This was taken about 5 years ago, so I look older now. But this captures my spirit; my silliness, my way of dressing, my smile. Don will be happy it shows my dimples.

Yes, today is my birthday. There was repeated sneezing during the night last night and some weird dreams, so I woke up feeling tired and edgy. But I’ll shake it off. I’m happy that I’m spending this day quietly with my husband, who will – as always – make this a beautiful day, despite the gray skies.

Thanks so much for being here. For spending some moments of the day on this blog that will be 18 years old in a few months. How can that be?

Praying for peace. For the return of morality and honor to the White House. For the removal of all that’s vile. That’s my birthday wish.

Stay safe.

Happy Friday.

I started decorating the girls’ cubbies for Christmas.

It’s too dreary and dark today to get a better photo. That can only be done when we have late afternoon sun. But you get the idea. I’m trying to find the rest of my little deer(s). They must be upstairs in the jam packed closet. I managed to find the trees, but not the deer.

I have a confession to make. We have been watching the latest Ken Burns series on PBS – The American Revolution. As with all of Burns’ work, it is excellent. I learn so much. But every evening, I have fallen asleep in the middle of the two hour episode. Something about the darkened room, the gentle voices of Peter Coyote and assorted actors makes me conk out. And then when it’s time to go to bed, I can’t go to sleep. And then, like this morning, I feel sleep deprived and cranky. On the other hand, it could be a positive thing for some of you; if you’re having problems falling asleep at night, tune into an episode and turn off your lamps.

This is not a negative comment about the series, which we love. Don isn’t falling asleep. I am. But I may have to avoid watching it tonight.

It is now November 19th. We have had several days of high winds. When they began, I placed all the porch plants on the bluestone floor near the glider and the chair in order to protect them. Consequently, they’re still in bloom. I water them every few days but I do the bare minimum. And still they’re thriving!

On one hand, I love that. But winter is coming and I’m wondering just how long they’ll last. I am incapable, truly, of dumping a potted plant that is still alive. It’s not in me.

I’ll keep you posted.

Almost finished with the puzzle. I should finish it this morning. I already have another one on the way.

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.

Thank you, Pru, for sharing this shelf with the littles. It must be trying at times.

But they do look awfully cute together!

It’s Monday. We had high winds again all day yesterday and it’s still windy this morning. I AM OVER IT. I don’t quite get why this is happening, but Mother Nature? Cut it out!

On Sunday, I worked on the puzzle for quite a while. I get obsessed. It’s coming along nicely. Saturday was the day to finally remove our window A/C units. I have a new place in which to store the kitchen unit, which is quite large; so large that we can’t find a storage bin for it. So I cleared out some space on the floor of the closet in the den, and just managed to eke out enough space for the vacuum cleaner. Much better. We don’t have to haul it out to the shed. The bedroom unit does have its own bin, so storing it out in the shed is fine.

I also dropped off more book donations for our library. I periodically go through my shelves and pull books that I no longer need or want. The library has a book sale every year and I feel good about donating to it. Sometimes, I’ll find a book I just donated on the shelves of the library. That makes me happy, as well!

New pajamas, leaning against the kitchen sink.

Beautiful Zoe.

I have one message for Agent Orange: Tick-tock, tick-tock. It’s just a matter of time. The best Christmas present ever will be your removal from office. The hideous cheap faux gold ornaments will be removed. The ballroom will never be built. The East Wing will be restored. The Resolute Desk, which belongs in the Oval Office, will be taken from Mar-a-lago, and returned to the White House. Every room will be smudged with sage. The mall-food-court-cement-patio you installed instead of the Rose Garden? Gone. A professional team will be brought in to make sure there is no evidence left you ever lived there. Forensic accountants will track ALL the money you have stolen and you will lose EVERYTHING.

There’s more, but that’s enough for now.

Stay safe.

Happy Monday.