The photo has no particular reason for being here. I haven’t been taking any photos for the past two days. I’ve been glued to the news and to Twitter. But I suppose it symbolizes shelter, a safe place, our haven during this unbelievably shocking time.
Pence, being the weak man that he is, doesn’t want to go for the 25th Amendment. He worries, of course, about his prospects for 2024. I got news for you buddy: you’re not going to President. But you could be President if you removed him from office. You’d get to play President for 12 days.
So we must impeach. He must be removed as soon as possible. I’ve already read about plans these disgusting criminals have for the 19th and 20th. And that scares me to death.
They must be stopped. The photos show me exactly who they are. Vermin. Wearing Auschwitz shirts, carrying Confederate flags – looking – and I’m going to generalize a bit here – like the uneducated lowlifes that they are.
I don’t mean to linger on this, but it’s all I have right now.
Although, the other day, Don finally cleaned up his portion of the office after a series of not-so-subtle remarks from yours truly. I even went upstairs to help him, which was a good idea, because he needs feedback as well as help making piles of items to save and items to throw out. It looks so much better up there! I can finally walk to the window by his desk to raise and lower the blinds!
He feels very satisfied, as he should. Yay, Don!
It’s a sunny day here. Cold, but sunny. No snow on the horizon, as far as I can see.
I’m going to try to limit my news intake today, just checking in occasionally to see what’s happening. I do know that during all of this, I’ve gone upstairs to the studio and stared at the dollhouse, losing myself in my miniature world. It’s comforting.
I’m waiting on wallpaper for the bathroom. In the meantime, I think I might start a puzzle today.
I’m thinking of all of you as we wrestle with the realization that our Capitol was attacked.
Prosecute every one of them. Every piece of crap who took part in this assault on our democracy.
Even though I say I don’t edit, I do. I don’t use the words I would use here, out loud, in this house. So ‘crap’ it is.
Praying for peace for our country, for each other, for all of you.
Much love to you.
Stay safe.
Happy Friday.
Your kitchen does look so warm and haven-ish. You and Don continue to work hard to keep your place peace and full of beauty. What has happened in the last few days is nothing less than a coup, which we usually think of happening in a “banana republic”. We got no bananas, but lots of seditious cult members whose hatred and stupidity has been nourished and encouraged by Republicans across the board. Truthfully, I’m surprised that there wasn’t more damage and more casualties. But I guess when the police open the doors and give you a tour to private offices, there’s no need for much bloodshed. My bitterness is out of control and is eroding my marriage more and more every day. I search for peace in my upstairs, but my best beloved cat is dying bit by bit and I’m tortured by trying to decide whether it’s better for him to let him go or let him continue to enjoy his sun naps, since he continues to have an appetite and to be able to do his bathroom duties. His limbs are a bit deformed from arthritis, even tho I’m giving him all kinds of supplements for joint health (approved by the vet) and kidney support. He’s been my rock for 17 years, sticking with me after his sister and “step sister” died within 3 months of each other 2 years ago. I don’t know how much more is fair for me to ask of him. My husband has given up supporting my fears about the administration and the lasting damage, and I can’t see my friends thanks to Covid. I recognize that I am much safer and much luckier than many, but I am also suffering from the losses of friends, 5 of whom have lost parents and siblings since March, and some who have family members that are long-haulers, and my brother who has lost his job as a librarian and has no idea if his unemployment will continue, and another friend whose 30 year marriage is crumbling, and the medical personnel who are slowly being struck down by stress, contagion, and overwork. Dark days for the last 5 years, a loss of faith in humanity, the dissolution of our system of checks and balances, and the failure of small businesses and the destruction of the arts tears at me in ways that I can’t describe. It’s hard for me to feel OK with so much unnecessary suffering. I’m glad you and Don have a loving working relationship and that you have music and creative expression. I know it’s horribly hard for you too. I was certain that there would be bloodshed before this odious administration left town, and I will not be surprised if there is more. I expect the White House to be torched by a petulant, vindictive, sore loser. If I’m wrong, I’ll be all too happy. Well, enough doom and gloom, but as you said, there really isn’t anything else to focus on right now. My therapist says to do what her 90 year old mom advocates: one baby step at a time. Love and thanks to you and Don.
Sending love to you, Nora. I know how hard this is. And I’m so sorry about your beloved cat. Try to hang in there. Find pockets of beauty in the day. Read some poetry – whatever – something that removes you from this mess.
Stay safe.
