fortune; I am from New Orleans originally and love the idea of you seeing it (OK, be real, EATING there) for the first time—-but have not commented on anything. I have felt so diminished by this presidency and by the continuing degradation of a country I dearly love that I felt I had nothing to add but dismal, negative thoughts that benefitted no one and didn’t raise the level of any discourse—even the comments section of a blog I enjoy.
Last night’s news dump, scheduled as it was to coincide with the distraction of the hurricane, included some of the most blatant hatred we have yet experienced. I am giving myself a rest from Rachel and Lawrence, and the rest, because I did not sleep last night.
As a pastor, I have struggled to meet people where they are on this one—meeting Trump supporters with openness and all the grace I can summon. But that is taking its toll. I am going to take steps to limit my exposure to those folks I know only want to ‘pick this fight’ with me. I thank you for the moments of lightness you have provided—-the play (s), the road trip, the stove, the grass cutting! I have felt your kindred-spiritedness from across the miles. So thank you for that—you’ve done many good days’ work there.
Peace and love and peace,
Leslie P.
Limiting your exposure is a smart step to take, Leslie, though I know it must be even more of a challenge given your work as a pastor. Your compassion and insights are always welcome here but I completely understand not being able to comment. I struggle often with gathering my remaining shreds of sanity together so that I can write a post. Peace to you, dear Leslie. Keep up the fight.
A blip indeed! I’ll enjoy the photos of Stella’s arrival. I’m still waiting to hear from my Aunt who lives in Corpus Christi, the Houston family seems fine so far. Oh and I got a call at 5am that my children’s Dad’s mother died so we all have that going on. I’m just so sad on so many fronts!
I hope you’ve heard from your aunt by now, Linda. Glad to hear the Houston family is okay. I’m so sorry about the death of your former mother-in-law. Sending a big hug your way, my friend.
I ‘get’ everything you’re saying, Claudia. My broken heart goes out to your broken heart.
I’m in a bad slump right now myself. The physical effects of my car accident, the criminal aspect of it (now knowing of the person who did this to me, where they live and who they are, but not being able to do anything about it [very dangerous people best left to police authority]; but it grates on me); the recent slew of burglaries in my neighborhood and, in fact, directly across the street from me as well as right next door to me; friends of ours in Harris County/Houston, where we once lived, who are being inundated with rain and who we suspect will flood; a good former neighbor of ours passed away last week, leaving an Alzheimer’s-affected spouse for whom she was the caregiver; a really good man we know, who devoted his life to public service, just lost a leg to diabetes; and, yes, then the onslaught of frightening and anger-inducing news every single night of something more heinous done or said by the man who is supposed to be the leader of my country and who I should be able to trust and respect and hold in high regard – – – well, I found myself wrapping up appointments and errands this week with the specific intent to essentially ‘shut it down and hide out behind closed doors’ for the next few.
I mean, I totally admire other people are out there protesting/resisting and making a real difference when things are bad but, again, I know my limitations and if I don’t center and calm myself soon, I’ll go into a state of anxiety which will lead to depression…and I’ve been-there-done-that about 16 years ago and it’s a place to which I never want to return. It’s the compilation of little and big stresses, over and over again, piling up, feeling very much at unease and on high alert, not recognizing it or finding a way to dial it down once you do, which got me the other time, so I need to make 100% sure it doesn’t happen again. I get filled with too much fear and feelings of vulnerability? Well, it can wind up being a spiraling fall into a very black hole. So, this is the time to make myself get into an absorbing book; exercise-exercise to disperse negative energy; don’t cheat on sleep; journal (write down what’s a worry and how best to dispel it; write down what’s a blessing and how best to honor it); get out of my own head and go do something nice for somebody else; hug my dog 100 times a day; harness and corral joy from anywhere it can be found; and talk good to myself.
I went to the dollar store and got some pretty autumn-toned glass vases. Got some Fall-themed gel clings to stick on my window to give me a smile. Bought some greeting cards for Happy Halloween although it’s a little early…but, you know, it’s already here in the stores where I live in SoCalif. My last three months have been just awful, so I’m going to try to turn it around with rituals and calming routines; take time to sip my coffee in the morning; take time to read my paper newspaper; take time to call people on the phone who I love (some of whom are lonely; try to keep the conversation light!); take time to clean something and feel good about the accomplishment; take time to watch the breeze flutter the leaves on the tree; take time for a good ‘ol movie in the evenings when I’m too tired to do anything else; take time to fix a proper meal; take time to figure out how to get in even more exercise and move that body(!); take time to budget more carefully and determine how to save more money; take time for the smaller things of life; selfishly take time, for me.
