Just had to take a picture of the February page on this calendar from Rifle Paper Co. Isn’t it pretty?
Happy – and often lately, unhappy – February! But of course my wish is for it to be continuously happy for all of you.
We just won’t talk about the nominee for the Supreme Court. I did not watch any of his reality-show-like announcement. As I’ve tweeted to him many times, I’d rather watch paint dry. By the way, if you do tweet him, keep using the hashtag, #PresidentBannon. It will annoy him to no end.
By the way, I will now be referring to that man with this abbreviation: FIC. I’ve given hints as to what this stands for in my posts and in my comment replies. Let’s see who will be the first reader to correctly answer the question: What does FIC stand for? Go for it!
It snowed all day long yesterday – I suppose we got about 3 inches or so. In the early evening darkness, we shoveled the driveway. It was a powdery and lightweight snow, so much to Don’s disappointment, he didn’t get to use the snowblower.
Now the sun is out and it’s reflecting off the snow and it’s perfectly lovely. Cold, but lovely. It took forever for our little cottage to heat up this morning.
I sat in my new chair and read for a couple of hours this morning. Don brought coffee to me. (Yes, I know I’m lucky.) I had the throw wrapped around me and we kept the blinds shut and the shades down for a long time and enjoyed our little cocoon. Now I’m upstairs in the office, writing to you, while Don plays his guitar downstairs.
If only we could stay in our cocoon and escape the news of the day, of the month, of the year. Well, we could, of course, and we can certainly delay it for a while, but in the end, we must be responsible citizens and take action. And every day, more action is needed, until I forget what I’ve done and what I have yet to do, between all the petition-signing, phone calls and research.
I need to start making lists.
A quote from my favorite wise man, William Shakespeare, seems apt:
I think our country sinks beneath the yoke.
It weeps, it bleeds and each new day a gash
is added to her wounds.
Macbeth/spoken by Malcolm in Act 4, Scene 3
Let’s change the subject. I’m finishing up a book that I will review on the other blog later today, Unpunished by Lisa Black. Then I will start A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles.
What are you reading? What have you just read? What do you recommend?
And don’t forget: What does FIC stand for?
Thanks for sharing.
Happy Wednesday.
Well, to me, it means F@#^&r in chief, but I know you’d never print anything so crass, even if you thought it. Happy February!
No, you’re right, but I’ve definitely thought it!
Fascist in charge? For some reason, I have started calling him Mr. Dippity-Doo! Maybe that is what his hair needs! Have a wonderful day!
Very close, Debbie, very close!
Well, I call him A**h*** in Chief or President Sleazebag, so I think we are all on the relatively same wavelength.
I’m going to go look at facebook pictures of kitties and dream of spring. Have a good one.
I’ve called him A**h*** as well, Melina!
fascist-in-chief …
(could also be faker-in-charge).
hope you enjoy that cocoon – and good for you to write and make calls, too!
kathy in iowa
fool-in-charge, too.
it’s all scary.
kathy in iowa
It’s all terrifying!
Yes. The winner is Kathy! That’s it. Fascist-in-Chief. (I also like Faker-in-Charge)
Fool in charge?
No, but that’s equally good!
Well I’m with Shanna on what the FIC should mean! He has many names at our house. It just depends on the day, the mood and his latest tactics.
Books are my sanity right now. I’ve been doing a lot of reading. Trying to escape. My husband and I just returned from a vacation to Asheville, NC and Knoxville, TN. We had the privilege to tour the home and the grounds of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. To say that it was absolutely stunning is an understatement. So much history. So beautiful. So peaceful. It was truly a wonderful experience not only to tour the house but the grounds, the Inn, the winery, the shops. We truly had a beautiful time.
So I am now infatuated with the Vanderbilt family and have been reading “Little Gloria…Happy at Last” by Barbara Goldsmith. It’s the story of the custody battle for Gloria Vanderbilt after the death of her father. I am completely enamored with the story and the family. It has been a joy to get lost if only for a while. Next I’ll be reading “Fortune’s Children: The Fall of the House of Vanderbilt” by Arthur T. Vanderbilt II. Can’t wait to read that one.