Thank you Claudia! Your words mean a lot to me.
oh, nora in ct …
i hate that list of all you are going through, that you have so much to deal with.
i hope that you have hope, that you know better days are ahead. i hope you get guidance from your veterinarian about helping your beloved cat and that you have lots more good, easy time together here on earth than it might now seem. i hope you have support from friends and get more from your husband, that you have and take the time every day to do things you enjoy, things that bring you peace and take good care of yourself.
will keep praying for you and everyone else here.
hugs …
kathy in iowa
Thank you Kathy. I’m pretty sure it’s pretty horrible for all of us and I’m grateful to be part of this group of caring people.
Nora, I am SO sorry you’re having such a difficult time. Prayers and most healing thoughts for you, from me.
Thank you Vicki. I kinda lost it this morning. I appreciate so much kindness.
I’m so sorry about your kitty, because I can relate to your anxiety. My cats are the reason I get out of bed some days.. The oldest has cancer and I fear he will leave me this year. Blessings to you and to Claudia too.
Yes, for me and my cats the same. I get out of bed so that I can cater to their needs. It’s a pleasure and the only time I feel really useful. I hope your older kitty will stay with you for a long time. Thank you for your kindness.
That sunny shot of your lovely kitchen was a nice distraction for the beginning of your post!
I am disgusted with the Cabinet members and staff that are resigning now when they could be staying to help remove this president and assist with the transition. They are acting like they are being so noble but they were there throughout this administration, not speaking up when he did the outrageous, hateful things he did and they never said a word. Cowards.
Yes. Four years of shameful acts, and NOW they’re resigning? They are cowards and they don’t want to have to vote on the 25th Amendment.
Stay safe, Ellen.
Regarding Don finally cleaning the office, my husband says “If I said I’ll do it, I’ll do it . You don’t need to remind me every six months.”
Here’s to better times,
Anne
Oh boy! Every six months is too much?
I’m with you on this one.
Stay safe, Anne!
Such shocking scenes from the Capitol, the world has gone truly mad it seems. I’m glad you are safe. Jillxo
It has. We are shocked and saddened.
Thanks, Jill.
Stay safe.
We area shocked and saddened.
Thanks, Jill.
Stay safe.
Prayers for next few days.
Stay safe, Brenda.
Your words ring true with me. I’m on and off tv and social media. I think I need a break. I need something joyous in my mind and heart if only for a moment. Hugs!
If only for a moment, which is about all I get these days.
We took a walk just now on the property and it helped.
Stay safe!
After Wednesday’s experience of being stuck in an infusion chair with a world of conspiracy theorists when the violence broke out, only to learn when my rheumatologist talked to me after his consultation with an immunologist that, no, I cannot take the Covid vaccine (something rare, not my auto-immune illness), I’ve been gradually trying to acclimate to a life going forward that is not what I hoped it would be and a world that’s not what I thought it would be, just as we all are. I personally needed both your calm photo and your outrage.
Linda, I can’t imagine what it must have been like to be stuck like that. I’m sorry that you can’t get the vaccine. So many challenges of all kinds for people in our country and around the world. Keeping you in my thoughts.
I’m so sorry to hear you can’t get the vaccine, Linda. Thinking of you.
Stay safe.
xo
Linda, I feel the ‘isolation’ of perhaps also being one who won’t be able to get the vaccination due to the health profile; I’m still awaiting word. My husband and I have spent a lot of time trying to envision what that will mean for our lives when we’ve already been on lockdown here at home for nearly a year. We were so hoping to resume some kind of normalcy with the vaccine; so, although the verdict is still out for me, I’m sorry you didn’t get better news (I can try to imagine and ‘feel’ the brunt of disappointment). You’re already a brave woman; my mom was, too (rheumatoid arthritis). You’ll get thru this, too. You’re an auto-immune disease WARRIOR!
hej, linda piazza …
so sorry for you to get that news of not being able to get the vaccine. all the more reason that the rest of us who can need to literally roll up our sleeves and do the right thing. i will keep praying for you.
hugs …
kathy in iowa
To Kathy in Iowa, Vicki, Claudia, and Nora+Mills, I’m overwhelmed by your supportive comments. They’ve gone a long way from providing balm for that afternoon when I was stuck in that infusion chair that day. I’m so grateful to those of you who can and will be vaccinated, too, as your choices will eventually make like easier for those like me who were told that I can’t take it. Vicki, I hope you’ll get better news. My difficulty is that I developed serum sickness after a H1N1 vaccination in 2010. It’s not the RA, but that, that precludes me from taking it. My life changed forever beginning about five days after that vaccination, and my rheumatologist told me that subsequent reactions tend to be worse, leading to renal failure and death. I was honestly willing to risk it and he at first had thought that the risk/reward parameter was so different for the flu versus Covid that he would think it worth the risk, but he consulted with an immunologist and with manufacturers and changed his mind. He was quite insistent and doubtful I could find a place willing to administer it under those conditions. He’s advising all but four of his patients to get the vaccine, has had it himself as have all his nurses, so he’s certainly not anti-vaccine. Good luck to you.
