Feeling a mixture of rage, despair, loss of hope, and excitement for our trip today.
How to balance all of that? I have no idea.
No idea.
I’m just going to move forward, take care of the things I need to do today, and stay away from the news.
It’s very clear to me that the people who run our country only care about two things: money and power. They don’t care about women, children, the middle class, the poor, people of color, immigrants, farmers, union members, teachers, nurses, social workers, minimum wage earners, young black men, women (how many times do I have to say it?), lying under oath, sexual assault, health care, birth control, the environment, climate change, global warming, animals, plants, endangered species, water, air – I’ll stop there.
Wealthy White Males? They do care about them.
My parents, may they rest in peace, taught me what was right and wrong. Nothing earth shattering, just basic common decency, with a large helping of the Ten Commandments and the Golden Rule.
I see none of that in the current administration and in those who support it. Absolutely none.
Okay. I’ve had my say. If you disagree, I really don’t want to hear from you today. Trust me on that.
My friends, I have much to do before we leave tomorrow night and I’m not going to post tomorrow. It will probably be a few days until you hear from me.
I am heartened by the goodness in all of you. In spite of it all, I know there are far more good people than bad people.
But there are a lot of very bad people.
Happy Saturday.
Wishing you a blissful time on your European trip
Siobhan
You two have the best and biggest adventure yet!
Safe travels!
have a wonderful trip … leave all this greed-fueled mess behind and concentrate on the good and beautiful things you are going to see and do- i’m already looking forward to happy pictures-
as always … regards from this part of the world-
barb in texas
I agree with you 100%. The sad thing is it’ll take years for our country to move beyond the damage being done now. I’m so glad you and Don have your trip to look forward to and experience. I haven’t been to Paris since I was 6 years old and I’m so envious you get to go. Share lots of pictures and tell us about all you see and experience. Bon voyage a few days early!
Safe travels to you and Don. May you have the trip of a lifetime and enjoy every moment. Lot’s of beautiful memories to keep in your hearts with all the love you share.
Have a wonderful time, Claudia and Don, and enjoy your anniversary!! Safe travels!!
I agree completely! Have a fabulous trip and keep being you!!
I hope your travels are safe and that you both have the time of your lives. Your plans to bring us along are typically generous of you. It would be great if time allows as I think we all would love a break from the toxic environment we are listening to today. If not we understand completely. To you both God speed and enjoy every moment.
I’m so sad today. We as women (and the men who are enlightened) have fought so hard for our rights and freedoms and they are in danger because of entitled white men who crave power and money over anything else. Enough.
So enjoy your trip. Don’t look back until you have to return and let the gorgeous Paris and London sooth your souls. Safe travels my friends.
AMEN.
Have a wonderful trip.
Well-said, Claudia. As always. Now, all I will say at this point is ENJOY YOUR TRIP!!! I hope it’s absolutely everything you’re imagining it to be and much more. A nice long respite from real life. A totally new scene that distracts and rejuvenates. Metaphorically, your trip should be end up being spanking fresh batteries to recharge you both. Rest up, take care, be safe, see everything, eat what you want [you’ll be walking like crazy anyway] have fun, meet people – you name it. Everything great that travel can be. Peace. ✈️
#Resist
#ProtectMueller
I hope the two of you have the time of your life!! Make some great memories together! Travel safe! ;)
you have said it more beautifully than I ever could. I agree.
money + power = a revolving door. and they know it. they want it more than their own conscience. surely their days must eventually be numbered.
in the meantime please don’t let their idiocy ruin your wonderful trip in ANY way!
maybe you should have had a tee shirt made that says in French … NON! NOT a supporter of Trump! merci!
or even better… HELP! America being held hostage by a bottle-blonde sociopath! we managed to escape!
xo
May the bestest, safest, and most memorable anniversary trip be yours! We’ll be joining you in packing today and that may keep us from watching or hearing the “news”. Have at least one chocolate croissant for me, please!
You’ll have a fabulous time, Claudia and Don. Don’t let negative thoughts intrude on this dream holiday.
Enjoy France. I lived there when I was a kid and loved it. They were so nice and welcoming. It was in the 50s. Bullet holes were still seen in the walls in the neighborhood but the school took my brother in.
