SWEET MARY SUNSHINE!!!

 18 days since my last post????

Not only have I been remiss about blogging, but I HAVE NEGLECTED to keep up with all y'all's blogs! 

I apologize profusely!

So, with that, I shall endeavor to catch y'all up on all the happenings out here in Lalaland!

My hand is coming along well, and my occupational therapist is pleased with my progress. I have three more sessions, and then we'll see if I need any more.

The MITM is preparing to leave for a gig in coastal deepestdarkestafrica, this time, so it's a bit hectic around here. He's already planning when I might meet him in London or Paris (huzzah!), so there is that silver lining to his prolonged absence! If it's London, maybe we can have a meet-up with some of y'all! We'll see; it won't be for a few months. But if it's a go, I will definitely share dates!

The grandchildren are on vacation. Cap't Chaos is touring with a singer (as a cameraman) around the USA and elsewhere. The Doc is working his gig, super nana is being magnificent (she told me to say that), The Dancing Lady is performing, and Stretch is on vacation! So far, the summer is going along nicely. We're getting ready for a hot spell here, but it's expected, so we'll just carry on doing as little as possible outside!

I'm sort of mush-brained right now for some strange reason, so I'll sign off for now.

xoxo

p.s. I forgot all about the World Cup!!! The MITM has been watching religiously, while I have been an on again/off again watcher. I did invest in the final today and cheered Spain on extremely loudly, as did the MITM and super nana. The Dancing Lady and The Doc lived in Madrid for several years, hence our allegiance, not to mention my own deep-seated abhorrence of Argentina (based on their history and allegiances, sweetpeas, so I think everyone around here knew we were watching the match!

A few days later...

 I thought I'd be back blogging sooner, but I was wrong. 

I've been dealing with a small problem with my dominant hand, aka my right hand, for a while, and so I've been attending occupational therapy. It's nothing serious, just a bit painful at times. Typing for extended periods causes my joints to cramp, as does holding my mobile and/or texting. 

Simple hand exercises are helping, and limiting time on both devices is all I need to do. Surgery is NOT in my future.

So, there it is.

Using other social media that's just "scroll and share" is pretty much all I've been doing lately.

I'll be back sooner ot later.

I'M BACK!

 DID YOU MISS ME?

I've been housesitting and didn't have access to my computer. It's impossible (for me) to blog from my phone, so there you go.

A better post tomorrow. 

I'm going to try to catch up on reading all your blogs, too!

xoxo Savvy

Is it ever too late?

I just read something that has set me thinking about friendships and the care and maintenance of the same. Can too much time elapse without contacting someone who was once very close to you? It's easy to stay in touch with folks we see on a regular basis, but what about old friends who aren't nearby physically?

Can a text be an olive branch?

Or is that a way of protecting oneself from possible rejection? But isn't not receiving a response just as bad? Maybe, even worse?

Pick up the phone, but first remove caller ID, so if the call is declined, you can still leave a voicemail.

Maybe that might be even worse than not getting a text reply.

Your voice was heard and ignored. 

Any ideas, sweetpeas?

My review of TDWP2! I know a week late, but we just saw it today

 First, I have to whine about ticket prices!

UNBELIEVABLE!! (even with one senior discount and at a matinee!)

I'm done with the whine. (I must admit, the reclining seats were rather nice, given my bum knee)

I LOVED the movie! The Devil Wears Prada 2 was exactly what movies are supposed to be: escapism, light, gorgeous to watch, and fun! The story and the characters made sense to me as the evolution and growth of people in demanding fields. There was no attempt to disguise the fact that 20 years had passed; in fact, short of the small throwback/Easter eggs to the original, the movie was very much set in the present day, with references to HR departments, bottomline financial acquisitions/takeovers, and the rapid expansion of tech over traditional media. 

OK, and the clothes were exquisite.

