November Is Ending

So yes, today is the last day in November, that last day of NaBloPoMo.  I'm happy that I decided to play along again this year.  The only time it was a challenge to post was last weekend, when I was sick, and then I realized that my post saying I couldn't say much counted ... :-)  But seriously, I enjoyed it.  I like that it forced me to sit down and actually organize thoughts and turn them into posts.  I compose so many posts in my head that never actually see the light of day.

I was thinking about this November, though, and it feels like the beginning of the month was so long ago.  Everyone was so excited about the upcoming election.  I remember when I actually cast my vote, I teared up, because I never ever thought that during my lifetime, I would be able to vote for a woman to be President.  And though I have no immediate plans to depart from this vale of tears, I do sometimes feel that it might have been my one and only time.  After Election Day, it just all seemed so sad, then upsetting, then infuriating.  I feel like it overshadowed any of  the good that happened.  Which is too bad.

Because there was good.  People found new ways to connect with each other.  Birthdays and anniversaries were celebrated.  Thanksgiving showed up right on time and helped to remind us of the importance of being in the present.  Several people were motivated to some sort of activism, which is never a bad thing when you are standing up for your beliefs.  Fall colors surrounded us, reminding everyone that ultimately, we are not the ones in charge.  For all of the horrific things that happened, good people pulled together and helped.  And if you are reading this, it means you woke up on the alive side of things, which is always a good thing.

Part of me is sorry to see November leave, because usually it's a month I really enjoy.  Though I had happy times related to special events, I think this year I'm ready for it to move along.  I sincerely want to be here to see it again next year, and hope that it will go back to being the kind of month it usually has been.

Goodbye, November.  I hope during the next year you have the chance to get over the turbulence of this year, and can come back to us ready to be enjoyed.

May you always have walls for the winds,

a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,

laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,

and all your heart may desire.

-- an Irish blessing

Thanks to all of you for stopping by and reading this month (and always, of course).  Part of the fun of NaBloPoMo is hearing from you more often than I might otherwise.

On to December, with hopes for the best it can bring to us!

The Last of the Turn A Square Hats

Yep, they are all finished!  I wove in the ends of the last one - the one for my niece Annie's boyfriend Patrick - on Sunday evening.  And, though you have seen every single other one, and know my thoughts, I'm still showing you the last two!

First, my great-nephew Zach's hat, in orange and black, the colors of his favorite baseball team, the Baltimore Orioles:

I was working on these near the time of Halloween, and people kept saying, "Oh how cute, a Halloween hat."  So I guess if he decides that's what it is, that's what it can be.  But when I chose the yarn and was knitting, it was all Baltimore Orioles to me ...

And the final hat, for Patrick, in black and tan (though the pictures make the tan look more whitish):

By now, you know the details of the pattern, and the only different thing is the tan yarn, which is Berocco Vintage in the colorway Oats.

If you want to review things, and/or see them all "lined up" together, here is the link to the project page on Ravelry.

I am both pleased with how well they all turned out, and that they were all made with yarn already in my stash!  Win-win.

*****

Thank you for your good wishes that my cold will move on soon.  So far, it's still digging in, but at least I have medicine that is making me able to function pretty well, and good cough syrup that makes it possible for me to get a decent amount of sleep at night.   At this point, I think it's just a matter of waiting it out.

I'll be back tomorrow for the last day of NaBloPoMo - see you then!

Scenic Sunday

Advent Wreath

First Sunday of Advent

November 27, 2016

Old St. Joseph's Church

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Drive-By Posting

Hi all - nothing really from me today, but I did want to keep up with NaBloPoMo!  I am at the end (thank God!) of what I think is a 24-hour gastrointestinal event.  Started late last night, and is finally settling down.

So I'll see you tomorrow - hope everyone is having a good weekend!

So I Had This Idea ...

Hello!  Happy day after Thanksgiving!  I hope yours was good and yummy and cozy.  Ours was slightly different than usual, which I'll share in another post.  But of course it was good because we were all here together for the whole day.

I was watching the parade yesterday, and saw a commercial where one of the people opened up a Christmas card and smiled.  And I thought about how I do love to get Christmas cards (or any snail mail, really).  Last year was somewhat disappointing in that way, since we only received a few actual cards in the  mail.  I know that people are increasingly sending electronic greetings both for convenience and for environmental reasons.  I know that I'm grateful when I realize that someone's birthday is  nearly here, and a card sent in the mail would be late, that I can still send my good wishes in time.  But in the end, there is  nothing I like more than actually getting a card (or even a letter!) in the mail.

