Gone.
I missed those lovely lights this morning, though we keep our porch lights up for several months. I don’t like little tree lights anywhere else except on the tree, so I’m not going to be hanging them anywhere else in the house. Further explanation: I think it reminds me too much of my freshman dorm room, where we had them up all year long. That’s not a bad memory, but it’s a “young” memory. Just as mid-century modern furniture is a ‘young’ memory. Had it in our house growing up, don’t want it in here now. Hopefully, that makes sense.
Anyway it took a long time to remove the vintage ornaments and wrap them carefully. Don took the tree outside and left it in the woods for the birds and animals. I vacuumed like crazy. Then we moved the pew back. What else? I repotted a plant that’s not been doing well. After I investigated further, I realized it was very root bound, so fingers crossed that the repotting helps.
Still haven’t started my puzzle. I really do hope to do that today, in the midst of washing sheets and participating in the second zoom reunion of my high school pals at 4 pm.
Don and I are spending a lot of time discussing what happened on Wednesday and allowing ourselves to vent. We’re also giving ourselves permission to be a bit obsessed with the news. We have never been through something like this and we need to bear some sort of ‘witness’ for lack of a better word. I wake up each morning in disbelief that this attack on our democracy actually happened. But it did. And I think we’re going to find it goes much deeper and further than we initially thought.
Let’s see if Mike Pence invokes the 25th Amendment today. (After all, Trump’s insurrection nearly got Pence killed.) I read last night that he was still considering it if Trump got ‘worse.’ Really? We’re going to wait for worse than insane?
We’ll see. If not, it’s impeachment.
In the meantime, I’m going to finish this post, take a shower, throw the sheets in the wash, and find some pockets of peace.
Stay safe.
Happy Sunday.
with or without a Christmas tree, that’s a beautiful view. glad the task of vacuuming is done, that you and don have such a nice cozy place to read, create, rest and “just be” in your home and, outdoors, take a walk.
very kind of you and don to leave the tree out back for the birds, deer and other creatures.
i do not know how many cabinet members are still “available”, let alone willing, to invoke the 25th amendment. as for vp pence, i expect he will lay low, drag his feet, not call for the 25th and so end his own chance to be president in the future. that leaves it to congress. hope they get going on impeachment.
you described a busy day ahead (the online reunion sounds fun). hope you find more than “pockets” of peace.
i am taking it easy today. always my plan for sundays, following the way i was raised. :) will have a socially-distanced visit and lunch with some members of my family (i am in my car).
we might go out after sunset to see another one of those planet conjunctions happening tonight, (jupiter, saturn and mars, i think).
stay safe and happy sunday!
kathy in iowa
ps: claudia, yesterday you asked for an update on my back. thanks for asking. pain is near-constant, but thankfully it’s noticeably less (no more panic about going to bed and i can now lay on my back for more than an hour). as there was no incident like a fall/impact, my doctor said these fractures are due to osteoporosis (which i’ve had for 20 years) and that something as ordinary as a sneeze can cause spinal fractures … scary. i am careful about how i move and scared sometimes, but trying to live in faith, with a positive attitude about what i can do ahead (like run again, i hope). i’ve had some pitiful moments for sure (like when i saw myself reflected in a window as i walked into a store … i looked like i was 92, not 62), but it’s early in the healing process so i am going to stay positive and always keep my faith in God the great Healer.
kathy, yes, stay positive; I think I told you already that my mom broke her back due to severe osteoporosis, when she simply ‘sat down wrong’ and our neighbor broke her back when she merely turned over in sleep, but the GOOD news is that both of these were women who were elderly (the lady who got hurt in sleep was a farm wife who had never had a glass of milk in her life [milk being good for the bones], although they milked cows in the barn, so I don’t ‘get that’ at all because she wasn’t allergic!) … BOTH women, the lady and my mother (one in her 90s and the other in her 80s) recovered very, very well from the bone breaks, so take heart in how modern medicine and today’s doctors can remedy these injuries/conditions; and I commend you for braving through this pain which I just KNOW will improve in time as it did for my mom!
hej, vicki …
i am very glad for them that your mother and neighbor healed well, had good results following spinal fractures. and i appreciate you sharing that with me.
