July 3rd or the day before the last 4th of July in America

 I have tried to stay positive and hopeful, but it seems as if I'm tilting into the wind. Unless the other two branches of our government, the Executive and the Congress, do something we are looking at the ever-increasing destruction of our democratic Republic. We have watched the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the suggestion by a Justice that other rights to privacy need to be reconsidered, and before that the attempted insurrection by a mob encouraged by a sitting president. We've seen a president impeached TWICE but not convicted by the Senate. His grift was exposed by federal and state investigations, yet TFG is still free and has not, to this date, been indicted, charged, arrested, or tried. 

I can only hope that the January 6th Select Committee Hearings will give the Department of Justice enough to proceed with charges against him and his nefarious cabal of fellow grifters.

Tomorrow is a day of sadness around here. Perhaps next year we will be able to celebrate America's Independence Day.

UPDATE from Maria Shriver's newsletter "Sunday Paper" that I want to share to remind myself and all ya'll, that we are not the minority in this country!

As for me, I want to live in a United States of America. I view myself first and foremost as an American. I may live in California, but I also live in America and I’m an American. I live in a country that so many desperately want to live in because of its promise for a better life. But its promise is in danger of being broken unless we, the People, uphold it. Unless we, the People, look within and see that our country is bigger than any one state or political party. That’s what a young woman named Cassidy Hutchinson did this week when she took an oath and stood up to tell the truth about her time in Trump’s White House. She did it at great personal risk to herself, but she did it for her country.

 

My fellow Americans, we have got to pull ourselves together and put our country first. Not our state first. Not our political party first. Our country first. Otherwise, we won’t have one to hand over to our children.

 

In a speech this week at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Congresswoman Liz Cheney cautioned her fellow Republicans: “We have to choose, because Republicans cannot both be loyal to Donald Trump and loyal to the Constitution.”

 

Whilst watching CNN's coverage of the January 6th Hearings...

 During a break, while watching this morning's surprise hearings, I looked at Cookie's blog and if you didn't already read it, go NOW and read today's post!

Bottomline, VOTE in every election because it is really true all politics is local. Councils, mayors, county supervisors, school boards, sheriffs, and yeah, the damn dog catchers, VOTE because if you don't the repercussions will come back and bite you in the ass!

DIY will make you forget Friday and the day before that, and probably an entire political party

 At least, that's my thinking today.

Yeah, before super nana and Mr Matrix bought this house, I had told her not to toss a glass top table and that I would spray paint the aluminum legs and base whatever color she wanted.

Soooooo, that's my chore for today. They're going for a Morrocan theme outdoors, so a gorgeous cobalt blues color is being sprayed on. Since I'm the designated DIYer, I'm taking full advantage of the between coat drying time and watching Monty Don on the outdoor TV whilst sitting on the sofa with the overhead fan cooling my dumb ass! Oh, it helps that the MITM is providing me with cold Chardonnay and keeping my glass topped off!

Sometimes, a break from doomscrolling is an absolute must!

Now that I've finished lunch, it's back to "work" for me because somebody has to watch that TV and keep the citronella candle lit!

xoxo

June 24, 2022

 

Remember what happened today when you cast your ballot in November! 

Happy Juneteenth or Happy Father's Day or Happy Sunday

 Whatever you're celebrating or enjoying today, make it the best damn day ever!

We're never guaranteed tomorrow, sweetpeas. Hell, not even the next minute, so be present in the moment. 

I love all y'all! xoxo

Someone you should know! Introducing The Rockmother!

Here's a great link to a FABULOUS woman I know! I met her via her blog ages ago, and have happily followed her ever since. A little backstory, Astrid was one of the folks I contacted once when the MITM was ill in London and needed assistance. She responded immediately, for which we will always be grateful knowing we will always have a friend and contact in London. (Since then, we've made many more pals across The Pond! You know who you are.) The concierge at the hotel found medical assistance before things got really serious!

I'm not sure which blogger I found first, but I do know I'm still friends with Istvanski and Howsey on a couple of those other social media sites.