Watching Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly was delicious. The haughtiness and confidence, while slightly moderated by age and a different office atmosphere, were really fun to watch in a way that made her character far more dimensional and human. Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci, and Emily Blunt were perfect and equally as humanized. The backstories for their 3 characters were developed/expanded in a way that tied up storylines, which, for me, explained how they all got to the present time.

There were so many cameos, as well. I have to admit, Milan was the surprise star as Paris was in the first one. This time, actual locations were used extensively and perfectly, considering the storyline. I don't want to spoil it for you, so that's all I'm going to say.

So, do yourself a favor and go see the movie! This is truly a bit of flotsam and jetsam you MUST see on the big screen! 

At least for your first experience!

Go see it and don't wait for it to be streaming, bite the bullet and buy a movie ticket!

There's a new gin in town!

For my gal, Mistress Maddie!

The MITM and I are indulging in day drinking right now. We're having the last bit of our Oasium before we buy the latest Hendrick's!

Infused with orange blossom and cacao. We will be indulging tomorrow.

My motto for the foreseeable future

 Given the current state of the Union, and given the current administration (and I use that word lightly), I have decided that Ismael Reed quite succintly conveys my current and probable future feelings:

"I am not angry, I am indignant." 

The word "indignation" completely captures how I'm feeling. Anger is far too emotional. Hatred can too easily slip into hostile action, and I am not at that point, but it tis possibly right around the corner. 

But I digress.

My indignation stems from righteous anger at the violation of social norms and the unfair treatment of our population!

I keep having to remind myself that there are more of us who believe in the "striving towards a more perfect Union," than those who believe in white supremacy and Christian nationalism.

We are only two generations from slavery and subjugation, and I can not believe that the majority of Americans are willing to revert to that ignominious time in our history.

VOTE LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT BECAUSE IT DOES!

perhaps I spoke too soon

Somehow, 

Someway,

This has now turned into an in my own time sort of blog.

I've been reading the newspapers (online, of course), perusing social media, and ranting there (IYKYK). Trying to pull it together and focusing here has proven to be a bit more than I could handle.

Take this morning for instance, the MITM read an article (out loud) about the possible use of drones to protect school children. Ponder that concept for a moment. Schools now have a locked door policy and closed campus. Is it possible for shooter to get inside anyway? Sure! Not all schools have metal detectors at the entrance and not all schools are fenced in. Determined people will always find a way, so what is an approriate deterent?

Perhaps ballrooms on every campus?

Or maybe, just maybe we have a ban on assault weapons, as we do here in California. Guns are the issue and always have been. I'm not talking about those who hunt or skeet shoot or target practice. I'm talking about those guns that were designed specifically to kill human beings in wartime. Military grade weapons, not Daddy's old hunting rifle. Weapons that no civilian should ever have access to. I know that the US dominates the global arms industry and that their lobby is extremely persuasive when it comes to legislation regarding guns.

But all that aside, other countries have laws that truly protect people from gun violence. Why can't we? 

Thoughts and prayers will not bring back children slaughtered in their schools or people killed in their houses of worship or music lovers outside enjoying a concert.

Or a six month old baby killed by a bullet fired at a birthday celebration because someone was angry over a spilled beer.

People can be the problem, but guns are the weapon of choice.

**********

Next post will be about The Devil Wears Prada 2.

Yeah, I'm that person who will be revisiting the first one tonight,

and

I will go to an actual cinema tomorrow to see it and not wait for streaming!

This blog is becoming a weekly thing

 I'm starting to think I'm saving all my anger/anxiety/sadness, and seemingly, fleeting joy for the weekend! 

One thing that struck me this week was how lines from movies have become appropriate tags for the endless stream of lunacy coming from the current administration.

The line uttered by George Clooney in O Brother Where Art Thou? captures the GOP timeline for every fucking thing:

"Well, ain't this place a geographical oddity. Two weeks from everywhere!"

I thought of the line from The Hunt for Red October when Cankles (H/t Bob) threatened that "a whole civilization will die tonight."