looking back, i think i was more optimistic than i am now. or maybe i was just more naive …? and now it’s probably depression, but sometimes … too often … that negativity and worry creep up so i stay on guard against that. what you’ve told me will help by adding to the “good news” (i know they’re out there). thanks again very much.
you doing alright, given the covid-19 numbers in your area and everything else that’s going on? hope so. glad you stay careful. stay safe and well, too!
hugs …
kathy in iowa
Kathy in Iowa,
I can relate to that passing-the-mirror shock. I once needed a cane for more than two and a half years and was progressing toward needing a walker before my first brain surgery for something else: no one knows why it improved my mobility. Be kind to yourself as much as you can, although I know that’s easier said than done. With a mother who died on her 45th birthday of the cancer I was also diagnosed with at 40, I’m always cognizant of how lucky I am to live long enough to age. I don’t mind aging at all, but I mind some of the particulars in which I age. I hate when pain takes away my smile and RA meds impact my natural optimism. I don’t mind wrinkles: they make me laugh. I’m finally beginning to gray a little now that I’m 71, and I find that funny, too. However, I hate the stoop in my back on the days when joints and RA exhaustion won’t let me straighten. If you catch sight of yourself today and are taken aback, remember that we here are cheering you.
hej, linda piazza …
first, condolences to you on the loss of your mother. she was way too young to go and you were that much younger. i am sorry for all that’s meant and means for you.
second, i’m sorry you’ve had your own health problems and pray it’s smooth sailing from here on out/up!
also, thanks for your wise and kind words of support.
i am grateful for each day and for getting older (a privilege denied many). i have no problem with wrinkles and grey hair, either (my hair’s been slowly turning grey for 30 years, but it doesn’t show much on now-ash-y blonde hair). what i don’t like, obviously, is the pain, having to slow down and focus on how i move (no more plunking down on a chair). i don’t like slowing other people down at the check-out, either. the hardest parts have been/are not knowing for sure how things will settle and whether or not i will be able to run again. that last thought about possibly not running anymore makes me very sad because i love running and it’s a time i’ve always felt free. still, i will focus on the positive and pray, trust God!
thanks again for cheering me on. i feel it and appreciate it. same right back to you!
i hope you are having a good and easy day. stay safe and well!
kathy in iowa
Yes, do stay positive, though I know that must be very difficult at times, Kathy. Healing will come, I believe that strongly. In the meantime, I know you know how to take care of yourself while going about your daily activities. Even so, I’ll say : Be careful.
Much love.
thank you so much, claudia, for your support. means a lot.
there has been some time over the past several weeks that pain had me very afraid for my future. let me say i am not talking suicide … not at all. never. thanks be to God! it was more about being able to work full-time and worrying that my job was at risk, drive my car, get daily stuff done, run or even walk more like usual …. there’s a lot of dust around here that i can’t get to right now, i have near-constant pain and i do everything slowly, but the pain is lessening and as a result i feel more hopeful. again, i give thanks to God for those blessings!
i am very careful and i hope you all are, too. stay safe and well.
xo and prayers,
kathy in iowa
I’m so glad you’re feeling more hopeful.
xo
Pockets of Peace. What a great statement! I appreciate your thoughts as always. These seem to be dark days for our country. Hope things are better after OM is gone as are his family.
They are very, very dark days. It’s all I can think about.
Thank you, Dottie.
Stay safe.
I’ve been venting so much…I’m getting tired of hearing myself talk. Lol! I need to find some pockets of peace…love that. Stay safe! ;)
Those pockets are few and far between, but I’m still going to search for them, Donna.
Stay safe.
I am still reeling after all of this. Just watched MTP and the feeling I have is that many are just sort of tip-toeing backwards and whispering: “only 9 more days” and hoping he will just go away. I don’t understand the premise that when he leaves, all of this crap will go with him. Where are the consequences? He NEVER in his life has had to face a consequence. He just laughs about it and calls it a lie, and fake news, and is allowed to simply move on. I am not sure exactly what waiting until after Jan 20 to bring this up is going to do except give him more strength. But, I guess that is what the Repubs want as their last gasp. The monsters then become the problem of Biden/ Harris and they can sit back and criticize and pick at anything and everything that they try to do. The Repubs have left chaos behind in the form of a Pandemic, a cluster of a mess for the vaccine, a huge hole in the economy, the doubt from too many nations, an active coup attempt, a national deficit like we have never experienced, and unemployment in raging numbers. I wonder who they really think won or lost this election in lieu of the destruction that they have caused.