I should stay away from the news but I can’t seem to make myself. I might bake this afternoon — that’ll get me away from the television. I am so angry, frustrated and disheartened — and the rest of real life isn’t helping.
I’d like to crawl into your kitchen right now with that lovely light and just be.
You’re welcome any time, Jeanie.
Stay safe.
Thanks for sharing your kitchen this morning. The shining light reminds me of all good in the world. I never thought the events on Wednesday were possible and any president would be involved in such treason.
Stay safe,
Lottie
I still can’t take it in, Lottie.
Shameful. He needs to be tried for treason.
Stay safe.
I just turned on a Dateline. It is a horrific murder scene, but somehow I find it easier to watch than the mess going on elsewhere. Our Router is giving up, or rather my belief is the cell phones, 3 computers, 2 Fire tablets, and 4 Alexa devices are over-taxing it. So, our son said he would do a curbside pickup for us in Madison and bring a new one out and install for us. We were just going to order one on Amazon and install this weekend, BUT, in this sweet new “deal”, the granddaughter is coming out with him!!!! YAY for a fun afternoon ahead!! Unexpected delight, and oh, boy, do we need it!!!! Back to reality in a few hours….
Yay…thank goodness for techie sons with cute daughters! Have fun!! ;)
Yes!! Such an impromptu occurrence. So much fun. She now shakes her head “no” to anything and everything and then giggles. It is hilarious. More funny still, is it is always a no, never a nod for yes!!
Yay for someone else installing your router and getting to see your granddaughter!
Stay safe, Chris.
The install was a success. This is a much more sophisticated kind of router, and probably much more than we need, but it works and it was such a fun afternoon. She was so good. So many giggles, and we turned on Frozen and she sang for us!! A good day after a horrible week!!
Yay! And some time with your adored grandchild. What could be better?
so happy for you, chris k in wisconsin!
hugs …
kathy in iowa
Oh, what a very fun afternoon!! She is getting so big and does so many fun things now. The giggles just stop me in my tracks. Every time!!!! Thx, kathy!!
Two weeks ago my husband’s uncle died of congestive heart failure. Last week one of the finest women I have had the pleasure of meeting died from pulmonary fibrosis. This week my beloved Uncle Tommy died from a brain tumor. He was at home so was with two of his children but his other daughter and her husband have covid so they could not say good-bye to him. All while enduring the insane situation of our country! Monday a longtime family friend died of covid. Yesterday, my school bus driver and it just goes on and on. Needless to say I have been depressed so just stop bu to read your blog, but, I have no words.
Take Care…
Kelly
Kelly what a nightmare of loss!! You’ll be in my thoughts.
Oh, Kelly! I’m so very sorry to hear of these terrible losses. Thinking of you and sending you love.
We’re all praying for you.
Stay safe. xo
Oh, Kelly, it’s too much; just too much. I am SO sorry for your multiple losses.
so much sadness. sorry, kelly, for all that you and your family must deal with now. will be praying for you all.
hugs …
kathy in iowa
Oh, Kelly, I am so very sorry for your losses. This has been such a horrific week anyway, I can’t imagine adding your losses on top of it. Healing thoughts are sent from Wis.
I have never met you, never will, and live on the other side of the world, but I send you my thoughts and hope there might be some peace for you soon. What an awful time you have been enduring.
Kelly,
Know that that there are many here who wish we could heal your pain. Take care of yourself as you try to absorb all these blows at once.
I was glued to TV on Wednesday, weaned myself just a bit yesterday, and today, as some others have commented, either will just check in once in a while, or not watch news at all. I’m immersed in building my Lego Sesame Street, a holiday gift from one of the daughters. I can get lost in building Bert and Ernie’s apartment, and Big Bird’s nest. The pieces are in numbered bags 1 through 6, and each bag has a character, so Big Bird, Bert, Ernie, Elmo and Cookie Monster stand around hurrying me to finish constructing their home. I’m glad Oscar is in the last bag, 6; I know he’d nag the loudest!
