• I feel like I have to take a shower (several of them) after listening to the despicable rhetoric spewing from the mouths of those who consider themselves qualified for the job of President of the United States. We watched some of the Super Tuesday coverage last night – our first mistake – and by the end of the evening I wanted to scrub my every inch of my body and my mind. As someone on my Facebook feed said: a Silkwood shower.
We literally had to breathe deeply several times before we could calm down enough to sleep. I have lots to say on this subject but I do my best to stay away from the political on this blog. But if you are curious as to how I feel on any given day, and that is what this blog is about, then my current state of disbelief, shock, sadness and disgust says it all.
And P. T. Barnum was right. There is a sucker born every minute. (Though there’s some question as to the correct attribution of that quote.)
I’ll stop there. I have a fantasy of writing a full-out post on this subject. Several. But chances are, I won’t, because this isn’t a political blog. (I actually did start one several years ago, but I didn’t keep it up.)
• He’s been framed.
You can see the reflection of my flannel pajamas in the glass. Roseville to the left. Light bulb (why?) behind the frame.
• My back is finally starting to feel better. I’m being very careful, but I have to get moving and get some things done before we leave for Florida. An oil change. Errands. Stuff around the house.
And I’m sick of sitting in my chair.
• That guy in the photo made me coffee this morning. It always tastes better when he makes it. It’s a fact. And if I make something for Don, he thinks it’s much tastier than his version of the same thing.
• I just stuck this photo in here because I like it. This is the other side of that same dresser which holds the framed photo of Don. Pansy watercolor in the vintage frame: found on a coaching job in Owensboro, Kentucky. Blue dress: worn by my mother when she was a little girl. Hand painted glass lamp: from my grandmother.
• It’s windy here today. We’ve had so much wind lately. I find it unsettling. It makes me edgy.
• We’ve been on the receiving end of a couple of videos from Little Z, in which he tells us he can’t wait for our visit. And we spoke to him on the phone last night. He’s very funny, that little munchkin. Meredith is trying with all her might to toilet train him and he wanted to know if Don wore Big Boy Underpants. And if so, were they Mickey Mouse Big Boy Underpants?
That’s something I’d like to see.
We can’t wait to see him.
Happy Wednesday.
O’ the adventures you and Don will have with that little guy ! Can’t wait to hear about all the sweet memories that will be made next week.
P.S. So glad your back is better
Thank you, Regina!
Thanks for the chuckle this morning! Enjoy your day.
You’re welcome, Doris!
Happy Wednesday Claudia. So glad your back is doing better. We had high winds and plenty of hard rain last night. Rains are gone but the wind remains. It is draining, and like you, it makes me edgy. I’m not watching any of the political coverage…I’m afraid I would puke all over myself and the floor. There does not seem to be one honest, well-intentioned person out there. It is frightening. Love the glimpse of that little blue dress – so sweet. And that photo of Don is great (even with your jammies reflected on it – ha-ha). Little Buddy – he always makes me smile and laugh. He is a wonderful tonic!
He is the best tonic, Vera!
Glad to hear your back is feeling better. You are going to have so much fun playing with Little Buddy. I love to read about him, he always makes me smile.
I am so appalled by what is going on in this election. I just don’t understand.
I don’t either. But the electoral process has sunk to a new low.
I agree with you about the political scene of today. I convened my precinct caucus last night here in Minnesota. The turnout was even bigger than in ’08 and that is saying something! At midnight we were still completing our reports to the party. People are tremendously motivated to get out and do something to counter the negativity/crap. Keep the faith and do what you can in your own corner of the world to counter the crap.
Have a good and hopeful day!
That’s good to hear, Carolyn Marie. I will definitely do all I can to counter that – perfect word – crap.
I guess you will have to get a iron on Mickey for Don’s underpants so he can show him he not in this alone. ?
Hmmm….I just might have to do that!
Children always bring the ridiculous to mind in the most endearing way. Trying so hard NOT to picture any grown-up male in Mickey Mouse Big Boy pants!!! Should put a smile on my face for the rest of the day. You and Don have a terrific trip and enjoy your time with your family!
Thank you, Sue!