I even use the cards we receive as part of our decorations!
(This is from a few years back)

So I had an idea, and wondered if anyone else might like it too.  I thought it might be fun to have a little holiday card exchange, for those who are interested.  Here's how it would work:

* The Great 2016 Holiday Snail Mail Card Exchange *

1.  Each person would agree to send a holiday card via snail mail to the others on the list.  Nothing else is required, just your signature if you want it to be as minimal as possible.  No gift items, no packages to send, simply a card to let someone know you took time to think about them.

2.  Anyone interested can e-mail their name and mailing address to me before midnight EST on Friday, December 2 (a week from today).  

3.  I compile the list, and e-mail it to all of the other participants no later than midnight EST on Monday, December 5 (a week from this coming Monday).

4.  Every participant sends out their cards no later than Tuesday, December 20.

5.  Recipients open their cards and smile.

Now I know that everyone gets really busy this time of year, so if you don't think you can do it, or if you are just plain not interested, that's fine.  But for those who think they would like to be part of it, please join me in spreading an extra little bit of holiday cheer to each other.

If you decide to participate, please send an e-mail with your full name and mailing address to me at: baclancyATverizonDOTnet by midnight next Friday, and we can get started!

*For those of you who do have environmental concerns related to this, I can say that most cards are recyclable.  If you don't want to immediately put them into the recycling bin, you can use the fronts or parts of the front for gift tags next year.  In our area, there are local charities who will take the front of cards that have no handwriting on the back, and use them as gift tags for things they give out.  And you can send all or any greeting cards all-year-round here to be re-used.  So there are various options.

Thanksgiving 2016

There are only two ways to live your life.

One is as though nothing is a miracle.

The other is as though everything is a miracle.

-- Albert Einstein

Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at our house!  

May your day be full of small miracles and those you love.

Prepping for Tomorrow

I finished getting the stuffing ready about half an hour ago, and then washed the dishes.  It will sit and savor itself overnight and be perfect for dinner tomorrow.

Now I'm sitting here in my pajamas, watching one of the Thanksgiving episodes of the old "Newhart" show.  The kitties are recovering from their hard work assisting me.

It's a good evening.  I hope you are enjoying yours as well.

Kathy's Thanksgiving Week Questions

Kathy wants to know the following:

*So it got cold here! What's the silver lining for you and the cold?

For me the silver lining IS the cold!  I love cold weather, and winter, and snow (NOT ICE) and getting dark early, and the coziness it makes me feel.  I am serious when I say I get reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder during the summer.

*Did you have an AHA! moment while knitting this weekend?

No, because I didn't do any knitting this weekend.  (Shocking I know.)  We were out of town, and I knew we would busy going various places.  Plus, everyone I was with was someone who would be a recipient of what I am currently knitting, so I didn't even want to try.

I did however, have a AHA! moment last night, when I realized I actually did have some black yarn left that I could use for one of the gift hats I'm knitting.  I had put it somewhere other than usual and forgotten.  I am really happy about it, because I had a specific color combo in mind that required black, and didn't want to have to buy yarn, so I was trying to talk myself out of it.

*Have you begun your holiday Thanksgiving prep or baking?  

The Tim does most of our Thanksgiving meal and baking prep.  My biggest contribution is making the stuffing, which I will do tomorrow night, and then on Thursday, making the stuffed celery that we always have.  He nearly always works during the evenings this week, so he has time for the baking and can do any prep shopping leading up to the big day when the stores are less crowded.

*Have you stepped out of your fashion comfort zone lately?

Not really.  I usually do that when I am going someplace or to some event that is very special.  There really hasn't been any of that going on.

*Did I thank anyone this weekend?

Lots of people!  Everyone in my family who went out of their way to make The Tim's birthday extra special.  Also, I visited a yarn store, and thanked the woman there for showing me the local yarns.  And waitresses, etc.  I'm kind of a serial thanker, I guess.

*Do you knit when your family visits?

I do when we are not running around and/or if I am not in the process of knitting something for the person or persons visiting.

*Has your cat caught a mouse in the house?

As far as I know, we've never had a mouse in our house, though I'm sure there are some in the walls, as I hear it now and then.  They all like to kill bugs though.

*Are you buying any Thanksgiving components?