On her website, you'll find links to what she's doing and her blog!

I hope y'all will check her site out because you never know when you might need a filmmaker or director!

Happy Birthday, MITM!!

 

Every year he forgets his birthday! This year, like every year, we have a party. Some years, it's been just the two of us, and then there've been big parties in other years. One year, for the first and ONLY time, I sprang a surprise birthday party on him and while he was gracious to all there, later he said, "Please, never again!" My favorite story about his birthday happened years ago while he was filming a documentary overseas in a warzone! His translator knew from his passport his birthday and arranged an impromptu celebration for him that somehow included gifts! 

Last night, we had a joint celebration with BGM who had a dance recital earlier. Afterward, the entire Krewe came back to celebrate her, and an early birthday party for the MITM! I just realized that we have absolutely no pictures of the cake, but rest assured the cheesecake was DELICIOUS!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, my darling Man-In-The-Moon!

The things you don't want to read

 Today I thought I'd just leave that other social media site alone and content myself with the occasional look at my email. So, it was late in the afternoon when I saw what follows:

Skatepark Sunday. Joy.

Edit: not too long after posting this several of the sportsball enthusiasts near me is decided to have a brawl. One of the dipshits involved decided he couldn’t deal with the ass-whipping he was getting so he pulled out a gun. In a park full of kids. Over sportsball. He fired one shot while I grabbed my child and his friend and hit the deck behind a large concrete obstacle. It was over pretty quick and the shooter and his team took off. The cops showed up and I’m pretty sure one of the members of the opposing team dimed  out the shooter. No one was hurt but several children were scared. Badly. 

All of this was so pointless.

Everyone involved is OK physically, but what does this sort of event do to the mental well-being of children and their parents? After having to explain what happened in Uvalde and a few days earlier, Buffalo, to have this happen in your own safe and fun place, how do we tell our children they're safe and no harm will come to them?

How?

I know one way and that is to  

VOTE 

EVERY 

SINGLE 

REPUBLICAN 

WHO 

HAS 

VOTED 

AGAINST 

GUN 

LEGISLATION

OUT!

I lucked out the other day because no weapons were involved. Today was too close to my people, so maybe they lucked out, too.

But, we can't depend on luck or fate or being in right place to protect our loved ones. We have to take our righteous anger and common sense and protect all children and ultimately, all of us.

Today I did something totally insane and I'm telling you because I need to get it out of my head

I was sitting in super nana's car while she put the Home Goods shopping cart back in the stall (WTF are those things called, anyone know?) when a very large young man started pushing the car next to us as if to push it over. He was very visibly distraught and pounding on the car to set the alarm off. His actions surprised me, but at first, I almost ignored him. Then, a small slender older woman appeared and turned the alarm off and continued to do the same each time he set it off. When super nana got in the car, she realized that something more was happening and opened her door to ask if the woman was OK or did she need some help. Now not only were we concerned, but other women stopped to offer help. The young man, I think he couldn't have been older than 18, was becoming vocally belligerent, so my daughter asked if the woman wanted her to call the police which she said she did. By now we learned he was her grandson, on the autism spectrum and off his meds. This is where the story takes a turn...

I was sitting in the passenger seat when all of a sudden he made a move toward his grandmother. To be clear, not only was he 3 times her size and weight, he was visibly angry, loud, and threatening. My daughter was already speaking with the police and explaining what was happening, but I opened my door, jumped out, and yelled for him to back off. His response was to call me, a "shank ass old whore" and to fuck off. Well, at that point you can guess my response which, of course, was, "Naw, you fuck off!"( I know what a magnificent and totally intelligent adult answer.) I'm not a small delicate woman, but he could have decked me with a punch, but I think because I didn't cower or seem to be afraid of him all he could do at that point was call me a "fat old bitch" I responded with "Is that the best you can do, son?" 

Now we had a few women standing with his Grandmother 2 car widths away from him, so he took out his phone and started recording. By now at least 10 minutes had passed from the time my daughter dialed 911. Fortunately, my daughter had told the operator that the kid was unarmed and having some sort of mental issue, so they dispatched a single motorcycle cop and not a police car with sirens blazing to deal with the situation. So, we left...