I am sad to say I could not vote yesterday because I wanted to check the box that said ‘none of the above’. I have never felt like there was no one worthy of my vote before. I am with you on needing a shower after all the horrible things these people are saying. OK, I’ll stop now about the election but I’m just so sad/angry for our country right now.
I love that photo of Don (and the pj’s reflection gave me a laugh). I know your trip will be so healing for both of you. Little Buddy is such a joy. Next week is spring break here so I have a fun day planned with my little guy Tiger. It’s been too long since we had just a Grandma/Tiger day!
I’m off to take my Mom shopping and running some errands while the sun is shining today. I agree with Cindy about the iron on for Don’s undies!
hugs,
Linda
I may have to do that, Linda. Wouldn’t that be funny?
I agree with your assessment of the political situation in our country Claudia. It all makes me very sad. And I laughed out loud at your conversation with little “Z”. I had a similar one with my granddaughter when she started wearing big girl panties. She wanted to know if mine had a princess on them? Those little ones will keep you on your toes, that’s for sure. Love the headshot of Don. It looks great in the frame. Glad you’re up and around a little more now too. Things always look better when you’re upright. :-)
Blessings, Betsy
They sure do, Betsy. I just have to caution myself to move carefully!
Happy to hear your back is feeling better…now keep it that way…no sudden moves! I now, have this mental image of an iron on Mickey Mouse, on men’s big boy pants…too funny, but might be worth it if helps Little Z! Our green grass is now white…but at least the sun is shining…and the wind has subsided. And, we are now one day closer to spring! Enjoy your day! ;)
It’s so windy here today! But it’s sunny. And that’s a good thing.
Oh, that darling little guy…. he will certainly raise your spirits with his daily conversations while you are there!! Fun ahead!
This political mess is beyond my comprehension. A friend of mine lives in Amsterdam and keeps asking if we REALIZE what a laughing stock the USA has become in the eyes of those watching what is going on here. I can not watch the National news as well as the State news here as it truly all makes me sick to my stomach.
Oh-so-cold here today. But there was a 60* on the weather map for next Tuesday! Guess in all things we need to keep the faith.
Of course we’ve become a laughingstock! It’s embarrassing. Don and I have actually talked about living abroad for a year or two if the unimaginable happens.
I agree totally with the political “crap” – it seems one votes for the least evil of the bunch. Poor example of what this country has become….anyhow, hope you and Don have a good trip. It may just be the medicine you both need right now. We are currently in the process of moving into our own little “cottage type’ home. Most of the moving we are doing on our own and the wind is just a natural enemy when you are driving a full pickup load of furniture and boxes etc. My husband does a good job of packing and stacking with straps in place. And we try to watch the weather to dodge and weave windy days, but sometimes one must do what one must do and pray for the best. Wishing you a safe trip and some sweet smiles.
Take care driving the truck in that wind!
Love the lamp, Claudia. My Grandma had a similar one, but with white frosted glass. I’m wondering where it is….have to ask my Mom. How long is the drive to your sister’s? Have a safe, but very fun, trip. (Don’t get me started with the candidates…)
At least a couple of days, maybe three days, Wendy. Depends on if we decide to stop and see things.
It’s been awhile since I’ve checked in…glad to hear you are going to Florida. Gorgeous weather, I’m sure…but best of all, I know you’ll be so glad to see your sister and nephews.
I choose to stay totally away from politics. I suffer from high anxiety as it is, plus politics simply don’t interest me at all. Even my FB feed is exploding with all the crap and I’ve had to step away. Can’t handle it.
Hope your back is feeling better…as I know from personal experience, sitting around too much will only make it worse. Walking around and gentle yoga stretches for the back, plus either ice or heat (whichever feels best for you) does help. Another idea FWIW…if you don’t want to be taking too much ibuprofen (since it tears up your stomach), you can try curcumin supplements. I’m sure you’ve heard the benefits of turmeric – which is the main ingredient in curcumin. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory with no side effects.
Thanks Melanie. I do walk around frequently. I know that I have to get up and out of the chair at regular intervals. I’ve had back problems before, unfortunately.
