We mowed the lawn yesterday, probably for the last time this year. Because we finally got a lot of rain, it’s pretty lush and long. But it was exhausting – maybe because we’re out of practice, maybe because we’re both exhausted from too little sleep this week. I’ve been running on less than 5 hours a night and that isn’t enough for me. I need something close to 7 hours a night. So I’m wiped out, my eyes sting, and I look at Twitter too much, waiting for the electoral vote to officially hit 270.
I will be so, so happy when I don’t have to live with constant stress anymore. I can barely remember what that feels like. I bet you feel the same way, right? It wears you down. I’m pretty good at self-care, but my heavens, this has been a slog.
Even though we understand why the count is slow, we’ve started to yell at the television, “Call the election!!!” I know Joe has it. I know he’s President-elect. But I want it to be official.
I’m so tired that I can’t concentrate on anything. I’d do some work on the dollhouse but I’m afraid I’ll make a mistake.
Next week – on Thursday – we have a big dumpster (is that the right word?) arriving. It will be here for a week as we finally clean out the shed which is full of stuff we put in there 15 years ago and have never used, much of it ruined by mice. Yuck. It has to be cleared. I don’t want anyone else to have to deal with it someday and it will be great to have it free of crap so that we can use it more effectively. We’ll do a little each day. Cannot wait! I’ve been dreaming of this for a long time!
We also have outdoor projects to do before winter arrives. All of that will keep us busy, thank goodness.
I miss Paris. I’m so aware that we were there in October last year and the year before and I get sad, knowing we couldn’t be there this year. To be perfectly honest, we wouldn’t have been able to afford it, but knowing you aren’t allowed in the country, that there isn’t even a possibility of going is depressing.
And I find myself yearning for a Christmas tree. WAY too early, of course, but I think it’s because 2020 has been such a nightmare that I need pretty lights and ornaments and the smell of pine. Someone on IG or Twitter said they were going to put up their outdoor Christmas lights when Joe Biden clinches the presidency. I think I’ll do that, too.
Okay. Hang in there, my friends. I’m thinking of all of you.
Added: I’m leaving a comment on today’s post up until tomorrow. Please read Terri L. Crider’s comment. She defines the word ‘deplorable.’ It’s vicious. By tomorrow, I’ll delete it and block her from the blog.
Stay safe.
Happy Saturday.
I’d love to see your new haircut!
It’s just shorter straight hair! Nothing exciting.
My daughter’s cat woke me up at 5am freaking out at the snowstorm, so I’m thinking an afternoon nap may be in the cards later today. Anxiety over the election in America and a depressing increase in domestic violence files at work have left me just done with this week. But I love the idea of victory lights – maybe I can do something in miniature! I always take positive inspiration from your posts, so thank you!
You’re welcome, Barbara!
Stay safe.
I agree about the waiting. I read about a movement across the nation-during the darkest part of Covid…when people were putting up lights…trees…etc…for LIGHT…I brought my small Cmas tree (which now stays decorated) from the guest room to the living room. I am loving it. I had thousands of ornaments-now in the homes of my kids, grands, and friends…I mostly use those I picked up when traveling…it is a beacon. I don’t care how early it is…I love my little tree…as we wait…we wait…we wait…have a good good day. Again, I thank you for your blog-for introducing me to Louise Penny…for your encouragement…you are-I say again-a beacon to us…prayers
I’m waiting for the official word too. I am finding it hard to settle and concentrate on anything except watching those numbers.
Today is beautiful so yard clean up is on schedule today too.
I finished The Cuckoo’s Calling. I really enjoyed it.
I have a library hold that just came through so after I finish that it’s back to Cormoran Strike.
Have a good weekend
You too! We have a winner!
Stay safe, Marilyn.
Thank you Brenda!
Stay safe.
We will be raking this weekend. The backyard is so full of leaves and luckily the weather will be beautiful this weekend so being outside will feel so great!
I am ready to hear the announcement that Biden has indeed won. I can see the numbers and know that he probably has but I need that official notification so I can feel relieved! Finally, after 4 years of dread!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, fears, and hopes over the years. It has helped me cope.
By now you know he has won! Hurrah!
Stay safe, Ellen.
Yes I understand the disappointment in not traveling
We were not able to visit our family in CA because of Covid and our annual trip Martha’s Vineyard.
It doesn’t look good thus summer either.
I think things will still be unsettled.
I try to look on the bright side my husband is able to work from home and at our age he would have had to retire early.
We have a beautiful home, live close to the sea and thank God have health insurance.
Another blessing a kind compassionate President elect for all the people.
I get goose bumps thinking of it.
Hang in there!
President-elect Joe Biden!
Stay safe, Linda.