"You arrogant ass. You've killed us!" 

Spoken in the Russian submarine right before its own torpedo blew it up. (Watch the movie, it's the best chick flick around IMHO)

The other thought that crossed my mind, after Pope Leo announced he would not visit the USA for the 4th of July celebration, was that this administration seems to have forgotten how strong the last guy from the Southside of Chicago was! And let us not forget, he is also a White Sox fan, just like 44 was. IYKYK

Anyway, sweetpeas, let's go into this weekend staying positive and remembering, as Greg on Instagram says, Find your Joy!

xoxo

Addendum:

Go see Maddie for weekend instructions

Saturday, 4th of April, 2026

 This has been an interesting week here in the USofA.

It's been monumental around the world, as well.

To say the least... 

I've been MIA for that reason, sweetpeas. At some point, I realised that my animosity towards the current administration had coloured my perception of the world writ large, and I'd lost my Pollyanna persona.

THEN, Artemis happened.

Thanks to a dear friend and blogger, Old Dive, I was reminded of the joy and wonder that space exploration brings. Through his words on that other social media site, I remembered the excitement I experienced with the first unmanned launch! I thought of Walter Cronkite and his measured tone, explaining the science involved in the space program and, for me, the first moon landing in 1969 with Apollo 11.

I follow NASA and have followed Artemis II on their page. The photos being sent back are stunning in their clarity. I do hope you'll click on the link and see for yourselves. Social media platforms have been great places for sharing those images.

************

I'm not Catholic, but I have to give a shout-out to Pope Leo XIV for speaking out against the current administration and those who support the current illegal, inhumane, and totally unnecessary incursion into Iran. I also support those military generals who've resigned rather than acquiesce to Kegseth's (I know what his name really is, but this is so much truer to the man) unfounded and irrational orders regarding promotions, weapon acquisitions, and battle objectives. These men who've resigned or been fired understood that this war is not a video game and that this administration is cosplaying at being fighters.

Again, I hope that every election, from the upcoming primaries to the next presidential election, people remember what has been and is being done in their name!

VOTE as if your life depended on it because it does!

March 22nd and here's the scoop

Y'all know that this month has been in the throes of the MITM's knee surgery recovery, so that's taken most of our time and energy. He's on the mend and continuing PT. But enough about him...

I've missed sharing a few events that happen every March in our family:

MARCH 8th! IYKYK

On our 57th!!! wedding anniversary, we did absolutely NOTHING celebratory. I spent the day in my PJs binge-watching The Pitt, which was fun for me. The MITM watched sports and groaned about his knee. Our celebration consisted of self-indulgence and was the best anniversary present we could give each other!

MARCH 12th was The Doc's birthday!

I called The Doc the day before his birthday and asked if he could drop by the next day to take care of a few things the MITM couldn't handle. The next day, being his birthday, we called and wished him a great day, and that we were looking forward to seeing him. I sent him a text that his Dad was going to buy some fresh oysters around noon, and would he like some? His response was, "Of course, I shall be there around then!" The MITM thought he'd say, "Hell yeah!" Anyway, there were no tasks for him to do, but to simply enjoy his oysters and surprise gift!

I almost forgot to take a picture, which is why the MITM is in the photo and not The Doc! We'd already eaten at least a dozen oysters, or so, when I remembered. There was a whole other tray and a bowl of shells that didn't make the photo either.

*************

Our friend, Mago, reminded me that I hadn't posted since the beginning of this month, so here's the update for the MITM:

It's been exactly 2 months today since his knee replacement surgery! 

(I just received a comment on the March 1st UPDATE from the ever-lovely First Nations, also inquiring about the MITM) 

He's doing Physical Therapy (PT) twice a week and doing 2 sets of exercises every day, unless he takes a short walk, inwhich case he'll only do one set. His PT guy told him that going to Costco (his favorite shopping experience, for real, the man takes a list and KNOWS the store layout) meant he was excused from PT at home because walking that store was like walking a football (not a pitch) field. Yes, First Nations, he is driving, but I'm still the primary chief cook and bottle washer around here. To his credit and stamina, he has been helping with cleanup prep work and has cooked a few meals, but still no cosmos for me, TYVM! 