As for politics, I fear we all have to care this time out, or we’re in big, big trouble. I’m careful about how much of it I expose myself to, though. (Those are my thoughts, at least.)
Once again I couldn’t agree with you more. I’m a political news junkie myself – the kind that has MS-NBC on in the background most of the time – and I thought we’d sunk to our lowest level in 2008 with Sarah Palin. Seriously, what genius signed off on THAT?? The woman was, as Bill Maher said, a “category 5 moron.” But now? OMG. All I can say is that Trump is in a class all by himself. BEYOND BELIEF. If the narcissistic, know-it-all blowhards had their own country, Trump would be their king. No kidding. And I’ll stop there because if I don’t I could go on for forever. Let’s just see “yuck” and leave it at there.
On a much-happier note, that lamp of your grandmother’s is gorgeous. The condition is amazing, for one thing – it looks practically new. And the color – is it a VERY light-peachy pink? A color we called “shrimp” in our family. Have I got it right? It’s just beautiful… ❄️
It’s pink, maybe peachy pink. It was in her living room for years and then in her bedroom and then I inherited it. I really love it. She took good care of her things.
The aforementioned candidate thinks he’s running for King. In his news conference it was very clear that he has absolutely no knowledge of the checks and balances that are built into our government and were put there by our forefathers for good reason and that he just can’t ‘do’ anything he wants to. His megalomania knows no bounds. And now we have white supremacists beating up peaceful protestors at his rallies, with T doing and saying nothing to stop it. In fact, encouraging it. The mind boggles. Let me just add one more thing: he is a con man. And those who are taken in by him will believe anything if it ‘confirms’ their own prejudices. He ‘tells it like it is’ means what? That he can call anyone a name, make fun of the the disabled, say hateful things about women and other candidates, call anyone that disagrees with him a loser – is this what we aspire to? He is championed by people that are ruled by fear, xenophobia, hate and intolerance or simply think that ‘I’m going to change things/Make America Great’ means something. It doesn’t. It’s like a shill at a Carnival. It’s verbal sleight of hand. And, I suspect, he’s championed by those who think Reality Television is real life and that anything anyone says on television is true. What a load of crap.
And if anyone reads this and is a Trump supporter and is offended, sorry. But it’s hard to imagine anyone who has read this blog for any length of time to not have a pretty good idea of my political leanings or, at the very least, know where I stand in terms of civility and tolerance and kindness and peace or think that I would in any way condone that hateful, vile rhetoric, I do not and will not. This is too important to ignore.
You go, Claudia! I agree 1000%. DT has spent his wealthy, entitled life getting his own way and giving orders to sycophants who immediately make them happen for him. He hasn’t the FIRST clue about the fine art of persuasion, of working with people who have disparate views and forging compromises. He actually believes he’ll walk in on Jan 20, snap his fingers and things will happen. He hasn’t a clue about the Constitution either – he’d be the President NOT the Supreme Ruler of All Creation. We won’t even discuss his bigotry and xenophobia. And it’s absolutely insulting what he’s trying to cram down the throats of Americans who are legitimately tired of political inaction. We keep hear how he’s the “biggest and the best” at EVERYTHING, but we hear NO specific plans about exactly HOW he’s going to tackle our problems. Because he hasn’t any real plans. PLUS he’s causing a civil war in the Republican Party as well. I’ve been following politics since I first began watching the conventions on TV with my Dad in 1964 [I was 8 and more than a bit nerdy] and I just can’t see all this uproar resulting in good things for the GOP in November. And I pray it won’t… PS – feel free to vent politically with me at any time. I love to jabber about it but most people [understandably I guess] don’t want to go there, and I do understand why. ?
I understand why, as well.
I can’t imagine the Republican Party will emerge from all of this unscathed. What am I saying, it’s already damaged, maybe irreparably. But the politics of obstruction, disdain, disrespect (remember the Congressman who shouted out “Liar” during the State of the Union address…and got away with it?) You can’t operate that way for years, each year getting worse than the next, have those in office say they will absolutely NOT work with their colleagues across the aisle, consistently vilify the President, question his birth (and T is one of the original ‘birthers’) without tacitly saying that it is okay…more than okay. This is the frightening result. You reap what you sow.