Ingredients, yes.  Components, no.

*Are your hands cold?

Nearly all the time.  I apparently have poor circulation.  But fingerless gloves make a big difference, and I almost always have a hot drink going and can hold that from time to time to help, so most of the time, it's not a big problem.

Play along if you like - it's fun!

**********

P.S. I am DYING for some stuffing - it's all I can think about this week!!

Scenic Sunday

Ceiling of the chapel, United States Naval Academy

Annapolis, Maryland

June 14, 2016

Another FO, Another Gift, Almost Finished!

Around February or March of this year, I decided to knit gifts for four of my nieces and their husbands who are appreciative of knitted items.  For the guys, I chose the Turn A Square hat.  This was mostly because I've knit a few for The Tim, and not only does he love them, but he's always gotten lots of compliments.  Also, I knew the pattern was a pretty fast knit.  And one of the big things I wanted to try and do was make as many gifts as I could using yarn already in the stash.

As time went on, I also decided to make one for my 10-year-old great-nephew Zach, because he would probably like having a hat similar to his dad's.  And then, my youngest niece in that particular family started dating a guy that everyone thinks is the real deal, and they really like him.  We haven't met him yet, but he and his kids have already had summer vacation with the family, and are spending Thanksgiving with them.  So The Tim suggested he might get a hat too.

At this point, I have all but the boyfriend's hat knitted.  I know I'll get it done well before the end of November, which was my self-imposed deadline for all of the gifts.  But today I'm going to show you the one I made for my niece Julie's husband, Keith.

Here are the specifics of this one:

Project:  Hat #4 aka Keith's Hat
Pattern:  Turn A Square by Jared Flood
Yarn:  Berocco Vintage in Smoke (gray color); Berocco Vintage in Sour Cherry (red)
Needles:  US 6 and 7
Modifications:  None
Notes:  I truly enjoy knitting this pattern, and actually knit this hat over a weekend, while also doing lots of other weekend things.  I guess you could always knit it with several color, or as a solid, and I might try that sometime.  But I wanted these to be two colors.  If you want to knit a hat for someone, give this one a try.

And here's a bonus picture of the hat blocking, with my "helper's" paw assisting in placement of it to be just right ...  ;-)

(P.S. The reason the hat looks wet in spots is because these photos were taken right after I misted it with a spray bottle to properly block it.)

Today We Are Sixty

And I say "we" because for the past 8 months and 4 days, I've been the only one here who's been sixty years old.  But today is The Tim's 60th birthday.

We have both taken the day off from work, as we are wont to do on birthdays.  And it's up the birthday person to determine the specifics of the day.  This year is slightly different, since he accidentally got the entire weekend off from work (long story, but who cares?), but it will be great I think.

Today he wants to go out to breakfast (once he gets up), then just relax and hang out at home.  One of his big plans is to wash the car ... but his birthday, his plan. I baked a yellow cake with chocolate ganache at his request. and am getting ready to put stuffed peppers in the crock pot for our dinner.

Then tomorrow we will head to Baltimore to my niece Liz's for an overnight visit.  We are staying at her house at her specific invitation - we usually stay at her sister's house.  But we'll get to see everyone, and meet my one niece's boyfriend and his kids, who we've heard many good things about from everyone.  They have planned a dinner birthday surprise, which should be fun and I am beyond certain he has no idea they will be doing anything at all.

Then we'll probably all go to brunch on Sunday morning before we head home.

So I think it should be an amazing weekend, and it will be a nice break for him not just for his birthday, but for a little fun break before the retail holiday crazy begins.

And no one deserves all of this more than he does.

So take a minute today if you will and raise a glass to The Tim for his birthday.  And have a wonderful weekend!

At the original front door to the House of Seven Gables,

Salem Massachusetts (September 2016)

Linking Up (Which Is Not the Same As Hooking Up)

Well, how are you today?  I will admit to still feeling somewhat discombobulated, frustrated, and depressed, but fortunately my brain is returning to its more active state every day.  It's hard to believe the world changed so much just a week ago.  Feels like years, at least to me.

But I thought I'd share some links that you might find interesting, useful, or just plain enjoyable since I know that I always like to see what others offer for my perusal. Admittedly, there is not a lot of variety here, but I still think it's worth sharing.

This article from New York magazine is well worth your time to read.  It is well-written, and contains some excellent observations.

