Snow is falling outside my window as I write this. So far, just a sprinkle, but 1 to 3 inches is expected. A good day to stay in the house and do…I’m not sure what yet…but something. Read, certainly. I’m thinking a good cleaning of the bathroom will work off some of my ever-present anxiety.
That man fired the Acting Attorney General for standing up to him and refusing to enforce his clearly illegal executive order. Shades of Nixon and Watergate. And we know how that ended up.
I’ll restate the obvious. He needs to resign or be impeached. As I don’t see him ever resigning, for that would be admitting he was wrong and we know he is incapable of that, he must be impeached. He thinks America is his business empire. He believes he can hire and fire anyone he wants and that if he gives an order it must be followed, even if it’s immoral or illegal.
He’s getting awfully close, if not already there, to being a fascist. And he has his very own Rasputin at his side.
Okay. I don’t mean to write about this crap every day but, let’s face it, each new day brings more horrors. It’s pretty much the sum total of what’s on our mind here at the cottage. And why shouldn’t it be? I can’t think of anything more important – at least, to us – at the moment. If you’re tired of it, you can click out of this post and move on. I completely understand. However, our lives have changed since January 20th. If yours hasn’t, it just might in the not-too-distant future. I hope not, for my wish for you and for everyone is happiness and peace.
My sister has finished my pink hat and it’s on the way to me. When it arrives, I promise to have Don take a picture of me sporting my new hat.
Let’s see, what else is new? Anastasia starts rehearsals next week. It will be lovely to see everyone again. Many of the cast members from Hartford will be in this production, including 4 out of the 5 lead actors; many of the same dancers/ensemble members, as well. But there are new additions and that will also be exciting. I can’t wait to hear that glorious music again. I won’t need to be there all of the time, of course, but I’ll be in and out of rehearsals.
Don is planning on driving out to La Jolla sometime in March. He loves nothing more than a long road trip and he’s going to get our 16 year old car in shape for the journey. The mechanics that work on it assure him that the car can handle it. Fingers crossed! So he’ll be leaving while I’m still working on Anastasia and then I’ll be back in Hartford in late April to work on Heartbreak House.
We are very grateful.
I long for Spring, but to be perfectly honest, my mind is so preoccupied with calling my representatives, going to meetings, taking actions, etc., that I’m less restless than usual. There’s plenty to keep me occupied. It would be nice to have a carefree sort of day, but I don’t think that’s in the cards for a while.
By the way, Linda left a comment yesterday saying that the ACLU has pocket sized versions of the Constitution available on their site – 10 for $11.99. I’m thinking of buying some and handing them out at an appropriate time/event.
Happy Tuesday.
Hi Claudia,
I have an extra pocket-sized Constitution if you would like one. Let me know and I will mail it to you.
Oh, thank you, Tisha – I’m fine here. I have my own copy. Pass it out to someone you meet who might need it’s comfort.
I’m looking forward to seeing a picture of you, wearing the new pink hat!
I’ll be sure to put make-up on first!
Can’t wait to see the hat! If you need a good distraction the 31 Days of Oscars will be starting on TCM tomorrow. I for one will be taking part in that. I need a distraction from time to time.
I just cannot believe the things that keep happening at the hand of that man. I know I should not be surprised. He is doing and acting just a I suspected. I pray it’s only a matter of time that he will do something that there is no turning back from and the GOP will have to stand with the rest of us and get rid of his ass. He’s sure getting close isn’t it?
Hope you have a lovely day!
Oh good. I’m praying there will be a good movie on in prime time!
Impeachment never looked so good, Belinda. And what’s happening with that investigation into Russia’s interference in the election?
xo
Should see this as good news.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-keep-obama-lgbt-workplace-protections-002309956.html
I hope that’s true, Trina. I’ve heard rumblings about something coming down the pike about LGBT rights.
Same here….I try to distract myself with my various coping mechanisms and then WHAM! The Big Awful does something else to suck the joy out of life. I put aside my current book and started All The Light….on your recommendation…it is hard to put down!