Although I find it completely ridiculous how they spent their fortune on so many unnecessary things I have a love for that time period in our country and the Vanderbilt Family certainly was a big part of it.
Thank you for the post. We all need a way to get lost these days and you provide that for us Claudia. Have a lovely day!
You’re welcome! We stopped in Asheville last year but didn’t have time to stay and tour anything. Next time!
I knew it was Fascist In Charge, but other names come to mind. I’m so worn out with his S#%T! On to other things at least for the moment. Tiger is still sick and while Sara is home with him today, I’ll have him again tomorrow. Poor kiddo had a fever of 104 this morning. He is easy to care for as he loves to watch TV when he is sick. Today I’m running some errands for Mom and I, but back to sick duty tomorrow. I’m finishing a new David Baldacci novel “No Man’s Land” and then I have a Karin Slaughter in the wings along with something I had on hold at the library I’ll need to pick up today.
Love seeing your snow. It’s so warm here today. I think this crazy weather has made things bloom and so many have this horrible flu around here. I’m glad I had my flu shot just in case, I have to have it because of my Mom. Well on to picking up the house really quick before heading out for errands. Hugs!
You’re close: Fascist-in-Chief.
Take care of yourself and your mom. Those poor little babies! I’m sorry they are not feeling well!
Well…I was going to say what Shanna said. Your version works in my book just as well…and is more socially accepted! So FIC it is! I’m going to spend sometime today sorting through my mom’s things….that will be my diversion. But…I’m up for that today….so I’m going with the flow. Keep making those phone calls…and writing these posts. You have been the voice of sanity in this quagmire we find ourselves in. Enjoy your day! ;)
Thank you, Donnamae. Thinking of you as your sort through your mother’s belongings. xo
have to wait my turn, but family members have highly recommended/are enjoying a 600-page book called “the charm school”. the title gives no hint that this is a russian spy novel, a thriller that sounds contemporary (and, sadly, probably is) even though it was written in 1989. author is nelson demille.
occasionally i flip through magazines in the same way that mary tyler moore tossed the meat in her grocery cart … wondering if they are worth the price (and they usually are. i love magazines, just not the cost).
and i read the Bible (not every day, but that’s my goal and need).
kathy in iowa
Love the title for that espionage novel!
I love magazines and I know they have to take on more and more ads to survive, but the cost has caused me to cut back. Although, I seem to have purchased more lately. I think I need the diversion!
F-i-C works on several levels depending on the company. I’m still struggling to find the balance to news exposure between being informed and keeping my sanity.
I just finished Paulette Jiles – “News of the World” and loved it! So much that it ‘s been hard to figure out what to read next because what could equal it? Wonderful story and so beautifully written as well.
Thanks for that recommendation, Katy. I believe I know of the title, but I haven’t read it.
Sanity is important as we have a long battle before us.
I just read that the GOP suspended the Senate rules on approvals to slam through their inept/unethical cabinet pics. If President Obama had ever, ever attempted anything like this, he would have been attacked in every way.
Hatch, Ryan, McConnell. Thugs in suits. And where the hell are Graham and McCain? They may not be able to stop these other thugs from doing things but I would hope they would at least speak up.
And now Trump is locking out CNN?
This is a nightmare. But one that I hope inspires others as it has inspired me. To be involved. To donate. To do whatever I can in my small part of this hideous world we’re now living in.
Apparently rules are no longer important. The hypocrisy, power-mad actions of the Republicans are shameful. I have absolutely no respect for them any longer. None. My only hope is that are voted out of office in 2018.
Trump is a nightmare, for sure. I truly despise him, more than anyone I can think of in my lifetime. I want to see him out of office and Bannon tossed out with him. ASAP.