As we drove away, super nana asked WTF did I think I was going to do if the guy had tried to hit me? She also told me that she had told the 911 operator that now there were 2 Grandmothers in possible danger because her mother had gotten out of the car! I can honestly say I don't know what I was thinking, but I knew I could not sit there as he towered over his Grandmother! Somehow, I was strong and fearless. All I can say is I am glad he backed down.

It wasn't until a little later that I began to shake and realize how insane my actions were. But, sometimes, isn't that what we have to do? We have to practice active bystander intervention. We have to step in when something is there is a potential for harassment or violence. But, we also have to do this safely, not only for ourselves but for those around us. 

I think I did the right thing.

This is what happens when you don't pay attention to updates on blogger

 So, the other day I could NOT figure out what I was doing wrong when trying to hyperlink to another site. Well, sweetpeas, I now know what happened and why I fucked up  couldn't use the old method!

Seems the really slick smart folks at Blogger had changed the method and now there's a symbol that you use instead of the old html formula I had finally mastered! (This change is the sort of stuff that happens when updates occur whilst one is away from blogging for a minute!) So now I know what to do when I'm trying to insert a link!

I think I've done this correctly. If not, please let me know in the comments where the link sends you, if it in fact does! 

'cause it's Friday; you ain't got no job... and you ain't got shit to do.

 A big round of applause for the movie "Friday" and the very funny Chris Tucker as Smokey for today's post title. So, today will be a stream along those high notes. (no pun intended, I think)

Today as I was reading the newspaper I could hear a song that was familiar, but yet unknown to me. Captain Chaos was listening to a 90s hip hop song the same way we used to (and still do) listen to classic rock when he was a kid. Nothing new, I know, we all seem to find our "popular" musical comfort zone from somewhere in our teen/early 20s years.  I'm just happy that none of us is anti-music or locked into only one genre and dismissive of others.  

****

Easily distracted today by the sweet smell of BBQ that's floating around the neighborhood today. It's a pleasant day after a short heatwave that was followed by grey and overcast skies and a weird drop in temps, but as I'm always reminded, we do live in a desert no matter what anyone says. Of course, we might be reverting to that reality very soon given the increased water regulations in LA County. Water conservation is nothing new in California where most of us remember the even-odd watering days and bans on excess water usage both indoors and out. We've all taken the 

<a href="https://www.watercalculator.org">Water Calculator</a> to see how we score and also, what we can do to conserve even more. Fortunately, here in California, it's already mandatory when replacing old toilets and faucets to use low-flow toilets and faucets, so all the Krewe homes are covered. This is an issue we're all facing or will be facing at some point in the future no matter where you live. Climate change is real and happening everywhere.

****

The MITM is watching the NFL (National Football League) Draft and following the picks of the New Orleans Saints. I am a WhoDat Saints fan and yet this year, I can't be bothered about what happens. I think it's because no matter what happens in sports or politics here in America, Colin Kaepernick is still without a job, even while the concept of free speech is currently being considered yet again in the Supreme Court. Tell me again why taking a knee against police brutality isn't protected speech...

****

It's been 30 years since the LA riot after the Rodney King verdict. We were here with 2 of the Krewe still at home and 2 away in NYC at Columbia. At that time we lived far north of where everything was happening, but could see the clouds of smoke and were watching the entire event unfollow on the news. The East Coast boys called to tell us that they were watching TV as areas they knew burned. There are ceremonies planned to mark the events. No one I know can or will forget those horrible days.

****

That's it for today. I hope my attempt earlier at doing a hyperlink worked, but according to the preview it doesn't, so we shall see. We've been a bit busy around here, so I can't promise when I'll blog again, but I will try and visit all y'all soon! As my favorite comedian, Trae Crowder, says, "I love you like chicken!"

xoxo

Tuesday TMI

 So, after some consideration, it seems that this post is really more of a Tuesday Rant.