It’s a wonderful novel, Melissa. Just what the doctored ordered for these times.
Please continue to write about the crap — I think it’s so important to express what you feel — as long as you feel up to writing about it. I give you so much credit for writing everyday. Sometimes my mind is so bogged down from all the orange I can barely come up with a comment.
The puddle heART on Instagram is just beautiful.
A note about the Leah Remini. I really think the program and books are going to encourage others to stand to things that are clearly awry.
I hope so – she is very brave. They are, of course, harassing her as they do with anyone who speaks out. I’m going to start that book today.
Thanks for your support, Jay!
“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out- Because I was not a socialist
The they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out – Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out- Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me- and there was no one left to speak for me.” Always remember this and speak out, rally, email , sign petitions or just wear a button!
Exactly. That poem is as relevant today as the day it was written.
#Resist.
I forgot there is another line about religion but I was trying to remember quote, not a bad job. Everyone should check out the whole poem.
Hey, if you did this from memory, Mary, bravo!
Thank you so much for posting and continuing to post about this insane topic. As a woman, a Buddhist, a gay, and an Obamacare insurance recipient with a pre existing condition, I am terrified!
Maybe we should all buy numerous copies of the pocket size Constitution and enindate the offices of that man, his cronies and the rest of them. I wonder if then they might read it……
I am, too. We’re with you, Ryan-Julee. You have our support.
Maybe we should drop thousands of copies of the constitution from a crane? Preferably on the White House grounds?
Yes we can.
Indeed!
I’m glad you and Don have jobs that you enjoy, that offer some happy distraction. Looking forward to a photo of you in that special hat.
Thank the heavens for distraction. I’m in the middle of negotiating a contract on Anastasia – always a pain in the tush, but it keeps me a bit distracted.
The thing I fear the most is that no one of his (alleged) party EVER stood up to him in the election, and until the Repubs face him, this is our life. They have been horrible since the day President Obama took office, and now they are so giddy with their overall power, they aren’t about to ask him to stop and think. (Well, he couldn’t do that anyway.) The checks and balances of our government no longer exist. I just don’t understand how he continues to do whatever he wants with absolutely no consequences. I know I must be patient. Although he seems to be able to do whatever he pleases with the ink of his pen, justice usually takes time. I am so afraid that we are running out of time. What he has done in a week has already affected so many people. Good news is he is going on vacation. Seriously….. one week in office and all is so sunny and bright that he can take off and get some R&R. Probably needs to attend to some of his REAL business he will never give up ~~ which, by the way is also unconstitutional. Un-fricking-believable.
No, they are so hell-bent on conserving power that very, very few of them have the guts to speak out. And we need them to, desperately. I am very worried about time.
The minute he put his hand on that Bible, he was in flagrant disregard of his oath to uphold the Constitution. Impeach. #resist.
How cool…pocket-size versions of our Constitution. Brilliant. I want one. Thanks for the tip.
Snowy outside. Wow. We were in the 80s here in SoCalif yesterday; has melted our little-bit snowcapped mountains ‘way in the distance…and is quickly eroding the benefit of what was probably our last significant rain for the season. Oh well. So glad we got, what we got.
La Jolla. One of my favorite places. Not a bad place for a gig. Mostly 70s temps and lots of sunshine, forecasted for March (I looked it up on AccuWeather!). Just-the-right-size population with easy proximity to its larger San Diego. La Jolla is such a beautiful city by the sea; I wanted to go to school there, back in the day (Univ of Calif – it only had about, let’s see if I remember, maybe 6,000-7,000 [?] student/faculty population back then; I was toying with that opportunity, or Pepperdine in Malibu, another gorgeous coastal university [I would have been in the very first class in the newly-built campus, brand-new, stunningly-scenic site]…but I then, regrettably, dropped the ball on both and went to work at a paying job; HUGE mistake … Pepperdine, today, is about the size [in enrollment] that UCSD was 40 years ago [toured some of the campus at Pepperdine this time last year; I want to go again and take a picnic; some of the best {free!} ocean views in Malibu up on that hilltop campus…but I digress!]).