There is still pain, but according to the orthopedist who performed the surgery, he's healing well. He's scheduled for his 2nd follow-up with the surgeon this Wednesday. Based on what his PT guy has said, I'm hoping Wednesday's visit will be positive and encouraging. He is strong enough now to walk without a cane, so we're all encouraged by his progress.

Y'all are now up to date on the happenings out here in Lalaland!

************

I'm trying to catch up on all y'all's blogs! Y'all have been busy writing! It's been hella hot out here with heat advisories posted daily. At least, with heat, it's possible to stay in and keep cool with the AC on. I hope all y'all who have to shovel snow are staying safe and warm. 

Actually, I hope everyone is staying safe because, regardless of the weather, we are in dark times across this country, and the impact of the grifter-in-charge around the world is making ALL of us less safe, no matter where you are.

March 1, 2026 addendum

 Just saw this on Facebook, and it is a perfect addition to my earlier post.

MARCH 1, 2026

 SWEETMARYSUNSHINE, my darlings! Where the hell to start?

The mad wannabe king has started a war to avoid having his depravity exposed, and his cabal of vulgarians is supporting him. We have a Congress that is beholden to him and afraid of consequences should they speak up. The few Republicans who are taking a stand against him have decided, to my mind, that being on the correct side of history is far more important than his approval. He's threatening to seize the midterms and has attempted to override the Constitution when it comes to voting rights nationwide. Y'all read or watch the news, so nothing here is a surprise or new to you. Fortunately, our friends around the world are documenting what's happening here and giving those of us under the pressures of censorship a clearer picture of the crimes committed in the past and currently happening. Watching the public exposure of figures outside of the USA for their relationship with Epstein has only magnified the criminality and cover-up of the current administration, and those members of the "elite" class here.

Yesterday, the MITM and I were talking about the latest attempt by TFG* to deflect from his own criminality and lies, by now calling the attack on Iran "regime change." Not only does this man not have any understanding of what the implications of his actions are, he has put this country right in the sights of lone wolf and/or organized agents for attack by groups seeking revenge for the destruction of their country. It's frightening because, at this point in time, an attack may not be like 9/11, but something larger and in someplace unexpected. How and what can this country do to protect itself when we have a mad man who has publicly said, and I paraphrase, some people may die, but that's expected? 

I'm sitting here writing and thinking about how many lies have been said by members of this administration under oath, and excuses made to protect pedophiles! It's becoming more and more obvious that action has to be taken to remove this cancerous and dangerous administration immediately!

We have the Rule of Law, we have a Constitution, we have the will of many to change this course of action, and we must regain the Liberty for All that this nation is supposed to guarantee, as we strive towards a more perfect Union. 

~~~~~~~

The chickens have come home to roost. Every misstep in foreign policy we've made in the past is becoming public in ways never imagined in the past. I remember a political cartoon from the Vietnam era that spoke to the concept of falling dominoes and our incursion into Asian countries, and thinking that we had no idea that our vision of our country as the center of the world would ultimately come back to bite us. Wars fought for ambiguous ideas with no idea of how to end them or what would happen after our participation ended have left wartorn countries floundering and subjected to warring groups fighting for supremacy. Democracy is not a given when outside intervention causes war within a country. It is a possibility, but only if that is the form of governing desired by the people. 

~~~~~~~~~~~

All of this rambling by me is my opinion, and at best, only a disjointed writing of my thoughts, feelings, and observations about what's happening around me. I had started out today wanting to write about good things, but...