For a variety of reasons, it's very quiet here today because all work is solitary and is taking place in different areas of the house. Even Ghost Face Killa (aka The Dog) has disappeared into some undisclosed location. All of this isolation has allowed me to slowly become extremely irate about the state of commercial TV. 

Ah-ha, you say, now I know what Savvy has been doing since she's disappeared from Blogville for the past few days! 

Or maybe not, but that's OK because it's Tuesday and I've got a full-on rant that needs declaration! 

First, I'm pissed  astounded that TFG's favorite grifter is still shilling for his cheap ass pillows! His "gratitude"for the support he and his employees have received through "these difficult times" is yet another dog-whistle to the fundamentalist followers of TFG. Interestingly, at the bottom of the screen in a small font it says "This is a sponsored PROGRAM" and not just a regular commercial.  I do wonder who's paying for it. Thankfully, the mute button works on the remote.

Next, broadcast news. WTF happened to unbiased reporting? You know sort of the "just the facts, ma'am" reading of the news. I can remember Walter Chronkite when he announced that President Kennedy was dead his only show of emotion was the removal of hs glasses and a slight break in his voice. His reporting on the Vietnam war was straight forward and concise.  Maybe I'm just old and becoming intolerant, but I'm finding it more and more difficult to watch network news. 

(To be clear, I am not including FOX entertainment "news" in this conversation because FOX isn't a legitimate news operation as far as I'm concerned.)

I do watch a local channel for local news and weather, but they only get 30 minutes of my viewing time. Info about world events comes from a variety of print and online resources from different parts of the world, so that issues of importance are viewed from a many points of view. I've gone back to doing more background reading on issues and people of importance. (With gratitude to the great Los Angeles Public Library!) 

Another thing that's been making me grimace is the term side hustle! I don't know what it is about that term, but it seriously grates on my last nerve!(I didn't realise how often I've been using the mute button!) I understand the meaning of the slang term, but is there a serious reason why part-time occupation/job can't be used? Once you start making money you're considered a sole proprietor and it's a business you're running! 

OK, I am seriously slipping into old lady land, but sweetmarysunshine, can't we at least attempt to be adults using our words and not relying on slang all the time?

There's more, but I think I need to go outside and sit in the sun because I'm getting increasingly more irritated and I think it's with myself!

Thank you for indulging me, sweetpeas.

xoxo

I said I wasn't going to, but this was damn funny!

We Don't Talk About Jada (Encanto Parody)

We don't talk about Bruno...

 

Or what happened at the Oscars on Sunday.

It's Thursday here in Lalaland and I've been people-watching as I have my morning coffee. The MITM* is sitting across from me (earbuds in and humming) as usual and only looking up when I tap his computer to get his attention. As I may have mentioned, super nana and Mr Matrix live on a busy street one house away from a large grocery store, so there's a lot of foot traffic to observe. Always the cutest are the young parents pushing strollers because most of the time they're engaging with each other and their children. The saddest is the single parent pushing a stroller while talking on the phone. I don't say sad because it's just a single parent since I don't know their marital/coupled status, but because they aren't talking to their child! I've seen some of the same dads pushing strollers for a few days and the behavior isn't a one-off. Maybe it's because when the members of my krewe were stroller age, I didn't have a mobile, so by default I talked to them. The boys were 17 and 18 months apart so we were always a loud traveling circus on our walkabout. The children in the stroller, for the most part, seem totally uninvolved almost slack-faced, not really aware or enjoying the activity. I'm talking about toddlers in strollers, not infants, so the ability to communicate is there.  

(Sweet Mary Sunshine, but reading what I've just written makes me sound as if the next words I say/type will be "Get off of my lawn!")

The MITM has been deadheading roses and also cutting some to bring inside. I wonder if some of the neighbors are wondering, "What happened to that cute YOUNG couple that bought the house?" We were outside the other day doing the same job and when we came in noticed that we really did look like old pensioners in our (unknowingly) slightly matching black sweaters and khaki pants! I like to think the only that keeps us still in the hip old folk's camp is that he was wearing au courant low-top sneakers and my khakis were rolled up just enough to show off my old school leather moccasins! (I hope y'all know neither of us really cares about what other people might think!)