Claudia, on the one hand, even though I know you’re tense about its safe arrival/installation (and I totally understand!), I’m glad you’re there for Stella. These are fun events of life and you’ve been through a lot to get the stove; it’s overall a very enjoyable and memory-making thing for both you and Don…so, being there from first sight of it actually being on your home turf is part of the memory about the stove. You’re a strong girl; you can handle it! (The nail-biting part.) Don might need your opinion on something about it, so now you’ll be there to jointly make any kind of small/large decisions at the final moments when Stella comes home to stay. I’ll say a little prayer; how’s that?! I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE IT EITHER!!
Sending you a big bear hug; take a breath; try to switch off the headlines and give yourself a small break. I’m feeling love for us all; I seem to know few people right now who can remain untroubled with what’s going on here and abroad. We’ve gotta work that much harder not to sink our spirits. Cling to hope; keep the faith.
Oh, and on top of everything else, we’re headed for a lengthy heatwave here. We’re forecasted to have multiple days of temps exceeding 100 degrees. Don’t ya just love it; but it IS the end of August and we often can be darn hot on Labor Day. Sigh.
My husband spoke earlier today to a work acquaintance of his in Conroe, TX which is north of the city but still in the Houston metro area, and they’d already had 22 inches of rain since last night. The wind has been blowing a gale. I was watching a bit of The Weather Channel news coverage and a meteorologist was standing at a location I recognized in view of the cityscape at Buffalo Bayou (a river that flows thru the city and dumps out at Galveston). She was advised, standing there at low water that, same time tomorrow, the bayou at that very location will rise six feet or more above its norm due to all the swollen tributaries spilling into it from the mega rainfall. Hard to conceive, but I’ve also seen it happen firsthand. I’ve lived there when the city of Houston floods and it’s a real hassle with impassable roads, water up over sidewalk curbs and creeping up to the front door of houses (and worse). We all need to say a prayer for southeast Texas tonight.
One of my readers, Susan, lives in Victoria TX and she has been writing about how absolutely frightening and devastating it is there now. My heart goes out to her and everyone who is going through this.
And, you know, it’s not just people but also animals. I wish I hadn’t seen it, but there was an article online last night, with photos, of dogs left out in the hurricane; two were shown, one tied to a phone pole and one tied to a tree; a photographer on scene was able to release the one from the pole who would have soon drowned. But there’s also livestock (cattle, horses, donkeys, etc.) caught behind fencing, chest deep in flood water which will only continue to rise. So, it’s either a matter of no heart, no brain, what(?)…because there’s warning when it comes to hurricanes in these days…or complete denial, because a humane person would at least, if anything else, let an animal run free to use its instincts and find its own higher ground or shelter, which is sometimes what happens where I live, in wildfire-prone SoCalif (wildfire often occurring with no warning; no time to do much of anything but run for your life with the shirt on your back). The article said that ‘Texas officials have warned repeatedly against leaving pets and livestock tied up in the elements”. A police chief north of Victoria was quoted as saying, “I will hold anyone accountable who unlawfully restrains their dog in extreme weather…dogs are your family members, too” and he ‘pointed out that there is a specific law in Texas that prohibits leaving a dog tied up in a hurricane or tropical storm warning’.
It’s all horrific. I can’t even take it in.
I think we’re all feeling vulnerable, whether it has to do with our country and the mess we are in or, like you, because of your injuries in that accident and the unsettling events in your neighborhood. You’re the second reader of this blog who is dealing with thefts and strange people stalking her neighborhood. We have to feel safe. And we don’t right now.
Anyway, thank you for your kind words of support. I’m headed home after rehearsal this afternoon and we’ll drink a non-alcoholic toast to Stella’s impending arrival.
It is all so disheartening. When I begin to feel despair and overwhelmed by it all, I do just as you are doing. Take a step back and a break from the chaos and the depravity that seems to be the new normal in the US. I go inward to find peacefulness and optimism. Love conquers hate. In time, the tide will turn because the universe is on the side of life and the expansion of life. Enough meta physics! I am sending you a virtual hug. Millions of good people stand with you in solidarity. Peace
Love does conquer hate. And it will. I love what you said about the Universe – thank you for that. Peace, Carolyn Marie.
Sorry to hear that you are not feeling well. Relax and think positive thoughts concerning Stella. Prayers for all in Harvey’s path.
Marilyn
I’m doing better today, Marilyn. Thank you for your kind words!
So many of us envisioning Bran-Don in a white tee shirt bellowing,”Stella!!!”
As for the Psychopath in Chief, I have no more words. How much more can this nation take?