I know that a lot of us are trying to decide what to do next, who might need our help, or how we can make a difference at even the most basic level since the election.  This list is a good place to start.

Do you occasionally find that you've been led to click on a headline or an article, only to find that it falls into the category of "fake news" or clickbait?  (I think it's safe to say it's happened to all of us at least once.)  Or some are parody/satire sites that seem so "real" they often suck people in - a la The Onion, which I have to say is one of my favorites!  Anyway, here's a list of some of the sites.  It's not comprehensive, but it might keep you from getting sucked in.

Switching gears somewhat, did any of you see the movie "The Goodbye Girl" years ago, with Richard Dreyfus and Marsha Mason?  Do you remember the little girl - Quinn Cummings - who played Marsha Mason's daughter in that movie?  Well, she is an adult now, and I came across her on Twitter, and let me tell you, I love her so much!  She's witty, observant, as well as a person who provides foster homes to kittens!  Her commentary, particularly related to the newly elected person whose name shall not be mentioned (who she calls "Giant Toddler"), as well as comments that are "responses" to beauty magazine headlines ("Five Ways to Look Young Forever"), is so spot on as well as often viscerally bruising, she is one of my new heroes.

On another topic altogether - the holiday season - I found these two pieces that I thought were worth sharing:

First up - a tutorial on how to make a quilted, holiday-themed table runner that is not only pretty straightforward (if you sew, of course!), but great-looking!  I see some of these in my future, both as gifts but also for myself.  Probably not this year, but fortunately Christmastime rolls around each year.

And then, as a way to remind children - and adults - that the Christmas/holiday season is about kindness and happiness for others as well as ourselves, this idea of a type of Advent calendar.  I'm thinking of making it simpler for myself, maybe a decorated jar or box with slips of paper that have something on them for the 24 days leading up to Christmas.  As she suggests, as simple as holding a door for someone, or paying for their coffee.  I love the holiday season so much, but often wish I could think of more ways to help others.  Even if they are small acts, if they are done sincerely, it's a gift to everyone involved.

That's what I've got for you today.  I hope you'll enjoy poking around.

Monday Questions, Tuesday Answers

For the last few weeks, as a result of one thing or another, I haven't had a chance to post any answers to Kathy's Monday Quora.  When I do, I enjoy it.  So even though today is Tuesday, I'm posting my responses to her Monday queries.  :-)

-- Have you ever petted an angora bunny?

Yes, a few times when I've gone to Maryland Sheep and Wool.  (I pretty much pet whatever animal I can when I'm there!)

-- Do you have any novelty yarn in your stash?

Not anymore.  I used to have quite a bit, but either used it up or gave it away.

-- I'm maintaining my weight but I have to admit I still have to have: Creamer in my coffee and sugar.  Is there something you simply can't give up on in your food life?

Cheese.  It's why I'm a vegetarian and not a vegan.

-- Do you swim during the winter months?

Nope, I don't have access to any indoor pools.

-- What are you having for dinner tonight?

Since The Tim is working, and I'm on my own, I will probably heat up some soup and have that with some oyster crackers and iced tea.

-- Are you a Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopper?

Sometimes, but I don't use either day to do it all.  If I do go out on Black Friday, I go early in the morning, and shop in Center City Philadelphia.  It's pleasant, and since most people go to one of the malls, it's not crazy crowded.

-- Did you cast on this weekend?  

I cast on a hat on Friday evening, and finished it Sunday evening!

-- Did you see the supermoon?

Yep.  So cool!

-- Would you like to recommend a movie (must be entertaining and light)?

We just recently re-watched one of our favorite movies, "Waiting for Guffman."  It's completely ridiculous.  It's a Christopher Guest movie, so if you've seen any of his others and enjoyed them (another fave of ours "Best In Show"), you'll probably like this one.  :-)

I'm still trying to figure out the problems I'm having with trying to comment on other people's blogs.  It seems to be the ones that require you to "Select profile," which, come to think of it, I don't remember being there before.  Anyway, I've tried several things with no success, so hopefully The Tim can help me work on it more sometime when he is home.  In the meantime, it's so frustrating, and driving me crazy!  Sometimes I feel like technology exists to make my life more difficult, rather than easier ...

A Well-Spent Weekend

This past weekend was a good one for us.  Now don't get me wrong, I seldom have bad weekends, but after last week, I wasn't sure how it would all go, since both of us were still shell-shocked.  And though we still are, especially after hearing about some new appts in the new govt (really?  alt-Right kings?), the weekend itself turned out to go very well.