I understand the panic that must be happening within the Party, especially among those who are honorable and well-intentioned and want to govern and do their jobs with integrity.
“Checks and balances, checks and balances” has become my mantra. It’s hard to hold onto though, when we’re living in a country where millions and millions seem to have abandoned sense, to say nothing of decency. Truly terrifying.
Agreed. Terrifying.
In my opinion, establishment Republicans brought much of this on themselves. They SERIOUSLY misjudged the situation, and they waited FAR too long to bag on Trump. He should have been called out on his bigoted, racist, xenophobic speech long ago. But no one thought he would last. Either that or they thought it was a publicity stunt. And with his history, that WAS a reasonable assumption to make. His campaign doesn’t respond to reporter inquiries [all others do] and no one is being given straight answers to easy “How are you going to do this?” questions either. MS-NBC reported that the Trump campaign plays the music at the end of a rally extra-loud so reporters have trouble “filing” their news stories, and so it’s difficult to hear from people who attended the rally. And he’s been allowed to get away with his braggadocio “I’m the biggest and best with everything…” answers for so long, it’s ridiculous. His ONLY qualification for being President is that he actually thinks he’s awesome enough to be President. End of Rant. Now you get on down to Florida and have a hulking great rest and lots of sunshiny fun with little Z. ?
I will – but not until next week, Janet.
Not giving interviews to the press or answering their questions is right out of the Palin playbook. You HAVE to be available to answer questions. You’re running for the most important office in the United States. It’s unbelievable that they get away with it.
So glad your back is better. Am so excited for your trip to Florida. Be sure and stop ever so often and walk around a little – especially with your back problem. (Listen to me – I sound like a Mother LOL) I think the trip and visit will be so good for you and Don will get to meet that precious little one. Little Buddy will definitely keep your mind on the good side of life for a while.
Love Don’s picture. Great job!!
Travel safe and enjoy your trip.
So good to talk to you.
Judy
I loved our talk, Judy. Love you. We’ll be sure to stop every couple of hours for a short walk, I promise.
Ha-ha! That Little Z sure is a hoot. Laughter is definitely the best medicine and I’m sure he’ll keep you in stitches. I don’t discuss politics. I have a lot to say. And let me just say, it ain’t good. :/
I, of course, do discuss it, especially with Don and my sister – and my dad. I miss those discussions so much! I’d give anything to talk about what’s happening with my dad one more time. But most of my public discussion is on Facebook rather than here.
Little Z is going to be the best medicine in the world for us. I cannot wait to see him and to see Don’s face when he finally gets to meet him in person.
There was much discussion of politics amongst the men while we were in Sri Lanka. It gets quite heated to say the least. I’ve had a good laugh reading some of the other comments here.
I have a feeling that Don and the little guy are going to be very good buddies. :)
I bet there was. It would be interesting to know what they think about our current election…
And Don and Little Z share the same birthday. It was meant to be!
hooray for your get-away! :) hope you have lots of hugs and fun and rest and beach/book/cupcake time …
kathy in iowa
Hmmm…we’ll have to search for cupcakes, Kathy!
Your pyjamas, indeed. :-) I’m so glad we don’t have a tv. Just reading about what politicians say gets onto my nerves … And the media make things worse. However, as you are saying this isn’t a political blog. But it is good to know that there are people who notice. All the best! Regula
It isn’t a political blog; however, I’ve sure talked a lot about politics today. Back to normal tomorrow!