I don’t think we can take much more. So much destruction in a mere 8 months.
Stella!!!!
I am out of words to describe the idiocy in which we now reside. As do you, I need to take days off and read, walk in the yard, play with the dogs, and take a nap with a cat on my lap. Things that I used to do on a regular basis pre-Nov. 8. Fretting now occupies the majority of my time. I find that I am so negative about everything. Last night as I was listening to the barrage of craziness I told my husband that he will pardon all of his friends and family members next Friday (when he seems to do all of his “business”), and Robert Mueller will be out of a job before he can make a dent. With high blood pressure, this just isn’t a good thing. My husband reminded me that even Rachel and Lawrence take days off.
Since things usually happen for some sort of reason, maybe it was just written in the stars that you would be there when Stella arrives. As you say, a mere blip. On to better and healthier things, the tomatoes are absolutely in explosion mode and I could pick every day! The kitchen counter is covered. BLT’s for supper this evening! Stay strong, kiddo. And…. peace.
I really wish Scoutie was still with us. She took me out of myself and my problems and reminded me of what matters – love.
Enjoy your tomatoes, Chris! Peace.
I certainly understand how you feel. If I have to get up in the middle of the night and I hear jet planes overhead, I really feel terrible and worried. We live relatively near an Air Force base and the Navy is not too far off. And I know the sound of more than one jet flying over. (military brat). I feel like I’ve aged ten years this year.
I bet you feel worried when you hear that. The mind immediately goes to “What’s happening?” I never felt that way in the 8 years of Obama’s administration, but I sure as heck do now. Peace, Jan.
You know, have to say, we live within a 100-mile radius of a naval base (with airfield) as well as another air force base, and my husband is a former air force brat who is totally ‘into’ aviation and knows every plane…more than once in the past 10 days or so, he’s said, “a so&so just went over and I’m asking myself why, since you never see those in the air around here” and, well, you can’t help but wonder, right? Like reader ‘jan’, my husband “knows” about certain activity up there in our skies; what it can mean (he’s level-headed about it).
When my mom was growing up in Los Angeles during WWII…well, by now, she was a teen…her dad was a volunteer air-raid warden for the neighborhood and one of his jobs was to make sure that everybody had their window shades (blackout shades) down, with lights off, during blackout periods, which in & of themselves really frightened my mom almost more than anything because you just had no way of knowing if anything had escalated, sitting there tense in the dark inside your home, feeling like a sitting duck.
All you could hear, she’d tell me, is the rumble of big trucks on the ground as they’d move equipment and men (troop movement), with only a ‘pinhole’ of light to guide the way. (Of course, in L.A., you had targets of a large deep-water port; you had airfields; you had big manufacturing plants like Hughes Aircraft where both of my uncles worked for the war effort [master machinests, etc.].) Mother said that also in the blackouts is when you’d hear multiple planes overhead, flying in what appeared to be a group; and they had air raid sirens, too, and I think emergency drills at home and in the schools. So you can imagine the fear and how unsettling it was for especially children; like she said, you’d hear the planes and not know if it could mean friend or foe. Under attack, or not? Was a bomb going to fall?
And she always said simultaneously that of course it wasn’t anything like the Brits went through, like in London…but it was still unnerving and unsettling. Everybody in L.A. had ‘the jitters’ after Pearl Harbor, figuring they were next. It’s a world apart from my elderly neighbor of nearly the same age who grew up in the remote woods of northern Michigan at the Canadian border who felt largely untouched by the war; removed from it (just something you’d hear about on the radio).
Hello from your friend you’ve never met. All I can say is, YOU GO GIRL!!! Keep writing about the Rump and keep talking about animal rights. Anyone who doesn’t like it can hit the road – adios, haters.
Thank you so much! You made me laugh out loud, Chris, and I needed that! xo
A break is very necessary sometimes Claudia…you know I am with you all the way!…I am also thinking of all of you in the path of the hurricane..
Thank you, Nancy. Taking a break is helping right now. I just have to shut out all of that negative energy. As Don says, that man can no longer rent space in my brain! (And, of course, he isn’t even paying rent – you know Trump, he doesn’t pay his bills!)
Not a bit disappointed! Totally on your side. I live in Trump country, to a certain extent. Northern Virginia goes blue, but the Southside is small business owners and the military. However, many of them are mysteriously quiet. In my brain, I keep hearing Senator Richard Blumenthal from an interview seven months ago…follow the money, all roads lead to Russia (Trump makes Blumenthal a major target, wonder why?!). It will take a year, but we will uncover the truth. Five more months to go!