Sigh. Now I’ll try to read my novel for an escape!
My 2 extra cents: have your read the piece We Were Made for These Times by Clarissa Pinkola Estes? I can’t remember now if I read it first here on your blog or elsewhere….beautifully written.
No, I haven’t read it. Someone else must have suggested it – thanks for telling me about it!
I refer to him as Voldemort.
Perfect.
While I can see why you would call him that from the character of Voldemort – I think it’s an insult to Voldemort! LOL
xo
Last night in Minneapolis there was a peaceful demonstration of about 2000 people protesting the travel ban against refugees. This morning I called my US Senators and asked that they block the Supreme Court Nomination. I will distract myself with relaxing tasks this afternoon. Balance is important in keeping healthy for the long haul. Always remember: good and compassionate people are in the majority.
Yay Minneapolis!
Yes, balance is important. I was on Twitter too much yesterday and I need to do things like clean and read today – for my sanity.
We will win. And he will be gone – hopefully in the most shaming way possible.
Yesterday my husband and I attended a vigil for the 6 Muslim men murdered in the mosque in Quebec. What a tragedy for all Canadians. It is reported that the young Canadian man responsible for this horrific crime is a Trump supporter who succumbed to the politics of hate that are swirling around us at this time. A reminder to us all that we have a choice. We can choose to allow fear to lead us down a dark and hateful path or we, who have so much, can choose to stand up for those who have so little. Keep standing up for what you believe in Claudia. I truly believe you are on the right side of history.
I am so very sorry that such tragedy has touched your country. He has fanned the flames, implying and sometimes out right saying it – that all of this is permissible. He has blood on his hands.
I’ll keep standing up for what is right. Thank you, Sharon. My sympathies to you and your fellow Canadians. Our hearts break for you.
Fascist in Charge is waaay to polite !…..no books on the horizon with constantly reading various things on the web and endlessly reading and signing petitions. I have so much anger regarding that bloated demagogue and the evil he does. Why aren’t decent Republicans and Democrats forming blockades not only in Congress but in court and in public?…..We need to be especially certain to pray for all the refugees who desperately came to us for sanctuary and received hateful cruelty and abuse instead; we are teaching them not to trust or respect this country.
All of us who have comfort and mind saving joy in all that is beautiful as well as loving relationships have truly received a gift from the Creator. It is not a weakness, it is a saving grace……..amidst the turmoil, wishing you and Don the gift of some quiet joy this day, Dianne
Fascist-in-Chief. And a lot of other unprintable words that I use frequently.
Evil would be another. Despicable. Vile. Disgusting. Despot.
We are losing respect throughout the world. We are losing those who have helped us in our battle against ISIS. We are losing any moral authority we had.
Thank you, Diane. I am heartsick today.
Good morning Claudia! I love the title you have given to that man. Just the thought of him raises bile in my throat.
I received an email from Al Franken. He and Amy Kolobuchar have vowed to not support fic’s doctrine.
One thing this had done to/for our country is to bring us out of our complacency. People who never got involved are suddenly taking action. I suppose if there must be a bright side, and yes for sanity’s sake there must be, then this would be it.
I hope you don’t mind, but I copied your quote to my FB page.
I just finished reading “My Sister’s Grave.” It was such a good book. It kept me up a few nights very late . Thanks for the recomendation!
I just started the book “The Monogram Murders.” It is Hercule Piorot except it is written by Sophie Hannah. I am enjoying being with Piorot in the written form.
We have lived here since 1991. Until recently we had only seen rabbits about 3 times. Now we see one daily. How lucky are we, because as everyone knows where there is one there are more.
I really respect Franken and Klobuchar – they are fighters and I appreciate them. Same with Chuck Schumer and Kristin Gillibrand here in NY. We will keep fighting, Trudy. We have to.
I miss seeing my rabbits! Spring, come soon!