The handpainted lamp is so beautiful. What a keepsake. I have one from Mom but it’s badly chipped. I blame it all on the housekeepers, probably unfairly. They have multiple jobs and long days; they speed clean, and Mom always had too many breakables out, collecting dust, but that’s because she enjoyed them. They fell victim to housekeepers-in-a-hurry. (Sounds hoity-toity to say she had a housekeeper but she pretty much always did, my whole life. At first it was because she worked long hours running a business with my dad but, later, it was because she had auto-immune disease [terrible arthritis] and simply had no strength or dexterity to even pick up one of those collectibles to look at them.) I would say of her ‘collections’ that 80% of the collectibles, which are breakable, have some sort of chip or crack, and it upsets me. I didn’t realize this until I started going through her things after she died and, have to say, it left me in some despair because it wasn’t how I remembered them. One housekeeper who was notorious for breaking things would, without asking, oftentime take the thing home to try to mend it, I guess hoping my aging mother wouldn’t notice (maybe also to not risk upsetting her), and the repair jobs are not satisfactory. (Thankfully, Mother never displayed all the Belleek I gave her over many years; too afraid of earthquakes. And a few things in glass cabinets were forbidden to cleaning which I even reinforced with the cleaning ladies. I know it bothered them to see the dust but no way did we want those things handled, like my great-great grandmother’s Haviland serving bowl from the 1800s.) Anyway, all I can see are the flaws; can’t get past them. Maybe I’ll eventually get over it. Rachel Ashwell had always said in the 80s to embrace those flaws and appreciate the longevity; the life of the piece. I know that you commendably do that yourself.
I live in a valley with foothills, high mountains and dense, northern backcountry that all spills out to the sea so I’ve rarely not known wind. The wind swoops through the valley and canyons on a continual, daily basis. I’ve never been able to maintain a hairstyle that doesn’t end up windblown and messed up. From the east, the wind is warm. From the west, it’s cool; we’re lucky that the westerly seabreeze in the latter part of the day reaches us. The easterly wind, when it’s dry and hot and sometimes very still between the gusts can definitely make me feel edgy, though. I can imagine, then, what it must feel like when you’re not accustomed to it at all.
We were in the car yesterday coming back from one of my medical appointments and, out of nowhere, my husband announced to me that since being gifted with the right to vote as a younger person, this will be the first presidential election where he will not vote. This is a guy who routinely volunteers as an Election Officer for elections and is a familiar face at the precincts. He will actually take a vacation day from work to volunteer (and he’s also a guy who rarely misses a day of work, ever). I don’t know what that solves…the not voting…other than it being a form of protest, but he says he can’t vote with any conscience. This is a guy who is a military brat, who loves his country but who I also feel probably would have found a way not to go to Viet Nam back in the day. Me? I’m bewildered, constantly jumping up from the computer not believing what I’m reading. You are not alone, Claudia. In business, I saw so many great salespeople who the upper echelon just felt certain could be a good manager. They’d bring them out of the’field’, shine ’em up and put them in a board room. Rarely worked. And they were happier, too, when they could be allowed to do what they were trained for, had experience with and were really good at doing (which meant they also LIKED what they were doing). I dated a news reporter back in my small-market TV days…he was never happy; ALWAYS wanted to be an anchor at the news desk, the talking head. Well, he sucked at being an anchor yet he excelled at putting together stories for a news piece/special report. He was a stellar investigative reporter. My point is, maybe a person can run a company…even a global company…but it doesn’t mean he/she can run a country. If anything, the world is more and more complicated…and dangerous; in trouble. We need calm, intuitive, intelligent, strong leaders. Ones with diplomacy; tact. Vision. Insight. Compassion. Fire? Yes. But channeled appropriately, with balance and common sense.
A successful businessman doesn’t necessarily make a good politician/leader. And ‘successful’ is questionable here as he’s been in bankruptcy several times.
I do urge everyone to vote, though. I don’t want the wrong person (all relative, of course, according to one’s preference) to get elected because people didn’t vote. I’ve heard this from a few people now and it alarms me.
I completely agree with you and completely disagree with my husband. I don’t understand his choices, but I respect his choices…because I respect him.
It’s important to vote. It’s our voice. (And I’ve heard THAT argued up the whazoo because, oh no, it’s not you, your vote doesn’t really count, it’s the electoral college…and all this stuff I want to escape from understanding [politics wear me out].)
My parents took voting very, very seriously. I have lifelong exposure to my parents’ stance, by example, of studying issues and voting with as much knowledge as they could glean. With ceremony…I can recall this so vividly from my childhood…they’d clear the kitchen table, get out their sample ballots, go over all the issues, discuss/debate and make decisions on candidates and propositions. When they went into the voting booth, they were confident in their choices.
It was drilled into me in school and with my parents to support our long-honored 2-party system. (But we could go on for hours dissecting all of this, questioning that concept for instance, and I find it exhausting; overwhelming…although that’s a lazy excuse. I think it’s because, in general, I’m feeling so apprehensive about our country’s future. I don’t like feeling vulnerable. But one way to solve that is to take some kind of action; do something. I’m not a mover or shaker; I’m not the one taking the risks and going out there, offering to lead. But I can do one thing…and that’s vote. It’s staggering to think that my female ancestors, not all that long ago, were denied the right. Part of me, come to think about it, feels I dishonor them if I don’t exercise my right to vote, when women fought so hard for it.)
My parents voted and it was a very big deal to them. They were quiet about their choices – they felt that was a private thing, no one’s business but their own. But they instilled in me that this is a right that is not given to everyone throughout our world, so we need to honor it. And vote.
It’s my personal opinion that Trump will NO WAY be the nominee…I can’t convince the cable new shows of that, however, and they continue to give him 23 hours a day of free air time…I don’t like any Republicans, and I hate HRC. Bernie has no chance, but he’s my choice…he might have some out-there ideas, but at least he’s not a criminal.
I hope you’re right!
Claudia, Wishing you and don a great trip..you two deserve some time . Glad your back is better. I do not even want to vote this year…bt will so I have the right to complain. :) Blessings, xoxo,Susie
p.s. love what your nephew said. :)
Exactly. We have to vote!
That is so funny about the Mickey underwear! And just for the record, I googled Mickey Mouse boxer shorts, and they had a selection on Amazon. This might become a necessary part of Don’s wardrobe for Florida! ;-)
Pretty lamp, dress, and print, and what a great picture of Don. Is that for his portfolio? It’s a keeper, for sure! Very handsome and distinguished.
Just got back from Whole Foods with a bunch of flowers for a shower on Saturday and am hoping they stay fresh. We also voted early at the library, and I hit Home Goods where I bought some cake plates I didn’t know I couldn’t live without. Love their color. Perfect for Easter and spring.
My offer for lunch still holds, but I don’t want you to feel pressured. Not sure it would work with your schedule, but I would love to treat you guys. I have a little something for you, but I can always mail it when you get back home. No worries! :-)
xo
Sheila
Yes, it’s his headshot.
Thank you so much for your lunch offer, but we have limited time on this trip (it takes so long to get down there from our house) and I have a feeling time will be tight. You are so sweet to offer, Sheila!
Thanks, Claudia. xo
I figured that was the case re: time, but I wanted you to feel you always have a respite with me. Take your time and enjoy the trip with Don. I love that you two can be together on a trip and that you will get to see your family.
Safe travels!
xo
Sheila
Thank you, Sheila. xo
Hugs! xoxo
Good to hear your back is better and you are up and around more.
Have a wonderful, well deserved vacation!
Well, this morning it’s painful again. These things are so frustrating!
I haven’t listened to the news in a while and I have seriously thought about not voting in November. Then I remember all the sacrifices that have been made down through the years to give me the right to vote, and I know that come November, I’ll mark my ballot — but probably for the lesser of two evils. I love your lamp. It is so pretty. And that Little Buddy — what a hoot. I can’t wait to hear about Don’s first meeting with him. I hope you have a wonderful trip. Enjoy every minute of your time in Florida.
I strongly believe we all need to vote. And I will, too. I’ve never missed an election.
I said the other night..they act like a bunch of little schoolboys calling each other names…it’s a wonder they don’t stick out there tongues at each other…There is not one of them I would vote for…Oh that Little Z…that is so funny..what fun if you could get a pair made for Don as a gag gift…lol…have fun getting ready!
Me either. Their behavior is despicable.
Little Z is adorable, magical, wonderful. We can’t wait to see him.
Hahaha. Loved the Big Boys underpants! Kids can just make our day.
They sure can!
The weather here in Florida is wonderful right now. But if you have allergies, bring your meds with you! Everything is starting to bloom and there is pollen on everything.
That’s what I’ve heard!