The MITM is getting his second Moderna booster today. I'm just getting over a cold, so I'll get mine next week. We're not taking any chances given the concern about yet another possible surge of yet another variant of COVID-19 here in the Southland. We all still wear masks when we're out and about and I dare a muthafucka anyone to confront me about it! I'm in the better-safe-than-sorry camp.

That's it for today, sweetpeas! I have arranged roses to place around the house, courtesy of the MITM, and an herb garden to tend to!

xoxox

*Man In The Moon or as he used to be known theguywhothinkshesthebossofme

What a day!

 I spent a good portion of today watching the confirmation hearing for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. To say that I was surprised by the Republican members of the Judiciary Committee would be disingenuous. Their behavior was unworthy of their positions and yet, so very true to what the GOP has become. 

I could expand on how I really felt during some of the questioning by some of the committee members, but I think BGM summed it up when she said that Ted "Karen" Cruz looked like the bad fox in "The Return of Mary Poppins" and I have to agree with her! The theatrics, inanity, lies, and falsehoods were embarrassing to watch and extremely hard to listen to! As much as I deplore their actions during these hearings, I am confounded by how they were elected and what were those voters thinking? Or perhaps that's it, they weren't thinking.

Tomorrow will be the third day of hearings and I can hardly wait for that shit show what the day will bring.

Here's to hope, sweetpeas.

xoxo

Sunday, fun day?

 Well, my loverlies, blogging every day turned into here we are and it's Sunday, and what happened to Thursday, Friday, and Saturday? I'm going to put it down to good intentions, but sorry follow through. 

Or something like that.

So here we are, St. Patrick's Day was Thursday and quite a few bloggers had great posts, but I figured anything I did would pale in comparison. (or maybe I was just too lazy  busy) Friday and Saturday slipped past me in a whirl of continued laziness activity around here.

Today we went plant shopping for our herb garden. BGM and I are using her Spring Break to do some container gardening! So far we have 6 basil plants, 2 rosemary, 2 flatleaf parsley, 2 different types of red chilies, and a solitary mint plant. The MITM couldn't resist the lure of live ladybugs for the rose garden. BGM is going to document the daily evening release and write a report for her class. (who knew there were so many rules about ladybugs?)  I figure gardening will be good for at least a half-day activity. We're also going to do a bit of organizing in her room each day. I'll spare y'all a daily update on that activity. But we might take pictures for The Bloooooggg!

Busy days ahead, sweetpeas, busy days.

xoxo

Surprisingly, I don't feel old today!

 Today is "Pick A Decade Day" at BGM's elementary school. She chose the 60's and dressed like a hippie. Her outfit was overalls, a tie dye tee shirt, a couple of mini braids framing her face with the rest of her long hair loose, shades (yes, I told her to call them that), and a clip-on flower in her hair!

While I was braiding her hair, she asked me how I wore my hair in those days and what color was it! When I told her I wore it long and wild, and it used to be all black, she ever so innocently said, "I can't picture you looking like that with black hair!" I told her there were a few pictures that proved it was true. (I didn't mention that I used to wear a scarf as a blouse, hip-hugger bellbottoms, and sandals all the time.) Anyway, at that point, we were both laughing, but for different reasons I'm sure!

What does this have to do with not feeling old? Well, my darlings, hearing a 9-year-old laugh so genuinely and freely will knock away years off your life. It also reminds you to relish each moment and forget whatever number you're currently carrying. Besides all of that, thinking about how much I changed during that decade truly made me laugh, but that's a topic for another time!

So, here's to tomorrow and a bright future for all of us. xoxo

I may have missed Monday, but Tuesday is nowhere near as busy

 Yep, Monday whizzed past me, sweetpeas!