* The Fat Git 

Some days or maybe it's just today

 I feel as if we're in an episode of a Gilded Age reboot. We have an administration that talks about spending billions (and already has) of taxpayer money on arming its own private militia under the guise of Immigration Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol, while people are trying to figure out how to feed, house, and clothe their families. Prices of medications that had been reduced under the Affordable Care Act and during the Biden administration have risen, while Social Security benefits are being reduced. Some people can afford the increase, but for many, they will have to go back to either rationing their meds or, even worse, doing without.

How is any of this fair?

I'm at a loss.

It's hard not to feel defeated, but I know giving in and giving up is not the answer. But today, that feeling is surrounding me like a fog.

UPDATE on the MITM or WTF, dude this has been a really busy week!

 Let's get the update out of the way before I start complaining about EVERYTHING I've had to do!

It's been exactly one week since his knee replacement surgery. He's had 2 in-home physical therapy sessions. The PT on the second visit was pleasantly surprised by the MITM's progress and allowed him to switch from a walker to a cane. He's also able to go up and down the steps to the lounge and the front steps outside. Overall, he's recovering very well and is almost himself in terms of temperament. His post op visit with the surgeon is on February 11th. The PT thinks he can probably resume driving within the next 2-3 weeks.

So now you know, he's fine and really appreciated your words of encouragement and best wishes.

Now, let the kvetching begin...

I have been extremely remiss and have allowed the MITM to handle a majority of the domestic duties around here. Now that he has been sidelined, 

I'VE HAD TO DO IT ALL!!!!!

I've been waking up in the damndarkmorning to make sure he can safely get around. Cooking and cleaning every day (ok, the housekeeper does come every 2 weeks, so it's not like I was scrubbing floors or anything), making sure he was comfortable, and generally being the dogsbody (Thank You, British Royal Navy for that bit of slang) around here! This is not what I'm meant for! I mean, I have become used to indulgence, a life of ease, and the MITM taking care of ME!!! Holy Moley, sweetpeas, I've been dead tired at 7:30 at night!!! I'm ready to go to sleep at 8PM! I mean, even BKM stays up longer than me these days! 

To be fair, the Krewe has stepped in to pick up the slack. The Doc did hospital duty and was here the next day, helping out. Captain Chaos is here today helping out. Super Nana has been a star. She gave up her bedroom because it has an en suite and has been sleeping on a sofa in the lounge. Fortunately, the PT has given him the ok to return to our room. Things have returned to almost normal for HIM! 

Seriously, I hope y'all know that in the grand scheme of things, this past week has been only a small dip in the usual day-to-day around here. His surgery was not the result of a life-endangering situation. Anything I've had to do has been in the comfort of my home with no outside threats to our safety or well-being. Given the state of our country and the world, please know I am really not complaining or citing hardship!

I'm just whining because I'm an old ass cow like that!

Stay safe and warm wherever you are, sweetpeas! 

xoxo

Oh what a night or how we spent Thursday

 Where to begin?

Yesterday started at 3:30 in thedamndarkmorning! I'll let you sit with that piece of information for a second before I continue. 

3:30 people!!! WTF good happens at that hour? 

(Unless you're young and still out on the town, but I digress)

Anyway, the MITM was scheduled for knee replacement surgery, and we had to be at the hospital at 5AM for the 7AM operation. Driving in LA that early in the morning is the only time there's no major traffic. The Doc was our transportation because he drives a sedan, and our car is an SUV. This distinction will be important later. 

Before I go any further, I have to give a shoutout to the absolute best hospital in LA, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center! Some of you may know the name from past news accounts because it's where all the Hollywood celebrities go for medical treatments/emergencies. Anyway, that's where our primary physician and the orthopedic surgeon are affiliated. The staff, from the valet to the nurses to the physical and occupational therapists to the attending physicians, are STELLAR! Sweetpeas, even the cafeteria food was great. If you're ever in LA and need emergency care, go to Cedars! (To be clear, this paragraph is not a paid endorsement for Cedars-Sinai)

Ok, back to the Saga of the MITM and His Misaligned Knee! Once he was checked in, and The Doc and I received our visitor badges, we waited for his pre-op intake. A neat service the hospital offers is patient updates sent to your mobile, which allows the family to wander off relax, and not pester intake staff know they'll receive updates as to start time, etc. So, once we knew the procedure had started, The Doc and I went down to the cafeteria for some breakfast! We are now at around 8AM, and we've both only had a cup of coffee about 4 hours earlier. He had a real breakfast, but for me it was just a coffee and a slice of pound cake. Normally, anxiety/stress makes me a nervous eater, but not yesterday! SO, that happened. We sat in the lounge talking and drinking our coffees while our phones charged (another convenience offered - charging stations in a comfortable setting). I made The Doc laugh because in my very large bag, I had my MAC, 2 magazines, a book of poetry, 2 masks, hand sanitizer, Tylenol, a charger, of course, Kleenex, a notepad, 2 pens, my wallet, the MITM's wallet, and his mobile, and my car and house keys. The only thing I was missing was Werthers candies! We couldn't decide if I had reverted to my young Mom days or was just manifesting old lady readiness! 

Of course, nothing was used.

We were notified when the MITM was in the recovery room, but we couldn't see him until almost 11:30. That's when all the fun started! He was, as he said, flyin high and numb, but "look at this! I can move my left leg and my knee doesn't hurt" (he will not let me take a photo of his knee, so don't ask for pictorial proof) He told me about his dream while in recovery:

He was on the bandstand playing his saxophone at The It Club, a local place that has long since closed, with Charlie Mingus. He said just as he was about to solo, he woke from his drug-induced surgery sleep. When he told Cap't Chaos about his dream, he responded with, "Dude, you should have just rolled over and finished the solo!" Yeah, the MITM has been high rollin' since then. He was the entertainment for the recovery room staff. 

Until...

The occupational therapist came after his successful session with the physical therapist. We all thought we'd been out and on our way home within the hour. Take-home meds were ordered and were waiting for his discharge. Things were looking up. The OT talked about his normal routine and how to proceed once he was at home. The next step was to help him get dressed. That's when things went south very quickly. As he tried to dress himself, he leaned forward slightly and immediately became lightheaded; his BP dropped, his pallor went pale, clammy skin, the whole WTF is going on situation. OP called out, his bed was lowered, 2 nurses were in the room in seconds, an IV was inserted, and he was hooked up to the monitor. I was sitting there in total shock because this was the second time during all the years we've been together that I'd seen something like this happen. The first time we're weren't in a hospital, so it was EMTs who attended him, and it was scary. So, this time, immediate action was a major relief for me. But, after that event, he stabilized, so going home asap was no longer in the cards. There was a real possibility that they would keep him under observation, but after a couple of hours, and his BP remaining at a normal level, we received the all clear for him to be discharged. 

And so we began the journey home. Remember the bit about the cars? Well, The Doc's sedan made it easier for the MITM to sit on the seat, and as supernana told him, "Sit like a girl wearing a mini skirt, no panties, and the paparazzi trying to take pics!" That's hard to do when one leg is painful from surgery, and you're trying to swing your legs together into the front seat of a car. Trying to do that in an SUV is even harder because of the height of not only the vehicle, but the seat! Once he got into the front seat, we took off. We may have avoided traffic on the way in, but the traffic gods caught up with us big time! LA drivers all know shortcuts around town that may shave off a few minutes, but what you might save usually means a very scenic drive, and you'll still catch traffic at one of the many choke points around this damn town!

(Just for shits and giggles, check out the route from Cedars to Burbank at 6PM on whatever GPS program you use. Yeah, talk about a bitch.)

OMG, just writing this all out is making my head hurt, and I'm reliving the anxiety again!!

So back at home, it took super nana and The Doc to help him up the two steps into the house. He also has to use a walker to get around for the next few weeks, but at this point, we're just dealing with immediate needs. The house is tricked out for his ease and our peace of mind!

