Greetings from the land of mysterious squiggles. Oh lord. I did make some headway, but my friends, it is slow, slow going. I will master this final part of the puzzle, but I might go a little crazy from examining little curves and straight lines.
You know I love a challenge.
Even though this is making me a bit crazy, the truth is that it’s keeping me sane. Just like Don’s musical collaboration with his friend in Connecticut via Garage Band is keeping him sane.
That being said, we are staying away from the Impeachment trial. We are not naive and know what the result will be. I could write reams about my disgust, but here’s my situation: I cannot go there anymore. I simply can’t. I think I said as much yesterday. After 5 years of outrage and activism and marching and tweeting and campaigning, I am done for the time being. I know what’s going on, of course, and check Jessica Yellin’s IG account for a wrap up, but I cannot linger in that place any longer. “That place,” meaning anything related to Orange Man or his GOP minions. I am not going to give them my energy. No more.
Five years of Trump and what will likely be two years of COVID and no work for either Don or me. No work. It’s all too much and though I am generally a positive person, sometimes it feels as if I’m hanging on by a thread. But I’m tough, as is Don, and we’ve made the decision to stay away from anger and resentment and outrage as much as we can – because there’s nothing we can do about it. I don’t want to spend whatever time I have left on this earth consumed by anger.
I’d rather read about all the good things that the Biden administration is doing. That’s a place where I will linger. That’s where I’m directing my energy.
I hope that makes sense.
Stay safe.
Happy Saturday.
You are wise. I just don’t watch these things. That doesn’t mean I do not care…I am finished…we know the outcome…puzzle working is good for stress and the brain…keeps us active. I am packing…as I said I have little…left most in WV …what I am taking will go to Habitat…will take what we can get in moving truck…and will buy what I need slowly…son has some of my old furniture…one item-the only item I truly have any sentimental value for…will return to me. Son has found apartment…it is much more than here…he is also considering buying a small condo for me to use…I am quite independent, so he will have to come up with a plan for me to feel comfortable about…we will see what happens…I am oh well…whatever…after moving so much, I don’t stress over it. We are concerned about moving during Covid…but this could go on for another year…hope not…keep working on those puzzles…enjoying your dear husband…I am making lasagna today-I cook every morning for myself…take care dear girl.
hej, brendab …
best wishes on and prayers for the rest of the packing, the actual move, the apartment/ condo decision and safety in moving during this pandemic.
also, i applaud your positive attitude and generosity. am sure the family members in indiana will miss you and the ones in florida will be so happy to have you close.
with all you’ve been doing for your loved ones, i hope you keep on with your own self-care and stay safe!
kathy in iowa
I have had both vaccines
We are waiting one. Month after those
Masking and distancing g
I have isolated one year in March
You take care, as well, Brenda!
Stay safe.
I did watch parts of the first two days’ testimony but bowed out on watching the defense. I won’t watch the voting, either. I liked what Senator Durbin had to say about the role of this week’s testimony: to lay down the facts to be studied in the future. I could watch it if I thought about it that way.
Like brendab, we are considering a move. Our daughters are urging us to move closer to one or the other of them. However, we found through the Covid time that, despite being surrounded by Trump supporters, our neighborhood in the boonies wasn’t a bad place to be. Neighbors checked on us via the neighborhood page. We could walk our dog and be widely isolated from people in their yards, increasing our social contact. There’s a nature preserve one mile from our front door. When, a couple of months ago, I discovered my husband slumped in a chair, unable to talk or move (adverse reaction to a new prescription, it turns out), neighbors lined the street leaving our neighborhood, watching the ambulance take him away and calling out to me, asking if I needed them to take our Zoey for the duration. Zoey is a 75-pound Great Pyr mix with a stubborn disposition: that’s no simple thing to offer. We fortunately got curbside grocery orders just before the pandemic, and the only vegetarian/vegan restaurant in town has stubbornly refused to open to inside seated dining even when our governor allowed it, staying in business doing curbside business. We feel safe ordering from them, and we make a point to support them even when we don’t “need” to order something. We’re an hour to two hours from our nearest daughter, depending on traffic, but we’re facing a harder decision than we anticipated. Through Trump’s raging time, I stopped introducing myself as “the only Democrat in B county,” as I learned I’m not and solidified a group of like-minded friends. That’s the only good thing that presidency brought me. I grew to like the idea of making a difference here, where I am. Of course, I’m delusional when I think that! LOL.