Oh, I know what it stands for, Claudia…and believe me, I have a list of my own. Although my husband has been telling me I’m over-spewing to the point where he needs to wear a hat…so I’m trying to tone it down a little. He feels similarly-equally, but less vocally. Everybody directs their energy differently, of course.
I applaud everything you and everyone here for what you’re doing to exercise your right to voice and action. It’s inspiring me to do more.
Snow and the red shed? Breathtaking. Shakespeare quote? Heartbreaking.
Yesterday, prompted by this blog, I bought some really key books on the following: The Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Rules of Civility, Bill of Rights, The Emancipation Proclamation and Common Sense (all written by the forefathers). That’s what will be filling my reading time over the next period. I can’t not reacquaint myself; not now. Not exactly ‘escape’ reading, but critically necessary. I wonder if he in The White House has ever taken the time or interest to read/re-read any of those six ‘guiding lights’ above…
Good for you, Vicki! I need to get a few of those as well. We need to research and know the facts like the back of our hand.
I am absolutely sure he has never cracked one of those books. Sad.
Yes,I was thinking someone needs to send all of those to him.
xo
Ah, Macbeth. I have been revisiting that play more often than you can know.
…”a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.”
The context is not quite right, but the words are so apt.
Another beautifully apt quote for our time, Nance.
The words are perfect.
It is too bad that the fighters seem to be so far and few between in our ranks of representation. Our entire family downloaded the app Votespotter.com which your sister recommended on her blog the other day. It is a fantastic app to give us the ability to follow exactly what is happening as the votes take place, and then we make calls immediately.
I am literally sick to my stomach.
I saw that recommendation and thank you for reminding me that I need to do that, as well.
I am, too. I am in a constant state of stress.
I have an exceptionally clean toilet. I clean it every time twitler comes on the tv. I might start alternating with clipping my toenails. xo Laura
I bet your toilet is clean! My upstairs half-bath is now very clean, as well!
Over last couple weeks, I’ve read Leopard at the Door by Jennifer McVeigh ( 5*), In Praise of Bees by Kristin Gleeson (4*) , The Trapped girl by Robert Dugoni (4*) and Before the Fall by Noah Hawley (5*). Can’t believe we’re not even 2 weeks into this mess and what a mess it is.
How did you like Before the Fall, Betsy? I’ve been wondering whether I should read it.
I’m glad you go out to fight the good fight, Andy then are able to refresh and re-energize in your beautiful peaceful cocoon. I’m reading Simon Garfield’s To the Letter, at the recommendation of my daughter. It was required reading in her Art of Correspondence class she took between semesters last year. I’m loving it! It’s all about the history of letter-writing. He also wrote On the Map, about cartography and map-reading. I plan to read that book too. FIC = Failure in Cerebrum?
Oh, I love these guesses! I’m going to include them in tomorrow’s post!
What an apt quote from Macbeth, Claudia. I just might have to pop it out there in the Twitter-sphere. Unless you already have, of course. I totally agree that FIC = Fascist-in-Charge, which is [1] perfectly accurate and [2] no surprise – after all, this is Humpty we’re talking about. Might I also suggest Feces-in-Chief?
Must confess I’m not reading too much right now. Been absorbed in Twitter during free time lately. And then, to counter that & promote sanity, I’m watching Golden Retriever & corgi videos & lots of Seinfeld and other comedies. But I’m recommending all of Tom Brokaw’s books about the Greatest Generation now. The citizens of this country need to grow up. IMO, maturity is at an all-time low. We all need the lessons the Greatest Generation can teach. Peace. #Resist
I haven’t. Go for it! I’m using Fascist -in-Chief, not Charge – though either would work. I love your other suggestion! Perfect.
Our parents, who were of the Greatest Generation, would be appalled by this man. My father was already appalled by him before he died. I can only imagine what he would say now!
Claudia, I have followed your post for several years. I cried when your dogs passed away and mourned when your parents also left this earth. I prayed for your family issues (Z, financial woes, sicknesses, etc) but I have never written a comment. The last few weeks I have increasingly become sad over the hatred and bitterness that has appeared on your blog. I am a Democratic who did not want to vote for either party to fill the position of president but I voted my conscience, as did you. However, in following politics and voting I have accepted the vote of the people as to who was to lead my country. Lately, your writings disturb me and I find it goes against what you have previously written about the tolerance people should have for another. Calling and encouraging the derogatory comments of the President does not reflect a tolerant person. I pray that God, or whoever you look to as a higher power, will help you to resolve the issues you have with our Government officials. This is not a win or lose situation for our country, but tolerance for the outcome of the events. I hope in a few months the outrage in our country will subside and your blog will be like it used to be with just stories of your family, movies, Don and your careers, life in your cottage.
The vote of the people was for Hillary Clinton by 3 million votes.
I appreciate your concern. And I thank you for it. But the time for tolerance and acquiescence is not now. I cannot be tolerant of bigotry, racism, xenophobia, misogyny and islamophobia. That implies acceptance. If I am the whole person you think is a good person, I cannot condone that behavior.
I’m a political person. This is who I am. And so are most of the readers of the blog.
So take a break – blessings to you. xo
Ten years ago if anyone had told me he would be president, I would have accused them of using major illegal drugs. It’s only been 12? days and I’m exhausted, but I want to be useful. I’ve never felt this helpless before.
Exhausted here as well. And feeling helpless. Find time to take care of yourself, Chris. We have to!
Fascist in chief??? I just finished A Gentleman in Moscow and am currently reading a little book called Gardening by Myself by Anna B. Warner. Anna & her sister Susan were 1st cousins to my great-great grandmother. They lived on Constitution Island and were best selling authors, artists, and even hosted a Sunday School for West Point cadets. Anna is probably best known as the author of the children’s hymn Jesus Loves Me. The edition of the book I’m reading is the 1972 centennial edition published by the Constitution Island Association; I’ve had it on my shelf for years and have never read it until now.
Yep. That’s it!
What a wonderful story about your cousins! Where is Constitution Island? Is it near West Point? We live not all that far away from West Point. South of us on the Hudson River. I love knowing that Anna wrote Jesus Loves Me!
Constitution Island is just across the river from West Point. You get there by boat launch from West Point and it is open to visitors on certain dates of the year, so you would have to check what dates they are open & times for the boat. A friend of mine visited last year when she was at West Point for her son’s graduation. She said they were doing repairs to the house at the time, but were able to tour the garden. What interests me about the Warner sisters is that they had to live independently at a time that it was very difficult for women to do so. Their father lost his money in the panic of 1837, and was never able to work much after that. They moved to their Island home and grew their own food, wrote books, painted, and made a life for themselves. They are the only civilian women buried in the West Point cemetery. I hope you get to visit!
How interesting! I find I’m fascinated by this! I’ll have to try to get there and visit their home. Thanks, Debbie.
I feel as though I’m living in Germany in 1932.
jane-in-tx
I do, too. It’s very, very frightening, Jane.
I’m making whatever efforts I can make, each day, including calling my senators, Cruz and Cornyn, although I know those efforts are useless. To keep me focused on hope, however, I have begun looking at my community differently. What 35-year-old needs to be encouraged by us older women to run for local office? I’ve been trying this with my 40-something daughter who once had political aspirations, who is an attorney who once worked for our state’s largest law firm, but without success so far. What about the 40-something female tax assessor who lives down the road in the boondocks here? What are her political beliefs? Do I need to host a small gathering of Democratic women (and it would be small in this community, one of the first to give birth to the Tea Party) to talk to her about running for a state-wide office? Who are the people up for election in 2018, and who are their likely Democratic opponents who might need small donations (all I can afford) right now to start making a splash?
Such good ideas, Linda. Good for you! We have been told by our local committee that working to find a viable candidate for the 2018 election needs to be a priority. So we are also concentrating on that, as well.