In Review

As 2017 comes to an end, I have to say that it was a mixed bag of good and bad, happy and sad. Though that could easily be said of any year. The bad and sad, for me, are mostly in the realm of politics and and how this country has suffered in the larger world view. I want 45 to go to prison for the damage he has done. I want the recently passed tax bill to be dismantled by a more courageous Congress. I want single-payer health care for all Americans. I want some reasonable gun legislation because the continual occurrence of innocents killed en masse by some nut job who has a gun designed specifically for killing other humans has got to end. I want the internet to remain an equal opportunity platform for all. For me personally, so many answers have come my way this year. Intriguing possibilities lie ahead. I have experienced the joy and love and support that comes from family and friends. I have made new friends and let go of relationships that have stalled and staled. I feel like this new place is home. I have striven, I have failed, I have embraced new ideas that are better than the old. Lessons learned and taken to heart. Most days I awaken to less pain, both physical and emotional, and count my blessings that at the age of sixty I have good health and security, more than enough to eat and a safe, warm place to sleep at night. So, goodbye 2017, hello, 2018. Let the adventure begin.     

A Princess After My Own Heart

It hit me so hard when Carrie Fisher died just over a year ago. We were close in age, less than a year, and seeing her as a kick-ass hero in the Star Wars movies was a gift of strength and femininity to me. When an email arrived announcing a drive to make her alter-ego, Princess Leia, an official Disney Princess, I clicked on the link and signed the petition. If you loved Carrie, I hope you will, too.

Advice for 2018

Chihuly Glass Tower With Golden Drops

My Palm Springs Accommodations

The door to my private little suite.

The view. Yes, it was difficult to leave but I didn't want to stay so long that they might consider tossing me out. Return privileges must be preserved in these situations.

Our Swedish Bachelor Farmer

Frozen in time in this photo from the early 1940's, this man's birthday is today. Though he left us in 2003, he would have been in his nineties now. Duty called him, first, to serve his country, and second, to return to South Dakota and help run the family farm and assist his aging parents. Somehow he never married and had children of his own. He was the best combination of uncle/older brother to his many nieces and nephews. He had an uncanny ability to tell when a woman was pregnant and as well as accurately predict the sex of the baby. He called both of mine correctly as boys. We often celebrated Independence Day on the farm with a cookout and fireworks with him hosting. I was the last family member to speak with him before he died. He was dearly loved by many. How can I possibly regret my marriage to his nephew when Uncle Durant was part of that package.  

Who Would Have Guessed He's an Aussie?

Well, yes, hello. I have been distracted for a few days by the man in the above photo. I have been on a Longmire binge-watch. Neglecting personal hygiene and normal meals and wearing my pajamas. Normally, I don't go for the strong, silent cowboy/cop type of man. But there it is. Just look at that smile! And I almost don't mind that he has a bit of a back hair thing going. And I'm puzzled by the fact that he wears a heavy coat pretty much year-round, even when others are dressed more seasonally in tank tops and sun dresses. Perhaps the Sheriff exists in his own personal little troposphere, complete with its own ecosystem. I recognize that our little fling will be over in eight more episodes and then I'll likely go through a period of deep longing and mild withdrawal. But then my memories of him will fade into the background and life will get back to normal. Plus I should probably take a shower. Sigh. 

Pucker Up!

I do enjoy a visual pun.

Followed by Some Weird

When you open the front door and find this, either the wind was blowing with great force or somebody has watered the fake trees with too much vodka. Maybe both.

Some More Happy

Santa sometimes wears a FedEx uniform.

Some Happy News

I have just been informed by the state department of revenue via email that my account is in balance for the 2016 period. I'm guessing this means that I do not owe them a single penny. It only took several phone calls, a trip to an unhelpful department of revenue assistance office, three letters, submitting several duplicate forms over nearly four months, and a meeting with a tax accountant to convince them of this fact. All I have to say is, if they hound paltry little people like me who actually owe them nothing, I would expect that they are after the big accounts as well. Our state's coffers are solidly in the black.

A Christmas Photo Past

My beamish boys, with Santa hats and floppy reindeer, circa 1996.

Santa Claus, A Fan of Renewable Energy

FDR Was a Much, Much Better President

In The Pink With Tigh

For the Love of Cobalt Glass

I was minding my own business while walking through the gift shop at the Palm Springs Art Museum. Since there was a fabulous glass sculpture by Dale Chihuly on display, I hoped to find a unique piece of cobalt glass among the books and keychains to take home with me. Tigh pointed out this gorgeous Chihuly piece that happens to be for sale. You will notice that it is, indeed, cobalt blue. It also has the price tag of $18,000. For another grand you can have it custom packed and shipped wherever you please. The idea of owning something more expensive than the entire contents of my home, possibly including my ten year old car, made me nervous. So I passed on the purchase. And snapped a photo instead.