I despise the GOP, though I know there are some that will have a moral compass. Most of them don’t. They are complicit in all of this, especially those who objected to the certification. They committed sedition and should be expelled from Congress.
Stay safe, Chris.
I am a great friend of venting. It is a welcome release.
I am writing a venting (in my head) a post for FB to do some venting. Eventually, I hope to actually post it. I want to be sure it says everything I have to say. I know that with this post some family and friends are either going to block me or unfriend me. It will be my one chance to say what is really on my mind, and I want to make sure I say it all.
A new furnace was installed Friday! It was nice to come home from school to cozy warmth. It is supposed to turn cold this week (it’s been in the 20s) so I am especially glad to have it now and not have to wait.
Good for you, Trudy!
So glad you have warmth, Trudy, from that brand spanking new furnace.
Stay safe.
303. Gotta be some kind of numerological symbolism to that, aside from the fact that is darned near impossible to comprehend. My husband still refuses to discuss or process the events of the coup. I’m not speaking to him, not out of pique but because I have nothing to say. Makes me very sad. I’m glad that you and Don can help each other thru this disastrous, dangerous, probably continuing event. I found a pocket of peace today, with a cup of Dunkin Donuts decaff, too sweet and milky just as I like it, and an everything bagel. I think bagels and latkes are Jewish comfort foods, and of course matzo ball soup, but that’s hard to get around these parts. I went to sit at the flower bridge park. There were no flowers on the bridge, but the snow had mostly melted and the trees were beautiful and I put a CD of spa music on. I feel a bit of healing. Hoping you will find one or more of those pockets today.
Nora, I feel for you because, many times in this past year of Covid and also Trump, my husband has drawn a line of me discussing any of it (much) with him. He has his own sources for news (he prefers to read it and not watch TV) and doesn’t like rehashing, although I know he does plenty of that on social media (when he’s in the mood) with former co-workers/friends. But I’m not him; I don’t have his personality (he’s quiet, I’m shy but chatty; name 100 things with a twosome as opposite as we are), and I need to talk things out (a lot) with someone I can trust (like talk it out right now, in the moment, especially when I’m bewildered by what I’m hearing or reading or seeing; I’m not much for ‘holding it in’; but I also consider a lot of this ‘sharing’ whereas he doesn’t [we grew up differently; I came from a family who talked-talked all the time, especially around the dinner table; he didn’t have an upbringing anything close to mine; in his family growing up, they were divided and nobody talked {it wasn’t happy}]).
So, it’s been isolating for me, when it’s just the two of us in the house, always, indefinitely over so many months now since Covid. Which is why I have been thankful for MHC/Claudia’s blog when I need to vent; also for a relative or two on email; and one particularly-good friend with whom to have a safe and substantive conversation about ‘everything’ on weekends (phone). I think we come to expect that if we have a partner, co-habitating, getting through this life together as one (couplehood), we can use each other as a sounding board for our deepest thoughts. But my husband, AKA my best friend, had held up his shield a few months after Covid broke, that he can only take ‘so much’ of ‘depressing’ information. (I can also get into some really big rants when it comes to Trump, I realize this, when my husband says, “I heard you the first time” even though he also abhors Trump from the beginning as I have; but it IS a lot of rants from me as I spew over at least five years past [when I’ve allowed Trump to infiltrate and sicken my life].)
So, I feel for you that you haven’t had it either (the solace of explorative and expansive ‘talk’ when there’s lots to talk about), because it’s been often the same for me; I know what it feels like, to be shut up or shut off (dear God, for a moment there, this is echoes of Trump, with his frustration of being banned from social media like Twitter, but I can’t dare make any comparisons as I loathe the monster). It has made me angry and disappointed and confused to have to adhere to a new ‘taboo’ list of subjects around my husband, although I’ve dug hard to try to understand what he needs for his own mental health (because I love him).
However, since Trump began his more-nuts/psycho-than-ever decline with vote manipulation and the mob-incite behavior, NOW my husband wants to ‘talk’. (In part, because he loves ME and he knows I’ve been hurting with so much horrifying stuff in the ‘news’.) But he’s been the same with Covid; as it’s gotten worse here in SoCalif, even the most stoic (like him) need to eventually pop out with some concerns when stuff is so nerve-racking and soul-rattling.
Anyway, again, I’ve tried hard to respect how he feels in all the days. I know of relationships in jeopardy (husband/wife; daughter/son; brother/brother; uncle/nephew), struggling mightily since 2016 when one is a Republican and the other is a Democrat; it’s just a wall up between them, when togetherness/unity would be more of a comfort than ever in hard times. But with my guy, he found the need to impose certain limits for himself on certain topics of the day. Just like people having to assess their own risk for the virus, others assess their own risk for news-overload/negativity-overload, and we’ve talked about that at length on Claudia’s blog, even before Trump got elected. My husband was always an even-tempered guy who just doesn’t like to get riled up.
I can’t help but think that most everyone is just trying to survive mentally and physically intact through these horrible times which just seem to get worse, and we’re all different in how we handle it. I think you’re wise to find your own outlets for sanity right now; sounds like you had a peaceful day, which is very good ‘medicine’ for yourself. I don’t mean to ‘weigh in’ at such length (and run on with TMI); but, gosh, a lot of what you’ve said in your recent comments really rings a bell with me; you’re not alone (even if you feel lonely, because it can definitely feel lonely).
Another thing I’ve done is keep a journal for my thoughts when I haven’t always felt, of late, free to express them in my husband’s presence. I’m making him sound like a tyrant and I’m a victim; it’s not that; it’s not really oppression; he’s ‘been there’ for me in so many instances over so many years, and he helps me every single day of my life with other things. I suppose we could both be accused of some selfishness, demanding our own way through a difficult year (and making demands on each other).
Ah well, absolutely complicated when you wish it didn’t have to be! As Claudia would say, ‘A “pox”‘ on Trump, politics and Covid’ (life used to seem simpler than this!).
Thank you Vicki! Your deep sharing made me cry. I really hate the fact that the atmosphere in this country has gone from respectfully disagreeing political differences to a choice between complicity in violations of human rights or supporting a maniacal, inflammatory virus of an administration. I find that the Covid situation is a tragic but apt metaphor for a president and his pals who are rampaging germs of destruction. I appreciate you reminding me that we are each entitled to have limits, and that I’m sure my anger and sense of justice overwhelm my husband. I need to stop blaming him. But I think you recognize how lonely it can be when you can’t share your fears with a partner. This situation could easily break us (me husband and me) and if I had more financial resources, I would look for another place to live, for his sake as well as mine. It was easier to bear when I could see my “book group” (we long ago stopped reading books because, ironically, of dissension on what to read, but we still gathered a few times a week for companionship, laughter, and current affairs POVs until the plague). My brain cannot and will not ever grasp the multi-layers of pain, division, and loss resulting from a man who has always been gifted in bringing out the worst in everything he touches. It’s like the bizarro Midas world. So grateful that Claudia provides this haven for us to gather in. Thanks again for a very caring reply. I wish you peace in your household, and peace for all of us.
Good for you, Nora. You found your pocket of peace!
Stay safe.
I wish Pence would invoke the 25th but I do not believe he will. I do not think the impeachment will work. Just like last time the majority of the republicans will be cowards and stick by Trump in their votes. I have an alternate idea. Once the dems control congress I think they should amend the constitution. Change it so a president can only serve one term instead of two. Include the provision that the president may not hold political rallies while in office. That would solve the Trump 2024 problem and it would stop the insanity of presidents campaigning through the whole term instead of working for the country.
Hi Jan. I’m all for amending the Constitution (what’s left of it). I don’t object to a two-term Presidency, but I am vehemently opposed to have senators or representatives for life. Two terms max for them, that would be two terms in a lifetime, not two here and two there. A more frequent turnover of the two most important branches of the government would go a long way in loosening the tyrannically grip that any president might desire. And also get the leeches kept from living the rest of their lives on our tax money.