I feel exactly like you, tired. I don’t do yard work, only change diapers and fix meals and sometimes vaccum. This morning I woke up to a rare blue sky that only lasted for minutes. I thought that might be a sign.
I think it was, Jan!!
Stay safe.
I’ve just heard the news, thank God and congratulations to my friends in the USA, you did it and I couldn’t be happier.
Euphoric, Fiona!
Stay safe.
News stations in Sydney calling election for Biden/ Harris.
Congratulations USA
Siobhan
Thank you, Siobhan!
We are thrilled.
Stay safe.
Grand just texted he won
Prayers answered
Prayers answered, Brenda.
It’s called!! Start decorating :) Fantastic news and prayers answered.
Luckily, I turned the tv on right before they called it!
Stay safe, Carol!
get your dancing shoes on … associated press, cnn, abc are calling it: joe biden is our next president!
happy, safe saturday to everyone (including those who voted for pino) and may God bless us all!
kathy in iowa
I saw it happen! Joyous news.
Stay safe, Kathy!
He won!!!!! Happy days are here again!!! I feel so much better about our lives. God bless us all! xo
I do, too!
Stay safe, April!
Biden Wins! Character and compassion still matter!!
Thank God!
Stay safe, Jayne!
Congrats from the Netherlands! We watched for days too and are very happy now. Seeing Van Jones’ very moving reaction on CNN made very clear what it means to you. It made me cry, too. We’re with you and share your relieve. And now: get out your dancing shoes! What a moment! And here to stay.
Thank you Diana!
We’re thrilled!
Stay safe.
It’spread here in Germany via ARD. Biden hits the 270 and won Pensylvania and the presidency. I’m so happy for you, the US and me too. Everything looks so much brighter now.
Congrats and stay safe
Helga
So much brighter!
Thank you Helga.
Stay safe!
Hi Claudia…it has been a long wait, but finally!!! I’m actually smiling this morning now Biden announcement (BBC no less). I wondered if you saw the news that Shakespeare Book sTore has reached out for help. Those are the trying moments….we aren’t making money at the moment to save all the very special things in life.
Yes. So has the Strand in NYC. They all need help.
I will most likely order something from Shakespeare and Company.
Stay safe, Verna!
Hallelujah!!!! Good things do happen for good people including us !! Now to start the healing process. We can do it together. 🌊🌊🌊🇺🇸
We can indeed!
Stay safe, Janet.
Did you hear the Mayor of Paris’ tweet? “Welcome back, America!” SO true! I whooped it up enough when I heard that I scared Lizzie! Oh, such joy!
And it’s a gloriously beautiful day here — 70s, sunny, cook outside night. I need to make something extra special to celebrate!
I’m definitely turning on my outside lights tonight!
It feels good to breathe again!
Yes I did! Truly, everyone all over the world was watching this election.
It’s 75 here right now! Amazing.
Stay safe, Jeanie.
You did it!! Congratulations from the Netherlands. You can start dancing in the streets! Can we have a photo?
We’ll see!
Thank you, Dorien. Stay safe!
I hope you and Don and your country will be partying hard this weekend (safely!) ~ just got the word here in Canada that Biden/Harris are in!!
So relieved ….
X Chy
Definitely! Thanks so much, Chy!
Stay safe.
shout out from amsterdam, the Netherlands….congratulation …happy for you
Thank you so much, Ciska.
We feel the support of the world and it’s a good feeling.
Stay safe!
Oh…I could burst! Dancing in the streets today!! I feel a huge burden has been lifted! Time to celebrate! ;) 🥳
Get your dancing shoes on, Donna!
Stay safe.
Thank whatever and whoever you believe in! Such relief and happiness that this country has a chance to heal. It’s been a long 4 years.
It sure has. I feel a lightness for the first time in a long time!
Stay safe!
Congratulations to friends across the water! The BBC in the UK has announced that Joe Biden will be the next President.
Have a decent night’s sleep tonight. You all deserve it x
Thank you so much, Dee Dee!
Stay safe.
WE CAN BREATH AGAIN! So happy that Biden and Harris have this win firmly, but know that OM will be throwing his tantrums and wasting everyone’s time, energy and money. I wish he would just go away.
He will. I wish he had to move out tomorrow.
Nevertheless, I’m concentrating on joy today.
Stay safe, Wendy!
Whoo-hoo! I awoke this morning to a call from a friend saying, was it AP who called it first(?), that Pennsylvania came through for the nation. I’m tell’in ya, RAIN IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THIS MORNING after so long AND a new, knowledgeable, experienced leader (with heart) is almost too much for me to bear this beautiful day; WHAT A RELIEF.
I don’t know. I was watching MSNBC as they announced it!
Hurrah!
Stay safe, Vicki!