In today’s life, La Jolla is prohibitively expensive to ever be able to buy a home there unless you’re wealthy (is home to many of the Rich & Famous…my doctor retired there [not famous, but definitely rich; he was a very successful doctor!] and we have friends who moved there in the 80s, only able to buy a house because she’d gotten a sizable inheritance). And as would follow, ‘everything’ costs more there…I recall many high-end shops even when I was there well over twenty years ago. But, oh, the beaches…multiple beaches; so, so nice. Pretty views from the bluffs (you’d know all this, of course, having lived in San Diego, and I think you said Don is actually from San Diego, as in ‘born there’…have to excuse me while I wax nostalgic about these lovely places here in SoCalif!). I hope Don has a wonderful drive out here and doesn’t encounter bad weather along the way; maybe he’s taking a more southerly route, East to West. I moved cross-country from West to East in February of a year; we were fine on Interstate 10.
I spent a fair amount of time in La Jolla when I lived in San Diego – that was over 15 years ago and it was prohibitively expensive then. Never a possibility for living there, of course, but then again, San Diego was also getting very expensive and we could only afford to rent. The beaches are gorgeous and that is where I plan to spend my time when I go out there for a visit.
Yes, he’s taking the southern route out there. He’ll be careful.
xo
You’ve been working pretty hard and you’re having a lot of stress. Joining him out here in early spring is going to be a tonic for you. Walk on the beach, get your toes in the wet sand, maybe brave a swim, breathe in that AIR, bask in that LIGHT, feel the warmth of the sun … just get away from everything for a while, Claudia. It’s gonna do you a world of good. Healing. Nature. Bliss.
It will be very nice! I can smell that ocean air right now!
Your car is 16?? Wow, color me impressed. I keep mine until the wheels fall off too, but so far have only managed 14 years [and 178K miles]. That you have one you can trust for a cross-continental trip is awesome. It’s not a Sherman tank, is it? ‘Cuz that’s the only thing that seems to makes sense – haha! And you know how I feel, Claudia. Keep on talking about Cheeto Benito whenever and however you want. We NEED to continue talking and railing against his crud. Well, his and as you so perfectly stated nailed it, his pal Rasputin there. [Guy looks like an unmade bed. I can’t looking at him – never fails to skeeve me out. Dracula has more personal warmth & appeal]. But talking & staying worked up is EXACTLY what it’s going to take. As distasteful and infuriating as it will be, we have to keep facing this solid waste until Cheeto Et Al become the “asterisk Presidency.” #Resist
PS – thought I’d pass on the following. Unless people want carrying-around copies, you can download FREE .pdf versions of the Constitution, Bill of Rights etc online. Just Google.
Our CR-V is 16. It’s a 2001. The Honda Accord that my father passed onto me is 2012. It’s not a Sherman Tank, though I wish it was!
Rasputin (my new name for him) is also a drinker. You can tell by looking at him. I’m from a family with a lot of alcoholics and it’s very obvious. Beside my take on it, it’s been well documented.
Good info about the .pdf version! Thanks, Janet!
My Honda Accord is also a 2001 – 151K miles. Not bad for 16 years old. It still runs perfectly fine and looks good, too as it’s garage kept. Love my Honda! :-)
In 2011 I finally donated my 1997 Saturn. Only needed regular maintenance all its “life” – brakes, mufflers, tires, tuneups etc. Great little car. I have a Chevy Cruze now & love that too. ⭐️
There were MDs & psychologists on Twitter today talking about Bannon being alcoholic. Very obvious to them as well. Now that it’s pointed out, it does seem clear. He looks completely unlike ANYONE who’s ever worked in the WH or even Washington, doesn’t he? Completely unkempt. I always think “unmade bed” when I see him. Like he sleeps in his clothes [maybe he does]. Great – now we have narcissistic dementia & alcoholism in the WH, and it’s clear to even we ordinary people on the street. Sigh. #Resist
We’re having a beautiful day in the Ozarks & have even worked in the yard some. I’m so ready for spring. I’m trying to not watch any tv except for Netflix because I find myself getting so irritated. I watched every episode of Gilmore Girls & just finished the newest episodes. I found that I was almost obsessed with it for awhile…..loved their little Connecticut town! So while your hubby is gone, you might check it out. I’m so lucky to have a private group on Fb and we all have the same feelings as you. There seem to be so many who share our fear.