As for what we are doing in our country. I agree with you. My son told me the Y chromosome has only 10 thousand years left and it will disappear. I think it is because it does not evolve like women do. We will outlast those wealthy white males.
agree with you, claudia and fellow commenters …
…
happy (early) anniversary, claudia and don, and many, many more. safe travels and enjoy every second of this trip. may the next couple weeks go nice and slow for you and may this trip exceed all your dreams!
kathy in iowa
Be prepared of the reactions of those you are visiting. They, too, are concerned, upset and disillusioned by the goings-on in this country, no escaping the mess we are in. Perhaps a brief period of commiseration, then quickly transition to enjoying the moment. Best wishes!
I whole heartedly agree with you! The roller coaster of events and emotions is wearing me out. I will grieve and then I will fight on. Enjoy your time away from all this madness. Peace
As usual, you speak to the heart of a matter, Claudia. I just feel…lost. Have to also step away from the news and computer for a few days but I’ve got no fun trip to look forward to, so will try to otherwise get my head in a healthier place. Your posts from abroad will be uplifting and I’m happy for you and Don to be readying for some happy adventures. Have a memorable, fabulous, enriching time! Bon Voyage!
Part of a recent quote from actor Robert Redford on the current state of American politics: “I feel out of place in the country I was born into and the citizenship I’ve loved my whole life.”
Amen.
You are truly ambassadors from America. I know you will spread the word that there are more of US than of them. Unfortunately, THEY have just a few more votes than do we at this moment. It will be good to have you and Don there representing all of us.
We will love hearing from you and seeing your photos whenever you have time. OR, when you get home. Just enjoy each and every moment while you are together and in such beautiful places. Have a safe and peaceful journey.
I’m with you.
Hope you have a wonderful trip!
I am not so shocked Claudia…it is exactly what I expected to happen….I have no faith or trust in our government left…The thing I want right now is for you and Don to put this bs out of your minds…get out of here and have the best time ever!!!…Now GO! lol
Have a wonderful trip, Claudia and Don! You two will make wonderful American ambassadors as you are making beautiful memories! Enjoy every minute. Praying for safe travels for you two.
You are absolutely correct. I expected exactly this to happen but was still stunned when it did. I guess I just kept holding out hope that someone in Washington will do what’s best for this country and not themselves.
Nevertheless, have an amazing trip! Enjoy every single second together of this lifetime experience. Safe travels and blessings to you both. Blessed Be.
Claudia and Don, have a wonderful time! Make many happy memories and post photos so we can follow along. I’ll be interested to see your pictures as my daughter and I will be heading to Paris in May.
Bon Voyage.
You said it all for me. Thank you so much. Best on your trip. Carol
Oh.. I agree with you ,Claudia ! My heart has been sick since the election. I won’t vent, but I feel the same pain you do!
I just want to thank you for your blog. I enjoy it so much. Please have a safe and wonderful trip with Don. You both deserve this trip. I’ve been to Paris once …..was an absolute thrill! Just enjoy!
Sherry
I share your grief.
Must stay away from any story relating to this huge debacle.
Hopeful that November will bring surprises to our good country!
safe travels✈️
Have a fantastic trip. Looking forward to both yours and Dons photos. Travel safe.
Judy
I’m with you too. Have a wonderful trip. Perhaps you can wave down as you fly over Spain x
Claudia, I wish you and Don have the time of your lives. It sounds like you have planned the perfect trip.
You might want to put a little Canadian flag pin on your collar. We always do when abroad. 😎
You nailed it. Bon voyage!
Safe travels, Claudia and Don! Can’t wait to hear about your adventures in Europe and see photos. I know you are going to have an absolute blast. A trip of a lifetime, for sure!
Safe travels to you and Don. We are all so dispirited at this point, but hope always rises . Working hard for Beto down here in the Lone Star State!
Claudia I’m feeling this same as you, my country is about to elect a chauvinist, biased and gun-loving president, I’m very worried, but relax and enjoy your trip.a hug.
Have a wonderful time and Happy Anniversary 🌝!!!!
I agree, it broke my heart to explain to my daughter why her government is failing her. But all that negativity aside, enjoy your trip!! So excited for you both.