Friday night we were just happy to be home together, as The Tim had been working nearly every evening since one of the other managers was out last week, and the store manager doesn't like to work the closing shift (a whole other story, not really mine to tell).  So we had a quiet dinner, and spent the evening reading and listening to music, before going to bed somewhat early out of both physical and emotional exhaustion.

Saturday we headed over to NJ to get some things done.  We stopped and got breakfast (I LOVE to go out to breakfast!), and then went to the liquor store (please do not tell the State of PA that we crossed state lines and bought liquor), Kohl's (The Tim had a birthday coupon to use), and Target, where we did some grocery shopping.  Once we got home, we did thrilling things like start some laundry, clean bathrooms, and the things that are a constant.  But we spent most of the rest of the day watching some shows we'd recorded and the Notre Dame-Army football game.

Friday night, The Tim had said, "I think I'll make a pizza for dinner tomorrow night," and I of course agreed because he makes really yummy pizza.  Neither one of us knew that Saturday was National Pizza Day, so finding that out was so fun!  Then when the pizza was ready, and I wanted to take a picture, he said, "Oh you're gonna become one of those people who take pictures of their food all of the time?"  I pointed out that I'd forgotten that I needed a blog post for Saturday, and was going to use National Pizza Day so  I wouldn't need to actually, suddenly come up with a topic!

The funny thing is, after he read all of the comments from all of you about the pizza picture I posted, he was so happy!  "Hm.  I guess people enjoy those pictures sometimes."  :-)  He also sends his thanks for all of the kind comments.

Sunday, he was at work all day, and while I was drinking a cup of tea that morning, I decided that in my current state of mind, I wanted to find out what the Jesuits were saying.  So I got myself dressed and walked across town to Old St. Joseph's for Mass.  Admittedly, I don't go to Mass on a regular basis, except I do make a concerted effort during Advent and Lent.  And I do enjoy the singing. (The Tim: "Oh yes, what a good motivation to attend church - so you can sing along."  Hmph.)

Anyway - the sermon was AMAZING.  Everything I had hoped it would be, and though it didn't mean I felt back to my usual self, it truly did help me.

After coming home, I decided that since it was such a lovely day - sunny, cool, occasional slight breezes - that it would be a good time to rake some leaves.  I enjoy it, but I am also reminded of yet another reason I am glad we do not actually have a yard.  I was out for ~1 1/2 hours, and ended up with two HUGE bags, filled practically to the brim ... and that was only from the entrances to our house! (Yes, we have two entrances. And technically, three addresses.  A story for another post.)  I was tired and decided to tackle the garden next weekend.  But I did have to fill the bird feeder, and the cats came out into the garden to "assist" me - meaning they run around insanely while I do whatever I'm out there to do.

Milo the Koodle devising a plan of attack ...

I had wondered if Jack would join us, and what he would do if he did.  Hahahaha.  Silly me - of course he joined us!  Far be it from him to miss anything!  He had the best time, running around, jumping in leaves, and best of all, leaping to catch (more truthfully, *try* to catch) bugs.

Nature boy pauses very briefly, and I get two photos are that not completely blurry!

Then I watched the Eagles-Falcons game, which was exciting both because it was a good game, and also because the Eagles actually won - go figure!

Once The Tim got home, we ate dinner, and spent the rest of the evening watching some recorded shows again, and ... I finished my Christmas knitting for family!*  This is especially surprising, since it's been really difficult for me to knit for any length of time since Jack joined the family - he likes to "help" a little bit too much ...

The down side of a lovely weekend, is that you still have to show up for work on Monday.  But at least the next two weeks are short ones - I'm taking off Friday of this week for The Tim's birthday, and next week is Thanksgiving, so it will be a short week as well.  (I just keep reminding myself of this information!)

In any event, I'll have some FO posts to share with you soon. :-)

*I finished all of the knitting I had originally planned.  I added on two additional projects, but only if I have time.  One will definitely be doable, we'll see about the other one ...

How was your weekend?

Scenic Sunday

November 13, 2010 - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

A view from our hotel balcony, the morning of my niece Lauren's wedding.

National Pizza Day

This was just a coincidence - The Tim had decided to make a pizza for dinner (one of his specialties), and then we learned it was National Pizza Day - who knew?