For a variety of reasons everyone in this house had to be awake early (Gawd, on a Monday, too) and busy with a variety of assignments, so I missed blogging. Well, I wasn't really busy, I was just trying to stay out of the way of the really busy people. So, consequently, my computer and I were estranged for a portion of the day, and when we were finally reunited, I didn't have words to share. Actually, I was too engaged watching The Chelsea Detective and then, reading the NYT. It really was easier mentally to watch a murder mystery than to read the daily horror show scroll by on my screen.

But here it is Tuesday afternoon and I'm sitting across from the MITM watching him moving to beat only he can hear (he's wearing earbuds) as he writes. I guess it's a sign of the times that working at a partners' desk can feel as isolating as an office cubicle when you're both writing.

To be clear this is not a complaint, just an observation.

It's very similar to talking to yourself whilst cooking, but there's someone else in the kitchen who thinks you're talking to them. Proximity assumes conversation, I guess.

Or maybe, I'm just too much in my head right now.

I've been waiting all day for a call back regarding an appointment and I am slightly pissed off aggrieved that I've had to wait.

Huzzah! while I've been looking at my screen, the lovely MITM has opened a bottle of wine! 

So Cheers, loverlies! I'll see all y'all tomorrow!

xoxo

Observations on a Sunday morning

 We're at super nana and Mr. Matrix's house this weekend, so I have a view out the breakfast room window onto a busy street. This morning while I was drinking my coffee I noticed an elderly man stop and look down at something near the edge of the driveway and the neighbor's yard. It was a book. He picked it up and started flipping through the pages stopping occasionally to read a section, then continuing to flip pages. He stood there for at least 15 minutes, moving only when the MITM drove up and parked in the drive. I opened the front door to let the MITM and BGM in and as I did, the old guy looked up, I smiled and said, "Good Morning" He half smiled and waved back. I think he expected me to say something about the book, but I didn't. I'm just glad he took it!

I made the mistake of looking at the NYT online this morning, so seeing and having a pleasant encounter was a very good thing.

Little things are making me smile today. 

Or maybe it was the lemon jelly doughnut the MITM and BGM brought home. 

No matter what I am going to enjoy the little pleasures life gives me and be thankful for them.

Take care of yourselves, sweetpeas

xoxo

Holey Moley! It's The Doc's Birthday!

 No picture this time because I don't have a recent one for some reason! I know, right? What kind of mother doesn't have a picture of her child to share with friends on his (hold on I have to do the math because I forget how old he is today)  49th birthday???

No party, just gifts delivered earlier, funny text messages, and no early morning wake-up call! 

I like catching them off guard with those calls.

So, please join us in celebrating Doc's day and leave him a good wish or two!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DOC!

Al Green - Love and Happiness Pt 2

March 8, 1969 Still the One

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, MITM!

Yes, today marks our 53rd anniversary! The guy-who-thinks-he's-the-boss-of-me have been together an extremely long time and we have the scars 4 children and memories to prove it! All that to say, nothing exciting planned for today, just knowing we're still speaking together is enough!

Here's to love and happiness! 

Help! Blogspot seems to have changed its game on me

 I can't seem to add a new blog to my sidebar! I mean, I added the name and the URL, hit save and for some reason, the newly added blog isn't showing up on the sidebar! What am I doing wrong?

HELLS BELLS! there's more that isn't right on my sidebar! I just found out that another blog I've been following isn't showing up on the sidebar!

WTF is going on blogspot?

Somebody said, "Take my picture and put it on your Bloooogggg

 

Here we are or What's next? Locusts?

 Like many of you here in Blogville, I am struggling to find the right tone, the right words to balance what's happening in Ukraine with our everyday lives. So much, if not all, of what's happening is so far above our paygrades that we're reduced to watching, reading, or listening to what's happening there. America is removed by an ocean, but the unspoken anxiety is still present. The entire world is under pressure, physical and/or mental, from the murderous man in Russia. I wonder how long he has before the Russian people say ENOUGH! 

We will each find our way and I can only hope that it will be peaceful and that we are not watching the beginning of the end of our planet.

Please donate to whichever relief fund is available to you wherever you are. xoxo

Fat Tuesday, March 1st, 2022

 So here we are looking at Spring just around the corner. Right now it's 79F here in Lalaland, sunny, bright and the living is easy. We are, as a friend said on Instagram, so lucky to have been born here. He caught a lot of flack for that from some who read far more into his statement. Folks felt that the idea of luck was "part of a victim mentality" go figure because that's a state of mind I'd never embrace. It is serendipity that we're where we are in the world; a combination of decisions ancestors made or were forced into that have placed us in America. Having grown up during the Cold War practicing drills in event of an attack (seriously, did adults really think that kids hiding under their desk with their arms over their neck would save them?) I can't imagine how anyone in Ukraine is dealing with the attack and events that have unfolded these past 6 days. This time last year, average Ukrainians were living their lives dealing with a worldwide pandemic and still planning for their futures with no hint of what a year would bring. 

I remember listening to Dr. Fiona Hill during TFG's impeachment hearings and wondering how anyone could dispute her words given her background. I can only hope that wiser heads than mine are listening to her now. (You find her words/testimony just by googling her name because I've forgotten how to do hyperlinks.) 

So, what does all this have to do with Fat Tuesday? Today marks the end of the Mardi Gras season and tomorrow will mark the beginning of Lent for Christians. The parallel for me is the end of gestures with regard to Russia and the time for serious thought of what happens next because we are dealing with a man who seems to have lost all sense of reality and unfortunately, has access to nuclear codes. We experienced the madness of TFG, but we had a military that KNEW they swore an oath to defend the United States, not the president. This is not the case in Russia. 

Yeah, I'm lucky to have been born here, but I fear for my friends who are closer to the insanity and the possibility of the entire world being drawn into the calamity that is on the horizon.

I'm rambling and stumbling because I have no idea what will happen in the days to come, except that I will be with my family and I will revel in that certainty.

Stay safe and well, sweetpeas! xoxo

Part 2

 

We gave BBC a handpainted Alice in Wonderland chess set.  The MITM lost.

Hello again and let's celebrate a birthday!

Yesterday was the 10th Birthday for BBC aka Big Boy Chaos aka Hellboy! I posted on that other social media site and was pleasantly surprised and reminded that many of you have been around since his BIRTH and celebrated with us then and every year since here on the blog. 

All of this also reminded me of how much all y'all have become part of my life and for that, I am truly humbled and grateful. There's something about knowing that I can share good times and bad here on the blog, or in an email, or sometimes, even on the phone that makes hard/difficult times easier to handle. Yes, I have my family and friends around me, but having the extra circle of pals around the world makes life just that much more fun!

(Before anyone thinks I'm leaving, rest assured that Savmarshmama ain't leaving Blogville and I plan on being around for a while!)

*******

There will be pics from last night later after Captain Chaos does his director of photography thing, but here's one from the start of the celebrations this past Saturday at Hogwarts in Universal Studios!

BGM and BBC starting the celebrations!

I think I'll post the photos in a new post, so look for Part 2!

2022 means 72 for me

 HAPPY NEW YEAR, DEAR FRIENDS!

May 2022 bring us all things good and joyful!

and Happy Birthday to me!

Once a week, instead of once upon a time

 The lovely Scarlet gave me a great idea of how to shake this languishing off! Instead of trying to write every day and then feeling down for not making it happen...here we are!

It's been strange times around here that I'll share at some point, but for now, there is good news or some fun news to share.

Last night the MITM and I catered and served a four-course dinner party for Captain Chaos and Stretch. The starter was a Louisianna Turtle Soup served with a drizzle of sherry, chopped hardboiled egg, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped green onion. A lovely Pinot Noir was the perfect accompaniment!

The main course was a Northern-Italian Rabbit Cacciatore served over egg noodles, instead of the more traditional polenta. All the ingredients were fresh and some a bit unusual! For the first time, the MITM used juniper berries in a recipe. They've been sort of an inside joke between us after watching a Nero Wolfe episode ages ago and now I understand the argument over the number of berries to use in a recipe. A couple of delicious reds were shared.

Normally, the cheese course would be served now, but it was so lovely that guests helped themselves first. Hat's off to REDACTED for her contribution!

Dessert was also presented by friends, REDACTED, for a gorgeous pear galette and a delicious Chocolate Lava Bundt cake served with vanilla or chocolate ice cream! (I had both!)

It was a grand party and  I'm truly glad the MITM and I could do the catering and clean-up, so they could really enjoy hosting their friends!

Sadly, no one took pictures of the food, but I guess it was because it was too good!

xoxoxo

November 25, 2021

HAPPY

THANKSGIVING!

Today I give thanks for my friends, family, and

especially all of you!

However you celebrate, let us remember those who are no longer with us

and

find joy, love, strength, and peace

together!

xoxoxo

Guess who's 50 TODAY???

CAPTAIN CHAOS!!

This pic was taken last year on his first day back on set after lockdown. I think the wide-eyed wonderment is equally as impressive at the thought of turning 50! He's a great son, a thoughtful brother, a lovely husband, and a fantastic Dad, so I hope y'all will join us in wishing him a fantastic birthday and a wild weekend!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, super nana!!!

Yep, it's that time again!

Today is super nana's BIG DAY! I suppose at some time we should acknowledge her actual age*, so this year I am happy to celebrate, with all y'all, her REDACTED birthday! I hope y'all will join us in wishing her the very best REDACTED spin around the sun!

This is from a few years ago, but it's one of our favorites!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SUPER NANA!!!

* For a few years, the MITM told everyone she was 26! She was not, but looked as if she still was.

Hello, Friends!

 It's been a minute since I last posted, 

BUT...

it's been a very busy time out here in Lalaland. So, let me bring y'all up to date or something like that.

BBC and BGM did indeed start back to in-person learning at school. They're both happy to be back with their pals and away from the olds! (OK, that's how I see it anyway) Their parents are relieved as well! Providing constant entertainment can be exhausting, or maybe that's just the way I felt! 

The MITM had a HUGE family reunion, so we finally had a chance to see the extended family after a few years of separation. The MITM has spent a few years working on his family genealogy so new members from different branches showed up! It was a great opportunity to gather all the various branches together for a genuine Creole gathering and enjoy music, delicious food, and perfect southern California weather!

What else kept me away? Nothing exciting, just anxiety, insomnia, general ennui. You know,  business as usual. 

Sooooo, what's happening with all y'all? Wait, I know that answer, Go read our blogs, savannah, and then you'll know!

I've missed all y'all! 

xoxoxo

A couple of things happened this past Sunday and today!

Today BGM (Big Girl Matrix, if you've forgotten) and the MITM went to the Huntington Gardens in Pasadena and had a grand old time! There are pictures, but I'm sharing only this one today.

BUT, on Sunday the little person in the photo celebrated her 9th BIRTHDAY! There are some pics from the party we celebrated on Saturday, but I haven't uploaded them yet. But, in lieu of that, here's an interesting fact I learned - you can rent puppies for your party! Yep, the theme was "A Puppy Party" and the cutest little puppies were here for everyone to play with for an hour! Who knew, right?

Anyway, I'm 2 days late publishing a 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BGM  

post, so help me out and leave some belated best wishes for BGM!

*********

School starts next week for her and BBC (Big Boy Chaos), so like everyone in schools around the nation, they'll be masked and ready to start in-person learning...we hope!

August 2, 2021 or WTF happened to July?

 Jeez Louise, but I'm starting to think that this languishing is becoming my normal state of being! I keep reading all the articles about moving forward but try as I might, nada as in no go, no show, no nothing! Anyone else still trying to move forward? 

Total aside, but I just found out that the shift key on the right side of my MAC doesn't work and Apple KNOWS it's a defect/problem! They will replace the key, but it will take 3 weeks. It's as if my inconvenience is my problem, not theirs even though this recalcitrant key is their fault! (that exclamation point was done twice-think about how you type and you'll understand my situation!)

I'm going to bed. 

G'night, