A couple of things are on my mind today

 First, who the heck is the scammer who's been commenting on so many blogs, mine included, about hacking ATMs?  Talk about a sorry SOB.

Secondly, I'm watching the Presidential Debate tonight just because I want to see Joe sucker punch Trumpito, metaphorically of course! I'm hoping that Biden doesn't react to any of the grifter-in-charge tricks and just states his plan for getting us out of the pit we're in now. Chris Wallace has already stated that he's not going to fact check anything said during the debate and I'm guessing he isn't going to insist that Donny stay behind his own podium and not try to roam the stage as he did during the debate with Clinton. Anyway, The Kid and I are going to watch and use our MACs to monitor real-time fact-checking on different sites. We're team BidenHarris around here and we all have our plan for voting in place. I hope that all registered voters do the same because we can't sit this one out. Vote as if your life depends on it because it does!

******

I'm back with Captain Chaos, Stretch, The Kid, and BigBoyChaos, while the MITM is with super nana, Mr Matrix and BigGirlMatrix. The Cap't is going back to work soon and Stretch is still working from home while BBC and The Kid are both distance learning. At the Matrix house, they're both working from home and BGM is distance learning. So, the MITM and I are picking up the slack where and when needed. The good thing is that both households are in our pandemic bubble, so there's no quarantine issue. We've been under elder lockdown, so periodic change of scenery is good for everyone, especially the children! 

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

It's almost time for the debate. As much as I hate listening to Trumpito, I really want to see him fail tonight. The reality of this event is that sides have been chosen and minds have been made up, so this is theater that we all have a ticket for tonight.

Today is Saturday and here's my contribution to the weekend!

 Yesterday I received a DM (direct message) on Facebook from a good friend in New Zealand. She asked if I was on Twitter because she was leaving that other social media site, as it was far too toxic and bottomline too corrupt for her. I gave her my Twitter handle (@savmarshmama) and now we're connected there.

Her comment got me thinking about my own love/hate relationship with that other social media site and what I should do. Lately, I've been just a conduit for political information based on my own support for the Biden/Harris ticket and all things supporting the Democratic Party. I've also succumbed to the whole "Doom-scrolling" scenario, so that has certainly elevated my blood pressure and surely made me angrier than I should be. My friend used to live in Georgia, so she understands the political process here and is deeply saddened by how we've devolved as a Nation. I share that opinion, but I'm guessing that doesn't surprise any of you! As I read somewhere that the only reason to stay is to share how one feels to avoid becoming that which we despise or to be even clearer, Trumpito and his venal cabal of grifters!

I am staying away from to some extent, but using the platform does give me a way to stay connected to many of you who've stopped blogging but post on FB. I did sign up to "Liker" but not as many folks have made that leap yet, so I'm not following anyone there yet. If you make that leap, let me know, please. 

When the Biden/Harris ticket is successful in November, I'm guessing the armchair warriors supporting Trumpito will use FB as a platform for their seditious rhetoric and posturing since there seems to be no serious attempt to stop them, as far as I can see. Miss Daisy (the MITM's mama) used to call people like them lowlife, mouthbreathing scum. I'm prone to agree with her assessment. 

To be clear and not to be accused of denigrating anyone, I'm reminding all y'all of my favorite Southern saying, only the hit dog howls. I'll just leave it at that.

Enjoy your weekend, darlings, and remember to wear your mask, wash your hands frequently, and practice physical distancing! 

quiet, please

 That's it.

That's all I want.

September 11, 2020

Big Girl Matrix asked what the Twin Towers were because her teacher talked about it today.  She's in 3rd Grade and they are doing remote learning via online teaching. super nana, the MITM, and I related our experiences from that day after she saw pictures of the towers before the attack.  

Some things never leave you is even truer as the years pass. 

Happy Birthday, Mr Matrix

 Today is Mr Matrix's birthday! He's somewhere between 45 and 48. He's not sure, or at least he wasn't this morning. The pandemic has put a damper on festivities, but there was an ice cream cake his request, pancakes for breakfast, also at his request, and tonight will be shrimp and grits! No pictures yet.

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

It's hotter than I can ever remember in Lalaland, but what do I know? I spent YEARS in the south where high temps were expected in the summer and everyone LOVED their air conditioners. Fortunately, super nana and Mr Matrix have one, so staying inside is pleasant. There are huge fires blazing in California and a couple are close enough to have prompted air quality alerts, so that's just another reason to stay inside.

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

Sadly, even with COVID-19 still plaguing Southern California, too many idiots are massing at local beaches, unmasked, and not practicing social distancing. To those fools I say, 

GO THE FUCK HOME AND STAY THERE! 

We will never get past this if folks don't start thinking about others and less about themselves and their own inconvenience! If everyone just followed the CDC guidelines, we just might get past this horrible pandemic!

Sometimes, people just piss me off!

BUT, not all y'all! I love you! xoxo

62 days

I don't know about you, but I'm becoming more and more frightened that Trumpito is going to try and stay in the White House and continue to totally flaunt the Constitution. Where is the Senate? The House? Surely, not all Republican members are beholden to the grifter-in-charge? 

I can't anymore. Even when I try to be optimistic it doesn't work. All I see and read is depressing. I will vote and thankfully, here in California we have mail-in ballots, so I can maintain my elder lockdown status. It is good to see that a number of businesses are giving their employees the day or time off to vote without loss of pay. So, there are bright spots, I just hope there are enough to save our country!

Like the lost sheep, she returns to the fold

 I've been away from this place for too long! At this point in my life, I'm barely making it through the day after reading the news/Facebook comments/twitter/Instagram, much less trying to organize my thoughts to share here. Perhaps, that's a good thing because I think I'm far too angry these days. Or I'm crying because I see a future without hope for my family and friends.

I am at a loss trying to understand what's going on here in my country, much less the world! We have science PROVING that we're in the midst of a pandemic. We have science PROVING that climate change is a real phenomenon. We have PROVEN evidence that Black people are being killed for no other reason than the color of their skin. And yet, what we see is being denied. What we can hear from the liar-in-chief's mouth is being denied. And we are asked, no told, that all of that is "FAKE NEWS!" American institutions are being destroyed slowly, but surely and it seems all we can do is demonstrate, petition, and sadly, instead of knowing, we can only hope that our vote on November 3rd will be counted and rid us of this troublesome man!

WTF, right? As the MITM keeps reminding me, he's the cynic and I'm the optimist! 

It's getting more and more difficult every day to be that person.

Follow-up on BGM's birthday party or It's Sunday not in Savannah

 The party was exceptional.

Isn't that the truth during these times? We're all trying to find a way to bring some sort of normalcy to special occasions without putting anyone in jeopardy. So, there was a quick driveby by some friends and family that surprised BGM (and also her parents who didn't expect as many to be part of it) with horn honking, balloons, signs, and birthday gifts! Social distancing and masks were worn and all presents carefully wiped down as an accepted procedure. Love and friendship in the time of COVID-19.

With every sweet moment, there's a story that just makes me cry. Stretch told us, as we sat outside, that Big Boy Chaos had cried the other night because "he hated COVID because he couldn't see his BGM!" The two cousins are 6 months apart in age and are best friends. This morning at breakfast, BGM asked when she'd see BBC again because she missed him already. We're our own pod, but it has been difficult to get together. Children are resilient, but this isolation is difficult for all of them in ways we'll probably not understand for quite a while.

The MITM and I will be back at the Captain's house the week after BGM starts her online/remote learning. As it stands now if super nana and Mr Matrix need help, one of us will stay here to supervise BGM. Big Boy Chaos starts remote schooling at the end of August. We'll see how this all progresses.

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

Here's the birthday girl!

Now she's 8!

It's AUGUST!! Holy Moley!

You may have noticed or not, which is OK, but anyway, I've been absent from Blogville since my last post because my computer decided that I was a bitch and it didn't want to work anymore. Today it decided that it was tired of doing nothing and here we are! This pandemic is affecting everyone and everything it seems. 

We're still with super nana & Mr Matrix and of course, Big Girl Matrix! Her birthday is this weekend (she's going to be 8), but with social distancing still necessary out here (and around the world) there will be no friends and family party. Even the plans that had been made in anticipation of the date have been changed to stay in line with the Governor's directives. This is a birthday no one will forget, that's for sure!

That's it for today, sweetpeas! My mind has been blown away by (at this point, you can fill in the blank because whatever you think is probably right)!

xoxoxo

How the hell is it already Thursday?

Here's the deal, as you already know the MITM and I are currently on the other side of the hills out here in Lalaland. BGM has a summer schedule that we are closely adhering to because super nana used to be a teacher and prefers that BGM spends some time learning and not just watching tv! This is fine with me, but at my age teaching or rather providing guidance on 2nd-grade math skills is beyond my ability. I mean, listen, sweetpeas, all the terminology is different! We aren't borrowing or carrying anymore. We are re-grouping and other terms I've already forgotten! BGM senses I don't know WTF I'm doing, so she prefers that the MITM help her. I'm good with that! I get the fun part of story writing, spelling, word recognition, you know all the stuff I know. *Jesus wept*

We're also doing a countdown to BGM's birthday! Yep, she's going to be 8! I'll remind you. This year having a party is out, so friends and family are going to do a drive-by birthday celebration which seems to have taken the place of kids parties thanks to the pandemic. Presents are arriving in the mail, but won't be delivered to the birthday girl until that day. It's pretty hard not to over-indulge a bit because things are so off-center for children these days! So, that's what's happening here. We were hoping that her cousin, BBC could be here, but at this point who knows if we'll be back under mandatory stay-at-home orders by August. All I am absolutely sure of is that the cake will be delicious and is exactly what she wanted!