Oh, gee, I wish I could have been in that moment in real time instead of asleep, but all is well for these successive, wonderful moments and I’ve wished I could be one of the jubilant people in the streets, such joy rather than other gatherings when there’s been so much pain. Happiness; what a rejuvenating thing!
The only bit dampening my spirit is the worry of what happens when this night falls, or another night soon, when ‘the other side’, all those disgruntled, will try to pull off something bad; I hope they don’t, but it’s a little scary. And I’ve been hearing the ‘experts’ weighing in on some of the news shows about how Trump is so unhinged, how he cannot process the concept of losing, that he’ll be like Hitler who said something akin to “If I can’t have Berlin, nobody will”. (This is no direct quote from any one person or THAT monster from the 1940s; just bits and pieces of info sticking in my head from more than one commentator out there on the news shows.) I just have to hope that all the bright minds out there have prepared for what he could try to still do to cause more harm. That they’re several steps ahead of him. I will trust that they are. He’s been showing his ugly stripes for so long that he gave many clues of how he’d be in this next 60-more days (like, of course, no concession speech; who cares, nobody wants to hear from him again, just go away, please [like the slogans on the signs people are holding, ‘you’re fired!’; amen]).
In the meantime, how great that Biden is said to already on Monday…so soon, MONDAY!!!…announce his task force to get on top of things with the virus; this serious, thoughtful, forward-movement of taking on each responsibility; I’m just so grateful; never more grateful, and I can’t wait to hear him speak tonight, in just about an hour from now as Joe Biden, PRESIDENT-ELECT(!!), addresses the American people.
I’m also just loving all the congratulatory comments addressed to him from the other world leaders, like our allies in France, Germany, Canada, England. My God, we are saved in just the nick of time; our reputation overseas; our relationships salvaged. Joe Biden is already known to them in a good way; he knows his ‘foreign affairs’. He can walk right into the White House having just left it a few short years ago; he already knows the ropes; he doesn’t need Trump or anybody else to ‘transition’ him. I just want him to stay safe from Covid (The White House will need to be thoroughly sanitized!!!) and I’m very glad that he already has an increased presence of Secret Service protection. And I’ve been so focused on him and Kamala, what about Jill Biden, who will make a terrific First Lady, visible and intelligent, a working woman; she’ll be active and productive.
The other thing striking me today in my gratitude is how much more, I guess the word is CONTROL that I feel. In these past months, with so much concern, that I couldn’t keep myself safe from the uncontrollable virus, that nobody could seem to control Trump as he did the wrong things every single frick’in week and getting away with it, VICKI VOTED, and her vote counted; democracy worked. Everything I ever learned from my parents or in school is restored! Our beloved country can recover from these past horrible four years; we don’t have to worry anymore about jumping ship and leaving the U.S. for our safety and sanity and future. (Who really wanted to contemplate such a thing or thought we’d ever have to!) Patriotism is alive and well in the correct way now; represented by the better leader. As Kamala had said, our vote was our voice; the American people want change and we spoke. It’s so beautiful; I am so inspired.
And for this minute in time, on this absolutely-gorgeous sunny afternoon in my rainwashed SoCalif world, ash and dust gone from the leaves and the rooftops, everything so bright and clean again, I feel my soul has been washed clean, too, of so much that’s been troubling and infuriating and upsetting due to Trump, now replaced with such hope. And of course thousands and thousands feel the same; hence, the jubilation in the streets, which has left me crying happy tears. The thought of facing four more years with that awful, awful, AWFUL inhuman Trump, pulling us down, oppressing us, attempting to destroy our democracy … as my husband said, “He’s over. He’s done. We need him out of our vocabulary.”
So I’ll respect that here, too, on the blog. Our focus for awhile yet will be on Covid-19 and keeping ourselves safe, but at least we can maybe dial down the hyper-vigilance we’ve had to maintain with Trump, as he continues to diminish til he’s just a dot on the horizon which soon disappears from our lives. And again, thank God, thank people for voting, thank the media for keeping us informed; a lot of thanks to a lot of folks who steered people in the right direction. Thank goodness for good and selfless and smart people who’ve run for office, who care about the U.S. and want to be part of the collective, continuing betterment of the U.S.
I just feel like our parents, that Greatest Generation who went thru so much with The Great Depression, world wars, unrest in the 1960s, etc., are looking down on us from Heaven and smiling broadly at their now-aging adult children, saying, “You did good.”
Beautifully said, Vicki. Think of all the people that voted in spite of a pandemic. They found a way to make their voices heard. I am proud of us. Proud of everyone who worked so hard to topple this dictator. Thank God.
Just be. Revel in the moment. Don’t let him intrude. He is no longer relevant.
Stay safe!
RELIEF….jOY….GRATITUDE….
HUGS TO ALL OF US.
Yes!
Stay safe, Maria.