I have never watched that show, but watching it when Don is gone is a good idea! Thanks, Jan.
Donald Trump is a fascist. I have said this since he announced he was running for president. He and Hitler have a lot in common. If you don’t agree, do the research. His slogan is a dark reminder of someone who wanted to “Make Germany Great Again” and convinced millions that murder, ignorance, and racism can be a new normal. I refuse to listen to Trump supporters that insist he isn’t a racist, bigot, misogynist. He is. Period. And if you voted for him, own up to it.
Oh, I agree. I think you must know that everything I have written about him here supports that. My nickname for him around here is Fascist-in-Chief. And those who voted for him have a lot to answer for. They basically stamped a big ‘Just Fine’ on his misogyny, racism, bigotry, xenophobia and Islamaphobia.
I assume when you use the word ‘you’ that you’re talking to those who voted for him?
Add Mussolini to your comparison, as well.
Yes, the “you” was the “royal you” (voted for him or not). I should have been more clear!
You know, Claudia, there’s something bothering me about this whole Trump fiasco- well, one of many things. The comments that I read on Facebook, and on some of the websites, are so vile and alienating. They are coming from the Republicans,too. They really spew a lot of hate, directed to those of us who think differently than they do. My husband and I have always been tolerant of those people who have different beliefs, as long as they don’t cause harm to others. I think that I have to stop reading comments……… I don’t want to start feeling that same animosity towards them.
I know. So many vile comments, so much name calling – This is what Trump has done. He’s given permission for everyone to be disrespectful name-callers. It’s one thing to be tolerant. It’s another to put up with rudeness..
It’s almost 8 PM so I decided to turn on Netflix, rather than watch the reality television “Supreme Court Nominee.” I won’t give Comrade Chump the ratings he so desires by announcing this in prime time.
I keep calling the offices of different senators, not just my own. I feel like I’m bailing water with a Dixie cup in a ship that has a 10 foot hole. I can’t knit or crochet so I bought pink fleece to make my hat.
For anyone who would like to have a printed copy of the Constitution, here’s a link.
http://constitutionbooklet.com/
Same feeling Kim. And each day brings new outrageousness. And we try to plug that hole. And on and on.
I don’t recognize my country. I recognize all the good people in it who are trying to live good lives and who treat each other with respect, but I don’t recognize the country that this vile man is trying to shape.
I really have to stop being depressed about this man. It’s just so hard…every day brings new lies , new name calling, more juvenile behavior. Ugh!
I hope you keep writing about it, Claudia. You’re such a good writer, and you really help make things clearer for me.
Can’t wait to see your hat!
I’ll keep writing about it, but boy, the whole thing brings me down. Me and several million other Americans!
Claudia,
Claudia, Thank you for sharing the scary feelings, you, and we are having (Most of us here I assume.)
I have never known a more unsure time, politically that is.
Also…I felt the Obamas were so classy in many ways, and now..eeek! But I too am concerned about the bullying, the cruelty, the reactions that have far reaching effects on our Nation. You have to share with us please. It makes me feel so not alone down here in in NC…although I live in the progressive area of the state.
I appreciate it, and it’s nice to connect!
Have a great weekend.
Katheryn
I will continue to share. Those who don’t like it are free to move on. I think this is far more important than pretty pictures, though I’m sharing them on today’s post. Balance, again.
It is wonderful to connect. I’m going to try to gather some links for everyone that I can share next week. xo