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

Damn, I am rambling now. I think I have "shelter-in-place" brain and once I start writing or talking to people on the phone, I can't stop. It's the whole "OMG, it's someone other than the people I live with" thing. Or as Mr Matrix says the old pensioner talking to anyone who'll listen thing. I really would like to just run my own errands or just take a drive, but that ain't happening. I'll stop complaining now.

Take it easy, sweetpeas, seems we have a long way to slide before this is over.

So, wear your mask, wash your hands frequently, and for the love of all that's good, practice physical distancing when you're outside!

Friday music from a friend

Expectation: I'm going forward hopeful today.

Reality: The day will probably change my purpose dramatically

July the 5th because things have be crazeeee around here since June 15th

Oh yeah and I'm NOT EVEN talking about the USof A and all of the insanity that's going on here (Thanks to Trumpito and his minions)! We and The Krewe have expanded our bubble and now the MITM and I are in Burbank with super nana, Mr Matrix, and BGM (also including, Moxie and Tommy Lasorda,  aka the dogs) for a while since both of them are working from home! Mr Matrix has a big project that his taking more of his day than before, so we're here to help out and also spend more time with BGM!

super nana is maintaining her usual day that starts earlier because her boss is in another timezone but can end a little earlier than most, most of the time anyway.

 ***************

It's also a very big day for Stretch* because it's her  

*REDACTED* birthday!

We called and sang to her this morning and posted greetings on all the shared social media sites. In the past celebrations would have been yet another opportunity for a big family gathering, but 2020 has changed everyone's plans. BUT, we're just adding up all the missed parties and will have one or 20 huge parties when this is all over! That's my plan anyway! 

So, leave her a greeting if y'all are so inclined because she will see them!

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

We're good here and for that I am grateful. The MITM and I are still on elder lockdown, but we've traded locations for a while, so it is sort of a vacation. I mean, I had to pack a bag and travel with a destination in mind, so that qualifies as a trip in my mind!

So, there y'all go, so stay safe, wear your mask, practice physical distancing, and wash your damn hands!

I leave all y'all! xoxox

*Stretch, for those of you who might not know, is wife to Captain Chaos, mother to The Kid and Big Boy Chaos (BBC), sister-in-law to The Doc and The Dancing Lady, super nana and Mr Matrix, and auntie to Big Girl Matrix (BGM), and lovely daughter-in-law to me and the MITM!

Just a thought

Today I read that our pal, 63Mago*, has been blogging for 10 years! Congratulations to him that's for sure! Blogging is so much more fun than that other social media site! Huzzah for him and everyone else who's still blogging!

E@L** is also back blogging. At least, he did today. Drop by and encourage him, if you're so inclined!

Ok, that's pretty much it for me today. I started this to talk about how I started blogging in Nov. of 2006. Go figure, right?

Anyway, stay safe, wear a mask when you're outside, and wash your hands often!***

* check him out on my sidebar

**Expat At Large also on my sidebar

***I've forgotten how to do hyperlinks!

What a Week!

There isn't much to add to the news we've all read and seen about this past week! I am glad we have a chance to not only reconsider the past, but a very real opportunity to change our collective future.

I can only hope that every person who stood or walked in protest will remember to vote in November. 

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

Today is his birthday!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the MITM aka Man In The Moon!

Celebrate with us as we raise a glass in his honor!

Hang in there, sweetpeas!

I had another post ready, but after today I figured we just needed to have each other's back and keep on keepin' on as the song said.

Times are tough right now for all of us here on this continent, and across the pond. Hell, everywhere on this planet! But, remember there is goodness and kindness in Blogville!

I love all y'all!
xoxo

I picked the right week to not watch the news

I stopped watching network news earlier this week and even with that small move, I was not untouched by the horrors that filled the screens around the country and probably the world. Between the rantings of Trumpito and his undisguised white supremacist views, there was, once again, the death of George Floyd, a black man, filmed and televised. There was the accusation by a white woman against Christian Cooper, a black man, once again filmed and shared over and over again. 

These are just two things that I know about that happened during my self imposed television withdrawal.

This morning I learned about the arrest of Omar Jimenez, a CNN reporter, and his crew by police in Minneapolis at a demonstration yesterday. This during a LIVE broadcast. You could hear the reporter and his crew cooperating with the police, in fact, asking what did the police want them to do. The reporter and his crew were all wearing CNN identification as journalists do when reporting on any demonstration. 