A happy coincidence, and a perfect meal to eat on a fall Saturday.  :-)

I hope you're having a relaxing weekend.  We all deserve it!

With Thanks on Veterans Day

September and October Harry's Hundred Update

Hello again.  I am so glad that my little message from yesterday was well-received by at least all of those who commented (and hopefully for any lurkers as well).  It's funny - I have been trying for so many months to find good things to think about, do, and act upon, because I needed to think of ways to keep myself afloat; and now I need it more than ever, but I'm glad for my mental state that I was already trying.  I think that otherwise I would have just sunk to a depth that would be really hard to move from anytime soon.  So I hope that post was able to do anything even remotely small to help you.  If not, please know I tried. 

Edited to add: If you have a blog from Blogger, I'm not ignoring you - but for the past three days, I have not been able to comment on any blogspot.com posts at all unless the comments are moderated; it tells me to "Select Profile" and then nothing happens.  Sigh.  (I have no idea why, but I'll keep trying to figure it out.)

*********

Let's move on to something else positive, which makes me feel better, and should make plenty of others feel better as well.  It's time for a Harry's Hundred update.

September

Thank God for Kim's contribution, because the past two months, I'm afraid I have added nothing.  I'm hoping once my gift knitting is finished (so close!), I can at least end the year on a good note.  

Anyway, Kim contributed these two items, a hat and a cowl.  Am I the only one who absolutely loves the colors, and would actually wear them together?  The other thing i appreciate here is the reminder that a cowl is a perfect contribution - in some ways, easier to wear than a scarf!  

October

October was a really good month for the project!

Before I forget, the same Kim from above sent me an e-mail saying that she knit 5 hats and sent them off,  but forgot to take pictures.  FIVE HATS - that's a LOT!

Next up, another wonderful project and idea.  This is a pillow knit by redindian (Rav link), and this is the note she sent to me about it:

"There are going to be lots more like this as the house my group are knitting for will house fifteen previously homeless, mostly men and we hope to knit or crochet a blanket and a pillow for each of them." 

How great of an idea is that?  I mean, having your own blanket and pillow - that would have to make you feel loved and safer, right?

Next up, another set of fun mittens from GringaTurista (Rav link) - I love how they are the same but different, and have nice pops of color for cold, wintry days!

And then, something for babies!  This is a sample of booties knit by marjos (Rav link).  Her knitting group is making these as well as socks for a Belgian knitting group collecting them for babies in Senegal.  She said in her note that 25 pairs - TWENTY-FIVE of them!! - were sent as part of Harry's Hundred.  AMAZING.   Baby toes will be so cozy and colorful in these. :-)

I have to say, that I am also happy because there are people knitting, crocheting, etc. for this project and not just sending things all over the world, but the crafters themselves are from all over.  Especially in our current world, knowing that there are people all over who want to contribute makes me feel so very happy.

OK, guys here's where we are as of today's date:

Goal:  100
Tally so far:  76

DO YOU SEE THAT?  We still have two months left, and we are nearly at 100 items!  I am overwhelmed, grateful, and touched.  And I have to tell you, my dad would be smiling from ear-to-ear.

A humongous THANK YOU to all who contributed, not just this month, but so far - there are others who are, and will be, having a slightly better time of it because of your kindness and good thoughts.  And isn't that something worth celebrating?

I know it makes me feel hopeful, and right now especially, that counts for a lot.

Bleak

I have no words, and yet so many words, to express how I am feeling.  But rather than try to organize those words and my thoughts coherently, let me share some of Anne Lamott's words, from one of her books, Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith:

"Hope is not about proving anything.  It's about choosing to believe this one thing, that love is bigger than any grim, bleak shit anyone can throw at us."

Please tell someone that you love them today - people, pets, the air, trees.  It will always be more important than anything else.

***********

Meanwhile, I hope this will at least make you smile.  I call this "The Ridiculous Trinity" and it's on my windowsill in my office. 

Take care of yourselves.  I'll be back again tomorrow.

VOTE

Today is Election Day here in the U.S.  If you have not taken advantage of early voting, or you live in a state like Pennsylvania, where it is not available, get yourself to your polling place and VOTE!!!

Democrat?

 Independent or Third Party?

Republican?

JUST VOTE

People have died - and still do - for the right to vote.  This year it's especially important, since we are electing a new President.  And though of course I'd like if if everyone voted the same way I did, what I really want is for people to just VOTE.

Off the soapbox now.  :-)