Hello, Winter

Shame on You, 45

In addition to illustrating the tax "reform" that just passed in our nation's capital, this video also explains how 45 will increase the the market for coal. Also, the Grinch's small heart grew three sizes that day, not two. I'm certain the only growth 45 is capable of is located in his ego. Or his ass. 

Stand Up for Net Neutrality!

If you can read this blog, this puny blog with a small but mildly deranged following, that means that Net Neutrality is working. We all have equal access. I apologize for interrupting my noncontroversial posts of holiday happiness with this most serious matter. But it is timely and important for all of us to stand up for a freely accessible internet. 

Trump’s Federal Communications Commission just decided to repeal Net Neutrality in a 3-2 vote. We MUST not let this stand.

Without these vital protections of the free and open internet, big companies like Comcast and Verizon will have total power over what we can see or do online. Unless we take action, internet service providers (ISPs) will be able to charge you extra fees to access your favorite sites, limit your access speeds, and block you from visiting sites they don’t want you to see.

Please sign the petition, and tell your members of Congress to restore the free and open internet and reject Pai’s plan to give corporations more control over what we do and say online.

I've told Congress to take action -- will you join me? Act now with Common Cause!

Please sign the petition here.

California Festive

Cactus with lights. Iron door with tinsel rope.

Mugging for the Camera

Coffee, and all the other hot, seasonal beverages taste better from a holiday mug. This is the newest of the collection.

The other side has another scene and message. Sometimes you have to switch hands to truly appreciate a drinking vessel.

An Evening of Wine, Cats, and a Movie

My lovely sis Martine relaxing with four of her seven kitties. On the back of the couch we find Blink on the left and Sweetie on the right. Holly is snuggled in Martine's lap and Big Al is holding still for a little back scratch.

Bear was in the other room warming up my bed. He is so very thoughtful.

Pearl was just a couple of feet away from Bear. She wants to know just who the heck I think I am taking her photo without written permission.

Pretty much every photo I take of Zenni is blurry. She is constantly on the move. Here we see her telling local kids to stay off the lawn. I mean rocks. We are in Tucson, after all.

Merry Kissmas!

Aside from the milk chocolate turtles, this is my fave holiday candy. Creamy and minty with a satisfying crunch hidden in its velvety folds. 

And, look! There's another minty kiss! These may have been around before, but this is the first year I noticed them. If I find a bag in the post-Christmas clearance aisle, I'm definitely giving them a try. Mrs Claus says there is a calorie reduction equal to the reduction in price. But don't tell anyone! It'll be our little secret.

Return of the Tree Ladies

Three or so years ago I happened upon this very festive idea! Lacking a sewing form for this purpose, Darling DiLly Liz assisted me in decking out Miss Tallulah.

Tacky, yes, but our version of the lady-upside-down-tree-combo had its own appeal.

Whilst out shopping with sis Martine, here we see this year's take on the lady/tree combination is upscaled a bit with faux fur. Making this a fir-fur hybrid. Sadly, there was not adequate room in the car to bring this one home with me. But I still have Miss Tallulah. And unlike the others, she has a head. I'm certain there's a terrific pun hidden in there somewhere. But, alas, I have spent the last twenty-four hours in the car and do not possess the brain power to extract it. 

Thoughts on The Street Fair in Downtown Palm Springs

Well, just one thought. So many gorgeous men! Holding hands. With other gorgeous men. And the funnel cakes are tasty. So, two thoughts. And thirdly, Blaze pizza is most excellent. I have other thoughts about Palm Springs, but I'll save those for another post. Plus I have photos. But my computer is behaving badly. Thanks for checking in. I know you missed me.

Fifth Day of Happiness

A happy, dancing baby boy and a happy, smiling Mom. These are very good things.

Some More Happy, Day Four

Smiling boys in pajamas, 1993. Technically, Reid is wearing sweats, but I always felt if you're under the age of two, you can sleep in whatever you want as well as go out in public in your pajamas. One of those advantages you can't truly appreciate at the time. Michael is wearing pajamas that I sewed! I have no idea how I had the time to do that, but I think I made him six pairs of jammies that winter. I believe that elevates me to the level of Domestic Goddess.

Happy Day Three

Some 1980's sisters Christmas dancing happy for your enjoyment.

A Little Happy, Day Two

Last names were removed to protect society at large.

This cracks me up so much! Firstly, I am good! According to the poem, when I'm good, I'm very, very good. Although when I'm bad, I'm horrid. I am the girl with the curl. My dear friend Sara is bad. So don't cross her! Otherwise she is as lovely as any human can be. As for sis Martine, I find the ugly designation terribly amusing. Because she is just the opposite. When we were growing up, she was the pretty one. There you have it, the 1966 classic spaghetti western has been recast.

Newton, With Lights

I might just do nothing this month but post happy photos. We all need a little happy. Just look at that sweet little face.