He is black.

A block away his white colleague was not arrested.

This is not just a black-white issue.

It's not minority communities versus white communities.

It's more than the top 1% versus the rest of us.

This is a moment in time when we as Americans decide what type of a society we are going to be going forward. 

I don't have the answer. But, I think together we can figure this out.

At least, I hope so.

***********

I haven't forgotten COVID-19. I don't think any of us can right now. For every day we have fewer deaths, we still have people succumbing to this new virus with variations appearing in different groups in our society. It seems that there is no longer a demographic that's safe or excluded.

I miss seeing the rest of the Krewe. We are incredibly fortunate that we're with the Cap't, Stretch, The Kid, and Big Boy Chaos! To be in the middle of all of this, to be in the same city, and yet apart would have been heartbreaking. As it is now, I miss the ability we had to just hop in a car and see super nana, Mr Matrix, and Big Girl Matrix. I miss seeing The Doc and The Dancing Lady!

I know, we all miss the way things were.

We'll find a new way.

I know it.

I love all y'all!

xoxo

Holy Moly! I just blogged yesterday and here I am today!

I think I might be on to something here, loverlies! Blogging instead of posting on that other social media site Our pal, FirstNations, has cut the cord (after getting jailed far too many times) and has resumed blogging! I have forgotten how to do hyperlinks, so check her site out from the sidebar (Steve. Because 'Steve' is almost as nice a name as 'Paul' was.) and delight in her words!

So, where am I? Yes, blogging again and reading al y'all and trying to form coherent comments. (I say this because I just had a conversation with the MITM and we were both astounded that I could not remember something he had done just a week ago. Make sense?) Anyway, enough about me (too late) what the hell are y'all up to now? Safer At Home guidelines are being lifted in some areas and not in others, so tell how it is where you are!

The MITM and I have decided (after listening to his scientist brother) that we aren't going anywhere unit there's a vaccine. Cap't Chaos and Stretch, along with the rest of our krewe are in agreement with that plan, so that's the plan here. I'm going slowly crazy, but so is everyone else, I guess.

Memorial Day 2020

The news has called today a Memorial Day unlike any other. 

Personally, if it weren't for the pall of COVID-19 hanging over all of us, it's very much the same as every year. The majority of people see today as the "unofficial beginning of summer" and not a day of remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It has long bothered me that Memorial Day is seen as a great hook for sales of every sort, from sheets to cars to blenders! How crass we've become. But then again, I am not surprised by anything since November of 2016 and sadly, we've come to expect vulgarity and crassness from people. 

So, it was with gratitude that I watched Joe Biden and Dr. Biden lay a wreath at the memorial in Delaware today. Not only were they both wearing masks as the CDC has recommended, their security detail and staff were also masked. It is a sign of concern for the health and safety of those around them which, unfortunately, too many people fail to understand is the whole purpose of wearing a mask in public.

I hope all of you stay safe, stay healthy, and stay hopeful.

I love all y'all.

xoxo

64 days as of today here in Los Angeles

I counted from March 13, 2020, up to today how long we've been under a mandatory Stay-At-Home order from Mayor Eric Garcetti. Capt Chaos and Stretch have been our designated shoppers, so the MITM and I have only been outside in the garden. Walks around the block, always wearing a mask, of course, have been the extent of physical exercise. Physical distancing is being practiced by people who understand why it's still important, but sadly, the news seems to focus on the moronic halfwits who don't give a rats ass about anyone other than themselves! 

I've found it so difficult to understand why people protesting are carrying weapons, waving nazi or confederate flags (or both at times), threatening folks who are masked is patriotic and supportive of America? By what stretch of the imagination is personal freedom defined by putting others at risk? I've heard from the Captain that even though there are fewer drivers on the road, far too often drivers are taking insane risks by speeding, blowing through stop signs, and other dumb moves! Sadly, here in Lalaland, the stats for car crashes under the Stay-At-Home order is the same as last year for the same 64 days! I can't think of a better time to be even more cautious than now!

On a happier note, we've been doing a lot of cooking and baking here! The Kid is making a Cuban style pork roast tonight, the MITM will be making another Chicken and Sausage gumbo soon, and I'm going to roast a leg of lamb this weekend. It's been quite a gastronomic adventure living with folks who love to cook during this pandemic! (Hey, I have to make a few lame jokes to keep from crying - which I seem to have been doing a bit of lately!) 

I've also been doing a lot of reading. I'm in the middle of Erik Lawson's book "The Splendid and the Vile" and have a stack that will keep me busy for a few weeks. What about y'all? What's keeping you busy?