So that was the week day that was. I've left out a few bits because I think we've all had enough of DisKneeland! (H/t to The Doc for that one)

Think of me kindly, sweetpeas, because I think I'm about to lose my mind...again.

An orchid*

My Birthday present from BKM (aka my granddaughter), along with the Christmas garland she made. Mardi Gras king cakes are on order already, and we're already in Carnivale season here! This year I'll take pics BEFORE everything gets eaten!

*The news was too damn depressing this morning and the post I had written reflected that, so I decided to share something pretty instead.

NYE party or Thank You youtube

For your viewing pleasure

 A little backstory:

The Buena Vista Fusiliers had to ignite the cannons inside because of inclement weather. Unfortunately, that meant the two dogs, Sazzy and Rockett, also had to stay in. Rockett is the black dog you see racing from the stairs to the couch. Also, unfortunately, she ran directly over the MITM, causing his champagne flute to spill its contents directly on him! What was captured was his exclamation when he was asked if Rockett was ok, to which he said, "Fuck the dog, I'm drenched!"

(YIKES! I don't know why it's unavailable, I'm trying to figure out what happened.)

************

Because I love sharing photos of delicious meals, here's what we had yesterday.

Two dozen oysters (I forgot to take a pic, so you get what was left when I remembered) served with your choice of lemon, tabasco, or a delicious homemade mignonette sauce, and saltines.

The drink of choice was our favorite classic, Gin & Tonic made with Hendricks gin and Fever Tree tonic!

I think we all need some cheer after this week of insanity!

xoxo

A few words

 Like so many of us, I've been struggling with the state of our country and have been at a loss as to how to move forward here on my blog. I can't avoid politics or the discussion, but I also can't avoid the topic! All of you (by now, I hope) know that I am anti-fascist and stand in complete and total disagreement with the current administration and all those who support it. 

So where does that leave me?

I am glad to have found my community here in Blogville. I know it feels as if sometimes we're all preaching to the choir, but it's extremely important in these uneasy times to know you're not alone and that more people around the world stand with you.

It's going to take me a minute to find my footing again, so I hope all y'all will overlook my brief lapses in communication.

**************

BUT...

I didn't forget about the pics from the birthday bash, we just didn't take any!! I know, right? This Krewe didn't take pictures of a PARTY?? I know what you're thinking: no pictures, then it didn't happen. Of course, normally I'd agree, but there is one piece of video that proves it did, which I will share as soon as I find it!

First, regarding the menu. The MITM spent almost the entire day making Ina Garten's Beef Bourguinon. Instead of a cake, we had 3 dozen chocolate cookies plated in the shape of a cake and topped with a candle. Dinner was served later than usual because, in addition to being MY birthday, it was New Year's Eve, and that was part of the celebration. 

The weather decided not to cooperate, so it was a tad wet outside. This setback caused the Buena Vista Fusilliers (formally known as the Lincoln Street Light Brigade) to discharge their celebratory cannons inside. The video shows the highlight of that release.

I'll be back with the proof.

If I haven't said this before

THANK YOU!

All y'all are the absolute best people EVER! 

From all the sweet Birthday greetings and good wishes for the new year, to the kindness and sympathy for our lost friend. The MITM and I are eternally grateful. It's been a strange and tough few weeks everywhere, but I'm looking forward to better times, not only for ourselves and the Krewe, but for the world!

I love you all.

xoxo

A missed call

 Today, the MITM received a voicemail that caught us both off guard. One, because I had mentioned that we needed to call Tim on NewYear's Day, and two, because we didn't.

He was an old friend from our shared past. He died on Friday. His son left a voicemail apologizing for having to leave a message and not being able to speak to us directly. The MITM spoke with the widow and also with their son. There will be a memorial this coming weekend that will be streamed because Tim had friends across the country.

Call your friends as soon as you think of them. Don't put it off. In fact, don't put anything off because we don't know if we'll get the chance later.

You taught us patience and how to listen.

Rest in Peace, Tim.