In re-reading, I realize I could be accused of characterizing Trump supporters as bad people. That’s not what I meant. Substitute “despite being surrounded by Trump supporters who believe that wearing a mask is useless and maybe even dangerous to your health,” we could still stay widely enough separated to walk and talk to them. Your readers could not read my mind and realize that I was referencing differences in mask wearing, isolation, etc. Most of our neighbors are caring people.
I understood what you meant, Linda, but thank you for clarifying.
xo
Having caring neighbors is a wonderful thing, Linda. It sounds as if you won the lottery on that issue! I understand your hesitation to move.
Stay safe!
I’m with you. I stay informed, but choose to focus on the positive in the Biden administration. It’s the only way I can maintain my sanity….and my blood pressure!
Did you see the picture of Dr. Biden buying sweets for her Joe for the weekend? Priceless. Stay safe…stay sane…stay warm! ;)
They are adorable, those two! So refreshing having two people who are very much in love in the White House.
Stay safe, Donna.
I watched the first two days and had it on for a bit when the defense started and thought, “leave it.” I think we know what the outcome will be. I’ll read Heather Cox Richardson. Well, I say that but turned it on this morning and now it looks like there will be witnesses and that’s going to drag this on a long time. And you know what that means with other legislation.
I figure I have enough problems here. We think Rick’s mom will be coming here in the first two or three weeks of March and we have to figure out how to a) handle her b) provide her with the physical therapy or at least walking and stretching she needs — in a cold, snowy Michigan winter when walking isn’t really the best option for an 84 year old diabetic with a broken hip and c) what to do to modify Rick’s house or mine so it is safe for her — moving things that could be tripping hazards, all that. I don’t have time for impeachment anymore.
That said, it’s snowing today — pretty snow. Gentle, nice. Not that I want more. Not an inch. I’m not adapting well to my meds and am exhausted and the thought of shoveling with my back is not calling me. But it’s pretty. So I think I might bake. Seems like a good day to warm up the oven and maybe make some valentine cookies or something pretty.
Good luck with the orchestra.
I hope it all works out for the best with Rick’s mom, Jeanie.
We’re supposed to get a hell of a lot of snow this week. And ice. I’m dreading it.
Stay safe!
Every morning I make coffee and watch the news. This morning I turned on the news and there was Ted Cruz talking bullshit again. I thought to myself that I need to stop watching this insane game. Then I read your post and basically you said exactly what I was thinking! I tried several times a few days ago to respond to your post about your sweet dog. For some reason I could not post a comment. I just wanted to say that I understand your loss. I think about our kitties that we lost in the fire all the time. Their memories will be with us forever. Have a great weekend… xo
Thank you, April. Losing your kitties in that tragic manner is heartbreaking. I understand.
Thank goodness we have lovely memories of our beloved pets.
Stay safe!
that makes sense, claudia, and is a good plan … more music and puzzles and less news sound good (literally, emotionally).
while i’ve limited news-watching/ discussing for a long, long time, i do stay informed about covid-19, the weather and pino problems (specifically those he’s caused us). i wanted to watch his team yesterday to see how they could possibly defend pino, but lasted maybe 10 minutes.
i just watched a nature show on tv that’s meant to be educational for kids. a couple of guys hiked the highline trail at glacier national park and it was beautiful! sad to see shrinking glaciers, but it was wonderful to see nature unlike any around here. seeing that reminded me that we’re likely done with winter (until later in 2021) in about six weeks … and that makes me feel better. six weeks is do-able! just seeing nature on tv helps (as do my collections of water, rocks and branches from travels and walks with my family), but i am looking forward to being out in it with them soon(-ish)! :)
hope you hear good news soon about vaccines and have a safe, easy day.
kathy in iowa
I have to say this winter – at least the part of it in 2021 – has been very, very hard where we live. And we’re getting several more inches of snow and ice this week. I find it pretty depressing.
Thanks, Kathy. Stay safe.
I watched the prosecution because I wanted to bear witness. I have chosen not to watch the defense after the first 10 minutes because my blood was boiling in outrage at the minimizing and the outright lies. We have had enough of that over these last four years. My expectations for the outcome are low. I believe that it is important for all of this to be part of the congressional record. Future generations will see the truth for themselves and will be forewarned.