So, there it is, my loverlies, my sort of weekly update from behind the COVID Curtain here in L.A.!

How y'all doing? 

aaaarrrraagggghhhh

i can't believe how irritable i am today.

I had to post that statement because it was just bubbling inside of me! Now that it's out, I'm feeling so much better! Is this happening to you? Even though I know we're staying "safe inside so that we can see all our friends later" the feeling of restlessness is present. I'm missing my other children, my granddaughter, my friends being in my space, not on a screen.

I know, so is everyone else, sweetpea! 

(This was much longer, but I decided to save it for another day.)

May 6th, 2020 (I think)

Well, in case you've been wondering WTF happened to me, here it is in a nutshell:

I killed yet another MAC! OK, maybe it really wasn't my fault this time, but I am without my own personal computer yet again! (I'm using an old one that belongs to Stretch right now) Mr Matrix had loaned me an old one of his, but it's now dead. Given the current restraints regarding our current pandemic budget I'm not buying a new MAC anytime soon. Dropping a few thousand dollars just seems to be the height of folly right now. Especially since I ain't working!

So, how y'all doing?

I expect there to be a ridiculous rise in COVID-19 cases soon given that so many folks have decided that it's their patriotic duty to go out without masks with no thought for anyone other than themselves. I can not understand how this thinking (or not thinking) works! But then again, I'm not going anywhere until there is a vaccine available and/or SCIENCE says it's safe again to be out and about, even if that means wearing a mask and practicing physical distancing! 

I don't know anymore WTF folks are rallying around conspiracy theories or still supporting Trumpito, but I no longer try to explain why I do what I do or what I believe.

(Sweet Mary Sunshine, this is turning into a modified rant which was not my original intent.)

I'm off to catch up with all y'all!

Stay safe, wear your mask, and wash your hands! xoxo

I know it's Sunday

I think I'm starting to slowly go crazy.

Or maybe it's just cabin fever.

I don't know anymore. But one thing is true: we will be doing this for at least another month here in LA!

Stay safe, stay inside, if you must go out remember to wash your hands as soon as you can. 

Of course, if you live around here, put your face mask on when you go outside!

There's more to the guidelines, but I think you've probably learned the drill by now.

There's a meme going around that says something along the lines of

Don't think of this as staying inside, think of it as staying safe.

It's a gentle reminder that we want to see all of our friends when this is over.

I love you all. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to The Dancing Lady!!

Quarantine Birthday Doughnuts 

The Dancing Lady is celebrating her day in her pajamas (which is why the pic is cropped) and having DOUGHNUTS for her birthday breakfast!

Y'all know how much this Krewe likes to party, so as soon as we can there's going be a HUGE CELEBRATION of birthdays, anniversaries, births, graduations, and what the hell, parties just for the pure delight of being together again!

This year it's a world-wide Birthday Party, so help us celebrate her *REDACTED* birthday and leave a good wish! 



P.S. I love all y'all, so remember: wash your hands, keep 6' distance, and wear a mask (but not hospital-grade, unless you're a health care worker) when you go out!

Movie Mania! or What Happens When BGM is Being Homeschooled!

I know it's Monday, but that's about it

I feel as if we're all back in kindergarten and being punished because of a few miscreants acting up, so none of us get to go out for recess!

I'm not serious. 

I KNOW we're coming from a place of privilege because we have homes to stay in, food to eat, soap and water to keep clean. But, honestly, when I look at the news and see people ignoring the physical distancing mandates it just pisses me off! The arrogance is startling and yet, not surprising. As a society, we've become blind to the suffering of others and the inequality that exists. I am hopeful that this crisis has exposed the ugliness that is just below the surface.

This is sort of a downer post, but I've come to realize that we need to roll with the ups and downs of this sequestration and if that means tears, screams, curses, and blessings are contained in one post, well, as BGM says, "Oh well, sorry, boys..."

I'm off to make Chocolate Chip Banana Bread! 

xoxo

Be kind, be strong, and take care of one another

Those were the words from Dr. Barbara Ferrer, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, just now.

I can't think of anything better to remember today.

We will get through this together.

What day is this? I don't know anymore

Man, it's getting strange around here.

But, seriously, we're inside, we have food, WiFi, we're not alone, and this ain't a damn warzone by any stretch of the imagination!

But, it really does help to have a place to just talk/vent/whine or whatever! I've had some off moments that I know come from watching too much news/talking heads. Like so many others, I look at our family and friends and wonder what lies ahead. There are moments where tears will suddenly spill down my cheeks and just as quickly, stop. I think I'm not alone with that particular experience.

All we do know is that it will get worse before it gets better. 

