First: I mourn Catherine O’Hara, who I first discovered decades ago in Detroit when we watched SCTV on the local Canadian station out of Windsor, Ontario. I’ve been a huge fan of her work ever since. She was brilliant, perhaps the best comedic actor ever, and she was kind and good and loved by everyone who knew her. I was shocked at the news she had passed away. What a tragic, untimely loss.

In the past year, we have lost Gene Hackman, Robert Redford, Diane Keaton, Rob Reiner, and now, Catherine O’Hara. It’s inconceivable.

Second: and this is why there is no photo on the post, I have long followed the ξp*tein Files and the testimonies of those women and men who were victims of what is now clearly a cabal of predators, abusers, and murderers. Orange is at the center of all of it. He r*ped children. Repeatedly. And far worse. Names of those in his previous and current administration also appear in the Files. As do the names of the wealthy and powerful. I’ve downloaded the newest release because we must make sure that information isn’t scrubbed by you-know-who.

I could write reams about this. But it comes down to two things. Believe the victims. And remove Orange and his entire administration – the administration that has worked so hard to hide this information.

Sharing my thoughts and my research about the ξp*tein Files on this blog is not something I do. I keep that separate. But, if you’re ignoring the information that is coming out – don’t. It’s shocking and it’s stomach turning. But we must bear witness to this and we must use our considerable power to ensure that those who are guilty are brought to justice.

Stay safe.

Happy Saturday.

We are still very sore and tired from all the snow excavation. Don, especially, since he has a recurring problem with his shoulder and, of course, he had to push the snowblower (which is very heavy) through lots of snow. I’m urging him to take it easy the next few days.

We had stocked up in preparation for the storm, but by Wednesday evening, we were out of many essentials. So, we went grocery shopping, which involved going to two different grocery stores, plus the hardware store. As all this was happening, the temperatures were dropping and we had ‘cold weather warnings’ because of the wind chill. Today is very, very cold. We haven’t even opened the blinds yet. We just have to get through the weekend and the temperatures should warm a bit. I use the word ‘warm’ loosely, as 32 degrees during the day is still freezing, but not as freezing as 10 below (which is going to happen tonight.)

What an extreme winter we’re having, and it’s only January.

I was ready to store the feather tree because we needed the space on the coffee table. I temporarily stashed it on the sideboard. Turns out, at least for the time being, we like it there. Because that window gets a lot of sun, the ornaments sparkle.

Hey, why not?

Today, we’re vowing to do something creative. Don is writing a song. I’m going to paint a little miniature I have.

After too much exposure to the news yesterday (I am heartbroken about Liam, the little boy who is in the detention center in San Antonio – so much so that I had problems sleeping last night) we are trying to avoid it today. I’m praying. I’m visualizing an end to all of this. I’m calling my Senators and Representative. And today, I’m joining in the nationwide strike. I realize that it’s not a sacrifice for me, as I’m currently not working or attending school. But I can refuse to buy anything today and will.

Stay safe,

Happy Friday.

As we were digging out…

An endless process on Monday, with Don wielding the snowblower and me, the shovel. We are still recovering this morning. When Don reached the end of the driveway with the snowblower, he couldn’t get through the pile of snow left by the plows, so he had to leave it. We had to go back down there later in the day and remove the snow layer by layer. I dug out the car as best I could and finished it off yesterday. Because of the hilly nature of our property, I’m not sure how much we got, but it was closer to 15 inches than 20.

Frigid temperatures continue, so there will be no melting for quite a while. There was no mail delivery until yesterday as the roads were still dangerous on Monday.

How it looked yesterday:

It looks like we may see some sunshine today.

But honestly, we’re exhausted. By everything. Yesterday, I felt very old and very sad.

While the snow was falling on Sunday, I replaced the smaller version of my ‘cabinet of curiosities’ with a larger one – a larger plate and glass dome.

Little bits and bobs of found objects from the property.

Feathers, pods, acorns, a snakeskin, robin’s eggs, a beautiful dead moth that I found in the house, bits of pottery found here and there – blue, ironstone, striped – shells, a doll hand that we found in the woods. some bits of glass.

I hope to add more finds this year…if the snow ever melts.

Stay safe.

Happy Wednesday.