And now, back to Claudia’s beautiful photos and inspiration. XO
I used to feel the same Nora. I was fine with the presidential 2 term limit and only wanted a limit for congress. After living through Trump I strongly would like to see a one term limit for all, and the sooner the better.
Oh, Don has a whole list of things he thinks should be enacted. Shorter campaigns. Campaign money that comes from a general fund and each candidate only has so much money to spend and that’s it. Nothing from donors. Only two weeks between the election and the new President taking power. There’s more but that’s what I can remember at the moment.
Stay safe.
Go Don! He is so right!
xo
Also, it does not seem clear that impeachment will hold up legally to keep him out of office in the future if it is done after he leaves office. I would to be sure he could never hold office again.
Impeachment is not what keeps him out of office. It’s a separate act that can follow impeachment and it only needs a majority vote. But I think you have to impeach first,
Is it legally clear that any of that can be done after the president leaves office?
If it is I hope it happens!
xo
I believe it is.
Fingers crossed over here!!!!!
My tree is coming down today. I also will miss the lights. I made a mistake of watching some of the videos coming out from the attack on the capital and it’s frightening. ‘hang Pence’ chants, the rage and anger and it brought out all sorts of scared feelings. I’m praying that Pence will invoke the 25th amendment. we shall see. Holding on to my word of the year 2021…HOPE
It frightens the hell out of me. And they’re planning more. What has happened to this country?
Stay safe, Linda.
I totally love the pictures of your home…just my style…I have a small apartment in the city, and I like it, but nothing like my home we sold. I will have an apartment in Florida…although son thought about buying another house in which I would live. I have an inlaw suite at their home-bought for me especially with a real elevator…but I am going to live alone as long as I can…I enjoy apartment living-someone else does all the work…do have to buy some furniture…we will see…I have unplugged this weekend…just can’t watch, listen, etc. It is too stressful for me. The grandsons and I still work on Facetime on weekends, and that is just fun…for Nana…take care, dear girl…prayers…enjoy your lovely, beautiful home with your husband.
Unplugging is a good thing, Brenda. Do what you need in order to feel some peace.
Stay safe.
I feel like I am holding my breath, waiting for the next shoe to drop. Over four years it became increasingly clear to me that he would do literally anything to stay in office. I thought that I had imagined the worst. I believe that you are correct; what happened on Wednesday is much worse than we know yet and involves a far broader conspiracy.
Yes. It seems that every day, we’re learning more. There were Russians there, taking part in the riots. Chew on that one (though it’s not surprising.)
Stay safe, Carolyn.
Yeah, I know what you mean, my husband and I together and with friends and relatives of like minds are going over and over ALL of these developments of impeachment, censure, the amendment with the cabinet/Pence, resignation, national security, internet/dark-web dangers; and, of course, Covid, since we’re in a hot-zone mess in SoCalif, but I think we’re all trying to get ‘educated’ as this is new territory since last Weds, and territory to which we’d never thought we’d find ourselves landed in (and, man, couldn’t we all do without the stress and worry). I have never, in my life, been so dug in to headlines/news as this past year of 2020 and it’s obviously continuing into 2021 although once Jan 20 EVER GETS HERE (feels like slogging thru molasses just trying, trying to get to that significant date where we can be ‘saved’ in this country with a new, intelligent, experienced leader and his administration), I’m hoping I can feel some relief from edginess and uncertainty.
We left up our outside lights til we were the only ones left on our street, so we finally did take the rest down yesterday, but I’ve got a light string in the house because they’re still cheering me when I need the warmth-feel and that cheer.
I received a holiday gift of an amaryllis bulb and, even in a north-facing window, it’s growing so fast and is already a foot ‘tall’, about to bud out; has been fun to watch it bloom. Isn’t it amazing that your ‘live’ Christmas tree made it SO long without getting too dried out? Wow!
I’m worried for the safety of Biden and Harris. And, obviously, for Pelosi and Schumer and Pence. These people are insane.
Stay safe, Vicki.
Just a quick check in before I check out today’s post. My tree is coming down today — all the ornaments off, the lights still on, but those are next, and then that tedious but critical job of packing things up.
Yes, much to process over the week. And important to be aware of it all.
Exactly.
Stay safe!