Stay safe, practice physical distancing, keep in touch via whatever platform you use, and wash your damn hands! xoxo

"Wow. The Covid 19 makes you spit bars. Lol" comment from youtube

Love in the Time of COVID-19 (with apologies to Gabriel García Márquez)

(In all honesty, I am not going to even attempt to write anything as gorgeous as his, but I figured the title was too good to pass up!)

Like everyone else around the world, we're staying home and watching the news/movies/Instagram/Facebook/Twitter. I'm working my way through the stack of books I was planning to read eventually. We're taking advantage of all the virtual museum tours, historic house tours, and national parks. The Krewe has started hosting "The Shenanigans Club" online for all the littles (as they are called, as opposed to the "olds" which is us!) every day after "school" ends. Big Boy Choas is visiting with his school pals via FaceTime. Big Girl Matrix has taken to just standing on the sidewalk and yelling/talking to her pals up and down the street! The kids are adapting to homeschooling without too many issues. I know they are fortunate that their schools have sent home packets for individual study. It also helps that Stretch is a teacher and super nana a former teacher! Local PBS (Public Broadcasting System) stations are, as I think all PBS stations, are providing not only the usual educational programs but also sending newsletters filled with ideas for combating "cabin fever" and maybe a little mental health break for parents/caregivers!

Here in L.A. and across our state, we're a half step away from the shelter in place order that Gov. Cuomo released, but unless idiots who continue to flock to the hiking trails, beaches, and open areas quit and stay inside, that's the next step. We have a chance to flatten the curve right now here in L.A. to protect not only the "olds" but those in the medical field, the firefighters, EMS, police, grocery store workers, pharmacists, and everyone else who continues working to provide essential services for the rest of us! I'm guessing that the same is true for all y'all around the world. 

I don't know what's coming next, but I do know that we will, as global citizens, get through this together. It will not be easy, nor will it be without human loss, but it will happen. Or as Annie sang:




UPDATE: there's something new here in Blogville! There's no hyperlink because I seem to have forgotten how to do that, so check out:

https://write-panic.blogspot.com/

Second UPDATE:

Jon is right. Grace Jones version is WAAAAAY better!

In times of trouble...

I copied this from our friend, John's blog "Going Gently" (I seem to have forgotten how to do links, so check his blog out on my blogroll/sidebar). The comment below is a gentle reminder about what we're all experiencing on some level right now.

Stay safe, stay calm, and remember to wash your hands! I love all y'all and we will get through this!




Brother Richard, of the Capuchin Franciscans

Lockdown

Yes there is fear.

Yes there is isolation.

Yes there is panic buying.

Yes there is sickness.

Yes there is even death.

But,

They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise

You can hear the birds again.

They say that after just a few weeks of quiet

The sky is no longer thick with fumes

But blue and grey and clear.

They say that in the streets of Assisi

People are singing to each other

across the empty squares,

keeping their windows open

so that those who are alone

may hear the sounds of family around them.

They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland

Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound.

Today a young woman I know

is busy spreading fliers with her number

through the neighbourhood

So that the elders may have someone to call on.

Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples

are preparing to welcome

and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary

All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting

All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way

All over the world people are waking up to a new reality

To how big we really are.

To how little control we really have.

To what really matters.

To Love.

So we pray and we remember that

Yes there is fear.

But there does not have to be hate.

Yes there is isolation.

But there does not have to be loneliness.

Yes there is panic buying.

But there does not have to be meanness.

Yes there is sickness.

But there does not have to be disease of the soul

Yes there is even death.

But there can always be a rebirth of love.

Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now.

Today, breathe.

Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic

The birds are singing again

The sky is clearing,

Spring is coming,

And we are always encompassed by Love.

Open the windows of your soul

And though you may not be able

to touch across the empty square,

Sing.

things that have happened since we last spoke

the MITM had shingles

then he had a cold

now he has deep muscle pain from the shingles

there was a baby shower for our niece

he missed it

his brother and his wife were in town

they came over

his sister and her husband were in town

they came over

our 51st anniversary came and went

exciting shit, right?


then there's 

Big Girl Matrix playing golf

and 

Big Boy Chaos playing with his Hogwarts Lego days after his 8th birthday in the early morning hours

see y'all soon!

things that make you go "WTF"

...are far too numerous these days to articulate.

So long, dear friend!

LX

Charles Robert Lewis 

January 20, 1950 - December 18, 2019

it's all over but the shouting

Trumpito is giving his State of the Union speech tomorrow.

His trial in the Senate is on Wednesday.

I will die in a country very different from the one I was born in.

We would hope that when our end comes, it will be from old age, but the possibility exists that it could be from something very, very different.

And so it begins

For only the third time in American history, articles of impeachment have moved to the Senate for trial.

While I hold no love for the current president this is a solemn and incredibly serious occasion. It brings me no joy that our country will have to witness a trial for "High Crimes and Misdemeanors" by the man who swore to uphold our Constitution and protect our nation on January 20, 2017. I hope that serious consideration and thoughtfulness will prevail in the Senate and justice for the American people will happen.




But, I'm not holding my breath that will happen.

A quick revelation shared

I've been having beaucoup plenty strange dreams lately. I'm not sure why, but I'm starting to think it has to do with moving back to Lalaland. The dreams have nothing to do with the Krewe, just being back here! It dawned on me that we lived in Savannah longer than we'd lived in any other place in the world! We left California the first time when we were 20, came back for a short stay in San Francisco, moved back down to L.A. for a few years,  left again for overseas, came back and stayed until super nana went off to college. 

Then we left...

for what we thought was forever!

We lived in Savannah for 23 YEARS. I didn't even live in my mother's house for that long. Being back in L.A. (for good and not just a vacation) has been a combination of being incredibly joyful and being incredibly overwhelmed! So much has changed and yet there is this feeling of sameness as if the real L.A. hasn't changed, it's just become a bit more adept at hiding that reality. This is a constant source of conversation as we drive around town. So, with all of this in mind, we're slowly narrowing our search area down for housing, but it's still a chore. 

On the upside, this city is a fantastic place for sustainable (don't you just love that word instead of saying "used"?) (UPDATE: additional terminology is thrifted) furniture to replace what we either sold or gave away! I am looking forward to that little exercise. 

**********

Since my post the other day, I'm finding it easier to stay away from that other social media site, but thanks to y'all's comments I'm not shying away from political posts or even thinking about reactions! As the saying goes, I have no more fucks to give at this point.

Be well, my lovelies! I'm off to do something...

constructive.

It's 2020 and I can see clearly now...

So, here we go!

Over the last few weeks, I've learned a few things that slightly unnerved me! On that other social media site someone reported a post I'd shared and it was removed because it "violated community standards" according to Facebook that other social media site. Then, I heard that I was being "muted" by some friends because I'd become too much of a "political downer" as far as they were concerned. (Go figure, right? I'm the political downer??? Do they not watch the news?) And finally, the MITM heard from some old neighborhood friends that my social media posts were the topic of conversations (and not always favorably) about me, but never with me! All of this has perplexed me because I thought it was clear that anything I shared or said was to keep ME from falling into complacency and accepting the insanity here in the USA as normal! 

What to do?

I noticed that one of our Blogville pals said he was sort of switching over to Instagram and instead of blogging. I totally get it! It's image-based and doesn't really require a response from the poster. I like it, but I'm more of a scroller and not a poster on that site. Then there's Twitter! Another place for "hearing" different voices without actual involvement. I'm a "liker" and "retweeter" there with the occasional post or response. There are other sites, but I'm not ready to commit/get involved. *sigh*

So, here I am back to my safe place! I'll be making the rounds to visit all y'all and also, trying to be a slightly more consistent Blogger!

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

I had a birthday celebration on NYE at super nana and Mr Matrix's home. All of the Krewe, family and a few friends showed up to help celebrate and party! It was a blast (quite literally) with confetti and streamer cannons fired off by the Good Gentlemen and Honorable Lincoln Street Cannoneers aka Cap't Chaos and The Doc, lots of music, great food, and a delicious chocolate cake! No pictures because NDA's were signed to protect reputations and livelihoods! Or maybe because we were too busy drinking having fun!

A couple of days later while getting rid of some of the decorations, I got hit in the eye by a piece of foam core board! Again, no pictures, but after 3 hours in Urgent Care, the last thing I wanted to do was document the injury! Trust me, it was not pretty! I asked for a black eye patch because my 7-year-old grandkids would love it, but the request was politely declined! Baby Girl Matrix and Big Boy Chaos were fascinated for about 10 minutes, then just monitored my recovery with pithy sayings! I missed out on 2 Birthday lunches because of my own vanity! (It doesn't matter that we're in L.A. and everybody wears sunglasses indoors, I couldn't do it!) I was promised rain checks for the lunch dates, so all wasn't lost.

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

There you have it! An almost complete update on what's been going on around here with me and the MITM! What's been happening in your world, sweetpeas? xoxo

Yikes!

I have missed more than I had thought!

Captain Chaos had a BIRTHDAY on November 11th and I forgot to post. I have no excuse, but I did wish him a Happy Birthday! 

He's a funny guy!

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

Here's to all y'all with all our love and affection for the kindness and generosity you've given us

throughout the years, but especially this one!

Happy Holidays, Loveries!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUPER NANA!!

Last year, super nana, Mr. Matrix, and Big Girl Matrix were celebrating her birthday in Paris! This year we're all together and will celebrate in total Krewe fashion because y'all, we do know how to party.

So, please join the MITM, the Krewe, and me in wishing our sweet girl* 

One of my favorite super nana photos!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

*She may not be blogging anymore, but super nana still reads this blog, especially on her birthday!

Are you still dancing?

To Earth, Wind and Fire, of course!

Every time I see those words, I starting singing/humming the song. (chair dancing as I type)

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

So here we are, October 3rd! I'm in Burbank and super nana just asked me, "Why aren't you blogging?" I had no good answer (or even a bad one), so here I am! We're still nomads (I'd say Bedouin, but I'm neither Arab or North African, and sweetmarysunshine, I'm the last one who wants to be accused of cultural appropriation) and actually still enjoying it. Looking at real estate in Lalaland is an adventure, especially when you're from this place and remember what it used to be. 

******

California, and Los Angeles specifically, has seen a monumental rise in homeless population for a variety of reasons many of which have existed for a long time. Part of the problem can be traced to the closure of mental hospitals under then Gov. Ronald Reagan and on into his presidency and the Republican controlled Senate. Check out this link from Salon Magazine:

https://www.salon.com/2013/09/29/ronald_reagans_shameful_legacy_violence_the_homeless_mental_illness

(Seems I've forgotten how to do a hyperlink!)

But that's only a part of the problem. The disparity between rich and poor has grown incrementally and is startlingly apparent in areas far removed from the traditional "Skid Row" area in Downtown L.A.! Campsites along major streets and under overpasses are common sights. Seeing tents pitched in alleys behind what would be considered middle class areas is no longer surprising. And yet, with all of this real need for housing, we have empty luxury apartments that are written off by developers or priced far beyond the means of working people. To be clear, here, as in far too many places, people are living paycheck to paycheck and one misstep can end up in an eviction or foreclosure. Too often it's not even a misstep, it's an unexpected expense that sends a person or family reeling out of financial control. Seeing campers, cars, SUVs, and camper trucks lining residential and industrial streets 24/7 is a sight not expected in a city that has a budget that dwarfs COUNTRIES is beyond startling. Los Angeles is trying to address this issue, but it may be a case of too little, too late I don't know. What I do know is that there are people working to solve these problems and they are in the public and private sector. Throwing money at the problem isn't the solution. Like any other problem that occurs when you're dealing with people, we're looking at a multi-pronged approach. Providing housing must be coupled with providing needed services to those who need them. I know that this is an issue for many cities, not only here in the USA, but in other countries. I also know I'm starting to ramble/babble, but it's only because this city, my city, has changed so much and is so different, I feel almost lost here.

***********

Now, back to me and the MITM. Given all that I've shared (and believe me, I cut out a LOT), we have nothing to complain about because we have options and living on the street and pushing a shopping cart isn't one of them. 

And for that, I am grateful.

******

This is how this post had started before I realized just how ungrateful I sounded:

After living in 2600 square feet in a single family house with a HUGE garden, looking at an apartment less than half that size stacked/surrounded by dozens of units is a tad off-putting. 

It looks as if given the MITM's schedule, things won't be settling down until sometime during the first quarter of 2020. April will mark one year back in Southern California and the beginning of yet another chapter here in the city, my city, Los Angeles! 

Do you remember the 21st night of September?

So long to summer even if it's going to be 93 here in Lalaland! I can never resist this song in September, but then, like so many, I danced to Earth, Wind, and Fire then and still do now!

So, here's our update:

The MITM and I are still enjoying our nomadic life and rediscovering the city we both grew up in. The Krewe is still happy we're out here, so that's a good thing. I don't miss Hurricane Season in the Southeast, nor do I miss the "should I stay or should I go" feeling that so many of my friends in SAV are experiencing. Bugging out during an evacuation isn't fun, nor is it easy, but staying and the hurricane worsens is even harder. I wish my pals in Georgia and Hope (who isn't blogging now) in the Carolinas, the best of luck and that Dorian takes a BIG turn out into the Atlantic and spares them the devastation inflicted on the Bahamas!

Right now, housing in SoCal, like so many other places in California, is scare and EXPENSIVE! So, as much as we'd like to stay in the city, we're looking outside of the basin and have expanded our search to places within an hours drive from here. I am not as happy about this, but we shall see...

The MITM is still unsure when he'll be going back to deepestdarkestafrica, so we have time to continue our search for a permanent location because as y'all might remember there are 40 or so boxes of books that need to be moved and NOBODY wants to move those more than twice (in to the moving van, then out of the moving van)! At least, nobody who's doing it for free!

So, there you go, a brief, but pretty accurate update. I promise not to let 2 months go by before I blog again!

Now, off to catch up with all y'all!

xoxo