Stay in the now, Claudia. Stay safe. Stay your true self, as usual.
Enjoy building Sesame Street, Wendy!
Stay safe, Wendy.
and now i must immediately search online to find out what bert and ernie’s apartment looks like! :)
hugs …
kathy in iowa
Hi Kathy!,
I’ve completed Bert and Ernie’s apartment. The most fun was assembling the bathtub. The Count’s apartment is above Hooper’s! Next are Big Bird’s nest and Oscar’s area! Quite fun and absorbing. Next will be the Titanic.
Stay safe, healthy and happy….hugs back!
I, too, have been trying to stay away from news and Twitter…but I just can’t. My desire to find out what’s happening, and how the investigations are doing, is just too much of a draw for me. My sincere wish, is for everyone who participated in the seditious acts against our country be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. And that includes even those that only talked, cajoled, suggested, or lead on the mob. Everyone…starting with OM. The more I read, the angrier I get.
It’s been a horrific week for all sorts of reasons. The personal pain of so many of your readers is overwhelming…from reading the comments. My heart goes out to so many of them. I am at a loss for words, but deeply saddened.
Stay safe. ;)
More than enough pain and fear to go around. Knowing the suffering of others makes it even harder to find the peace that we all long for. Sending good thoughts to you.
Me too. I haven’t been on it as much as yesterday, but I’ve definitely been checking in. I am unbelievably angry.
Stay safe Donna.
I have been worried about a large violent protest for awhile. Especially after Trump tweeted something about a “wild” time.
Still, didn’t imagine this. I still feel shaken by it. I’m not watching much news today.
In good news, Michigan is starting to vaccinate age 65+. We are signed up with the health dept to be contacted to schedule an appointment. Not sure how long before we can actually get the vaccine though.
Our daughter gave me a jigsaw puzzle that she had made of various photos of our three granddaughters.
When it’s done I’m going to glue it together and frame it.
Counting the days til Jan 20.
We haven’t heard anything about vaccinations yet here in NY. I wish we would!
What a lovely gift from your daughter!
Stay safe, Marilyn.
As usual, Claudia, you echo the thoughts of so many of us. And I was glad they arrested that a-hole today who was sitting in N. Pelosi’s chair at her desk. (I hope every single one of those mobsters in that crowd of embarrassing lowlifes is looking over their shoulder, wondering if they’re being followed, when the feds will catch up with them, when the knock on the door will come or when they’ll be ambushed by agents on the street to arrest them. They can’t escape; their faces are everywhere thanks to security cameras and cell-phone photos. [Hope you love your selfies, you idiots.] I hope they’re living with great unease in their fu**ed-up, criminal brains. I hope these days in the aftermath of Weds are ones of misery for them. With more misery to come. [Forgive my enemy? Don’t ask me that question right now.])
You had to feel badly for the clean-up crews going into the building to have to clean up the mess of broken glass, splintered wood, blood, etc. In their hazmat suits (I saw a clip on TV about it). What a disturbing task. But I hope pride in knowing they’re doing their essential part to restore the safety and beauty of that treasured and significant building, a house of the people. (MY house, too. I am so resentful of those thugs shouting “U.S.A!” like it’s THEIR U.S.A. and not mine. They do not represent me; they’re not ‘American’; they’re not ‘patriots’ [don’t sully that word]. They disgust me. Rioters, looters. Murderers. And now those photos and videos are all over the world, with people of other countries looking at those crummy insurrectionists/anarchists as U.S. citizens, thinking, yuck, that’s America?)
And I’m furious that the flag is at half-mast for the fallen police officer at the capitol yet it still flies at full mast at the White House. (I think the proper term is half-staff and full staff.) That’s another example when Trump totally has that officer’s blood on his hands and there’s no respect. Like all the people dead in the Covid epidemic who didn’t have to die because of Trump’s ‘covering up’ of the virus last Jan-Feb. And to this day, he never mentions Covid; has nothing to say for 4000 people dead in one day, yesterday. Trump is the scum of the earth.
This is my third day where I can’t pull away from the news but I hope to take a break from it on the weekend. I just don’t want to miss anything; there’s so much going on. But of course I need to start getting something done around here soon. I just find I’m a mix of the aforementioned fury of what did and could have happened this week; this, after being heartsick to the point to where I felt I could hurl, sick to the point of throwing up with the horror and stress of what we had to witness; our beloved country, our democracy. It hurt.
I think I’ve become slightly less fearful of Trump abusing his powers, especially the nuclear codes, than the thought he could get in there for 2024 to run as President, which is why impeachment is apparently important to prevent him from ever running for office again. It’ll be interesting to learn more. Trump needs to be neutralized, castrated (dilute his power); get him out of the spotlight. Clip his wings.
I hope every Republican voter, congressional rep and senator feels shame for what they voted into office in 2016, and the subsequent havoc and scar on our country, our lives, our history. Trump has never hidden his stripes; they all knew what and who Trump was; and, oh, NOW they’re denouncing the violence, but where were those senators when Trump was trying to coerce the secy of state in Georgia on manipulating the votes? Culpability, complicity; they should all skulk away with their tail between their legs.
Biden can’t take control soon enough; God how I wish we could accelerate these dozen days til Jan 20. He’s facing such a mess to sort out but it’s paramount we get this vaccination rollout under some kind of better control, too. My cousin told me that his friend (about the same health profile as ‘yours truly’ and also not a health-care worker) got a vaccination last week (Texas) but from what I can figure out for myself (Calif) I’m at least six weeks away, probably more, so why such a discrepancy state to state, county to county? The health experts want us to get a vaccination for the virus but the govt isn’t making it easy for us to figure out where and when. My husband knows of a person (used to work with her) who’s already gotten her SECOND injection (here in SoCalif); apparently she’s considered a front-line worker because she’s a psychotherapist. But, you know, the situation is just too loose overall; why, though, with the Trump administration, did we expect anything different?
I have “unlying conditions” that has kept me from everything for a year now, but here in Washington I’m told that because I’m only 60 it will most likely be at least May or June before I can get vaccinated. And then I hear on the news that doses are being thrown away because there is no one to give them too. So frustrating! I would really like a life back. Although with everything happening, how much of a life will it be here in the US?
Blessings,
Betsy
This should be the end of the GOP. I hope it is. And everyone who was complicit, who went along with the things he did, or ignored them – all of them should be voted out of office. It should be impossible for his staff to find work with any respected company or organization. I’m sick about this and I keep watching, too. The situation seems to be on a constant update as we learn more.
Stay safe, Vicki.
ditto on everything you said about pino and his attempted coup. may congress act fast on impeachment and get it done!
your words to vp pence made me laugh out loud. thank you for that.
and thanks for the photo of your kitchen. so much to love there! it’s all great, but especially i love the yellow color, the sunlight, that window over the sink, the shelf in with the upper cupboards, the cuckoo clock and stella. and my faves … those faux wood-looking metal baskets.
i can relate to (my understanding of) your description of don cleaning his studio. i don’t enjoy the process … especially when it comes to serious paperwork and sentimental things. but it must be done, “an ounce of prevention” and all that ….
hope you, don and everyone else here are having a peaceful night, doing something you enjoy.
hugs …
kathy in iowa
Thank you, Kathy.
Stay safe.
Upsets me this takes away from COVID.I have isolated since March because others won’t. Waiting on vaccine while other states are giving to my age group. Last year we lost son in law’s dad in his sleep, sister in law, brother in law, best friend’s husband—-been friends since birth.
Dear friend in the south. Best friend’s brother who was my other best…cousin and his son…etc etc etc …about a dozen…who can grieve when we have this going on in DC…?….
Prayers
I understand, Brenda.
Stay safe.
I do enjoy reading your blog when you talk about your trips to Paris and your comments about your work or Don’s or your comments about your family. However, Claudia, you really have no idea what Vice President Pence’s intentions or desires are unless you are a family member or close friend who has shared conversations with him. Please stop alienating your blog friends with your over the top assumptions. I’d like to be able to continue reading your blog. Will you publish this even those it’s diametrically opposed to your own political views?
I didn’t dream that up. That’s a fact. Of course he has presidential ambitions, you’d have to be blind or naive not to know that. That has to enter into his decision making. I do a lot of reading and research.
Beyond that, I don’t care if I “alienate” you. This is my blog. I pay for it. I run it. I create content every day, 365 days a year. I pay for my cameras. I take a couple of hours every morning to write a post, and then, unlike the vast majority of bloggers, I answer every comment.
And you get to read it for free.
So I don’t owe you anything. I’m grateful for my readership, but it has always been about my life, my thoughts and my ideas, for better or worse – for nearly 13 years. I can’t please everyone, nor do I try. Take it or leave it. And no one gets to tell me what to write or how to write or what is appropriate content. Sorry.
If you are uncomfortable, I understand. You are more than welcome to move on. I wish you the best.
Props to you Claudia