Yay! Biden has won. I feel incredible and I know you and Don do too! Now you can sleep. Take care. Kit
Thank you, Kit.
Get a good night’s sleep.
Stay safe.
I feel like a giant weight has lifted! Congratulations Joe Biden and Kamala Harris🎉
Shoulders have dropped!
Stay safe, Janet!
I am so very happy that Joe Biden is President Elect! Kamala Harris first woman VP. I’m just so relieved also. I know we have a few months of OM being OM, but we have hope finally. I’ve been cleaning out my home slowly (oh so slowly) and each time I let some things go I feel better. At my age I need to live a simpler life but still have things I love that surround me. I’m dancing in the street today.
Hope. That’s what we needed and craved.
Hurrah!
Stay safe, Linda!
The relief I feel even surprises me. I feel hopeful and relieved I won’t have to wake up each day to never ending chaos.
Yes. We can relax, knowing we’re in good hands!
Thank you, Petie.
Stay safe.
Been searching for a video of George Harrison singing acoustic Here Comes the Sun. My computer won’t let me download it. But it’s all I can think of right now!! Absolutely over the moon! My husband and I who have had troubles over his down-played reactions to this crisis, which he hated too, had the biggest hug fest and I saw his emotions at last bubble over. Very sweet moment for us. It seems like years since its been clear. Here Comes the Sun!! And I say it’s all right. Happy for you and Don. XO
very glad for all of us. read today Pres Macron (I think it was) said “now it is time to build bridges not walls”. made me feel hopeful. Because of all the destruction in our country, it is going to take lots of effort to rebuild — everything. I believe Biden/Harris will begin work as soon as possible, but rebuilding is gonna take time — hope we don’t grow weary/dismayed. I think OM will cause more destruction in 2 mo than any of us thought possible. wish I could help him pack !!
I have been smiling and cheering all day since out found out that Biden won! Woo hoo! I’ve even received messages of cheer from my friends in Canada and England. I think the WORLD is happy today!
I went through your message to find the one from Terri Crider and did not see anything. Either you removed it already or maybe she did.
I have no desire to put up anything Christmas yet, but everyone is different…and if putting up outside lights and/or a tree makes you happy right now – do it!
xoxo
xoxo
Ugh on the typo…”since I found out”…
xo
It’s there. You must have missed it. But you can see it on my IG Stories. She’s a real piece of work.
Stay safe, Melanie!
Now I can’t see it. I told her I’d block her. So now is the time.
I never did see it but I saw it on your Instagram stories. I left you a PM. I was horrified at the vileness of that woman.
I hope that by the time you read this comment you have already danced in the middle of the street. I missed the announcement because I couldn’t stand sitting in front of the t.v. any longer so I went shopping. Got back at 3 p.m. and when I found out the good news my feet starting moving in a happy dance in the middle of my living room without my control. What a wonderful feeling! Let’s hope for the best until our new president and new vice president are installed!
Isn’t it wonderful news??
Stay safe, Marlene!
I was so relieved to read the news this morning that you have a new President. I’m so happy for you all.
Thank you so much, Janette.
Stay safe!
What a wonderful day!! We were watching MSNBC when they announced and I cried. Tears of joy and tears of relief!! My DIL had dressed the wee one in her Biden Harris shirt this morning, so that must have been the charm!!
I can’t see the post, either. Glad she is gone. Not a day for that sort of thing!! I have been watching the people seriously dancing in the streets throughout our country. I heard he has already announced his Covid Task force. FINALLY! A grown up in charge!!
Joy to the world!!!!
She was vile. It’s up on my IG Stories, because I thought she should be called out.
She came back here and deleted it, so like all bullies, she’s essentially a coward.
Now, on to more important things! BIDEN/HARRIS!!!
Stay safe.
There may be hard roads ahead but take time to celebrate this wonderful news!
Yes, indeed! Celebrate!
Stay safe, Deborah!
I read the nasty comment on your IG stories and I don’t understand how someone can be so hateful. Kindness wins!
Happy days are here again! We have a lot of work to do and I feel hopeful that Biden and Harris will lead us on the right path. We have all been under such tremendous stress for these past four years and I feel like the darkness has lifted and we can hope and embrace goodness once again.
I feel the same, Debbie. Oh, joy!
Stay safe.
I am also relieved and thrilled to have the election called for Biden, I feared that another 4 years of Trump would end democracy as we knew it. However, I also remember how bad I felt when Trump won last time and realize that about half of our country feels that pain today, and some of them are exhibiting pretty poor behavior. I hope that we can take the high road and remember that these people are our family, neighbors and co-workers and for the most part good and decent people and treat them with love, kindness and empathy. I believe that is the first step on our path to unity.
Thank you, Betsy.
Stay safe!