We are cocooning here at the cottage. No news. No anything that will remind us of what just happened. Even so, that doesn’t seem to stop me from waking up in the middle of the night in a panic. Then I have to try to calm myself enough to try to fall asleep again.

The fact that so many people think of this as just another Democrat/Republican battle is mind-boggling. I don’t care about whether he is a Republican. I do care that he is the most dangerous man ever elected to the highest office in this country. And the most unqualified.

Anyway, I don’t want to linger on that, though it is surely on everyone’s mind.

I had to close comments yesterday after the tone of some of the comments went in a direction that was teetering on the edge of non-civil. I figured everyone had had more than enough time to have their say. We’re all very emotional right now, I get it, but we can be civil to each other. My rules about comments are clearly stated in the footer of this blog. It’s been there since I started blogging. I’ll quote:

Also, I love receiving comments! I do, however, reserve the right to delete any comment that is in poor taste, offensive or is verging on spam. It’s my blog. Thanks!

I deleted only one comment yesterday. That particular commenter called me a name. Let’s be clear: you don’t get to visit my home on the web and call me names. You also don’t get to call other people names when we are having a discussion in the comment section. I wouldn’t allow it in my real home. I would ask you to leave. And I won’t allow it in my virtual home. There were certainly other viewpoints represented in yesterday’s comments and that’s fine. I know there will be dissension on a topic such as this one, one where we find the country deeply divided. But if you can’t find a way to write that comment without resorting to name-calling along with the equivalent of shouting, then you don’t get to play. Simple as that.

I just checked the total number of  comments that have been left on this blog since it began. Over 104,000. And I think I’ve deleted about 4, maybe 5, comments in all of that time: 8½ years. There is only one post where I asked for no dissenting comments and that is my right. And you honored that request.

So when you accuse me of deleting any comment that represents a disagreement with my point of view  – you’re simply wrong.

I like to deal in facts.

Thank goodness, the majority of my readers are passionate, but kind. They find a way to make their point while respecting those to whom they are responding.

And for that, my friends, I thank you with all of my heart.

On we go:

This arrived in yesterday’s mail. Number six in my collection. I can’t get enough of these editions that were illustrated by Russell H. Tandy from 1930 -1949. The colors are so vivid, and the period details make this girl happy.

Here they are on the shelf.

Speaking of Nancy Drew, can you see the second book from the end on the right – The Mystery at the Moss-Covered Mansion ? A while back I bid on this book while on eBay. It arrived in the mail. I eagerly took it to the bookshelf, whereupon I promptly realized that I already had a copy. Whoops!

This encouraged me to write up a list of the titles I have, which I now keep in my wallet.

Anyway, here’s the duplicate:

Another cover illustration by the inimitable Russell H. Tandy.

It’s in good condition, with modest wear on the dust jacket. Considering its age, it looks great.

Let’s have a giveaway! And a book is my favorite thing to give away. A vintage book? Even better. Maybe this will start your very own Nancy Drew collection.

I’ll pick a winner from the comments on this post. You don’t need to tell me you’re interested. Just comment as you would on any given day.

Of course, if you’re not interested, let me know that, too, so I can ensure that it goes to someone who really wants it.

Happy Thursday.