I am now going to retreat to the peace of my water color painting. I started learning to paint via free you tube tutorials in November and it has been a valuable diversion and a peaceful and enjoyable hobby through this long Minnesota winter.
hej, carolyn marie.
i sent a reply, but didn’t get it attached to your comment. scroll a bit, if you want to read it.
kathy in iowa
I’m glad it’s in the Congressional Record. I’ve heard there may be charges ahead for Trump from the District of Columbia. I hope he’s prosecuted within an inch of his life, for the rest of his life.
Glad you’re enjoying your water colors, Carolyn Marie.
Stay safe.
Yes, we all know the outcome. I had to watch the first two days to learn more of the truth about what happened, but since then I have turned it off. He wears his “twice impeached” label as something he is proud of, and the cult of 70+ million surrounding him thinks it is terrific, and some sort of honorarium. So there we are. He continues golfing daily with his faithful coming to him to kiss his ring in his halls of gold, Melania visits her spa twice daily, and life remains lovely for them. Truly a pile of crap.
You are right in watching Biden and the good and right that his team is doing. Maybe once this nonsense is all over, likely today, we can finally move on. Just to not hear that horrid name every day in the news would be the best outcome we can have. Take care.
I despise him. But I can no longer give him any of my energy.
Stay safe, Chris.
Perfect sense. There are too many important things we need to think about, like Covid 19 and the health of our loved ones. Your posts always seem to be on the same wavelength of what I am thinking that day. Have a warm day!
Stay safe!
Thank you, Lottie. It’s cold out there today – very cold.
Ah well.
Stay safe.
hej, carolyn marie.
hooray to painting! glad it’s been enjoyable and helpful to you!
very few things in life bring me a sense of freedom and timelessness. running (now on a too-long hold due to my broken back) is one of them. walking in nature is another and on hold as long as we have ice and snow. painting is another “freedom” thing for me and i am so happy to hear of someone else finding benefits in their own creativity.
if you don’t mind … what do you like to paint? do you prefer cold- or hot-pressed paper? have a great source to recommend for art supplies?
i don’t have the room for using acrylics now (with them, i used to paint big pieces … often 2×4 or bigger … a reason i sometimes think about moving) and miss the quick drying and complete-do-over qualities of acrylics. picked up watercolor for moving into a much smaller place and i love them (wc and my apartment). wc brings such beautiful colors and challenges and surprises! also, the supplies all fit on my desk in a corner of the living room and are easily portable.
hopefully in a couple months we can each wc paint outside!
hope you and those you love are safe and warm!
kathy in iowa
ps … lived in minneapolis for several years and loved it. especially love going further north to the iron range, by superior.
Greetings Kathy, I’m glad to hear that someone else enjoys wc. I am still a newbie but I enjoy it so much. I love playing with colors during the bleakness of winter. I am slowly improving in skills and I love the way in which I get lost in the process. It has been very helpful to me during the pandemic and during all the political drama.
I have only tried cold press 140 lb paper (a less expensive brand) that I purchased at Michaels. I am chomping at the bit to try Archers but I want to have better skills before I spend that kind of money. So far I have only bought the Artist’s Loft water colors and gouche. I primarily use Princeton brushes.
I will definitely be painting outdoors when the weather warms. And I look forward to taking my paints with me to the North Shore in summer. We stay at Nanaboujou Lodge every summer. Stay safe and stay warm.
hej, carolyn marie.
i use the same paper … 140 pound cold-press (no arches yet, either) … and also consider myself a newbie. started watercolor painting about four years ago, but don’t get a lot of time to paint (i work full-time and hope to finish knitting socks for my brother and sister, also counted cross-stitch projects for four households of my family before Christmas … hopefully 2021!).
i am glad you found wc painting and enjoy it!
that lodge (naniboujou) looks beautiful. one of my most favorite drives ever is up 61 from duluth (which itself is a nice easy drive from des moines)!
happy painting!
kathy in iowa
I know that you listen and participate when you need to, Claudia, and that is what counts. It is a lot of repetition right now and we cannot control the outcome but it is getting recorded for history so it is not forgotten.
May our future be brighter!
Yes. Good point!
Stay safe, Ellen
Sending love and hopes for serenity
xoxo
Yes, what you said makes sense. Very good sense. I will take a page out of your book and follow your lead about the last five years and try to not think about them. But I don’t want to do your puzzle. That thing is a killer! LOL.
It is! I’m still trying to finish it!
Stay safe, Tana.