Sleep was fleeting last night. We found out we owe even more on our federal taxes than we already paid when we filed the extension. This new tax law has really screwed us, plain and simple. I get very stressed by the knowledge that the same thing will happen next year and we only have so much money in our savings account.

But I’m projecting – I’m the Queen of Projecting – and I just have to settle down and breathe. As Don reminds me, there’s only now.

As it was, I found this out right before we were headed to bed. (Not a good idea to read those emails late at night.) I sat in bed trying to read and when it came time to turn out the light, my anxiety level was so high that I made the decision to come downstairs and take a bath. That really helped. But I woke up early and couldn’t turn my brain off.

Ah, well.

Adding to that bit of news is the fact that we have little mystery trip planned in two weeks, so the timing isn’t the best. Nevertheless, we’re going ahead with our trip because life is too short and, to sanitize what I would normally say, “Screw it, we’re doing it anyway!”

Don just left to take some pictures at the Farmers Market, though rain is expected this afternoon. I’m going to keep busy and do some chores around here. I mowed yesterday and mulched a ton of leaves. We also celebrated Doug’s birthday with some cake (I didn’t partake) and a rousing round of “Happy Birthday.”

Happy Sunday.

There are even more leaves on the ground today because we had heavy rain last night. As always happens, the area that I raked is completely covered in leaves again. But, they’re awfully pretty and I love sitting here in my chair watching leaves drift slowly down to the ground. So does Don.

Thank you so much for your comments yesterday. And thank you for sharing your stories. I know it isn’t easy, but it is a comfort knowing we are not alone in these experiences. Everyone’s is different, of course, but there are common threads, as well. When I write this kind of post, I am always amazed by the heartfelt responses. Those of us who grew up with alcoholism in our family, or who are dealing with it now, know how painful it is. And yes, it does leave scars.

For all those who have seen the effects of alcoholism in their families, who are suffering from the estrangement of family members, I wish you peace.

I read your comments to Don, who was deeply moved by all of them.

Thank you, my friends.

Happy Sunday.

The skies were overcast and it rained much of the day yesterday. So I took some pictures up in the office.

Oh, Sir Ian! Thank you for one of the best experiences on our trip last year. I will always remember your performance.

We finished watching The Worricker Trilogy  last night. David Hare, the award-winning playwright, wrote the screenplay and directed it as well and I can’t imagine a smarter, more engrossing series. To watch something that doesn’t dumb down the writing, but, instead, expects the audience to be intelligent and quick and writes with that in mind, is so satisfying. Many of my favorite actors made appearances; Bill Nighy, Helena Bonham-Carter, Rachel Weisz, Michael Gambon, Judy Davis, Christopher Walken, Ralph Fiennes, and more. (I had the privilege of watching Michael Gambon on stage in London about 15 years ago – in Pinter’s The Caretaker – and I was stunned by his performance. In addition, he has a gorgeous voice that is like thick caramel, and voices are everything to me.) Hare has written strong female characters for this series; women who have and are in power, and it’s so refreshing to see.

Obviously, I recommend it highly. It’s on Amazon Prime.

I moved the bulletin board a month or so ago and ‘redid’ it.  It’s a wee bit neater now.

Today, Don is taking portraits at the Farmers Market. I’m washing sheets and doing various chores around the house.

And I’m reading, of course.

During the past couple of days, I’ve started to see the trees begin to change color. It’s just a tinge, a muted color change, but it’s happening. Not that I want to go there yet, but I wonder when we’ll have our first frost? Sometimes it comes in early October, when my morning glories are in full bloom. Fingers crossed that it holds off a big longer this year.

It’s a nicely lazy Sunday and I plan to enjoy it.

Happy Sunday.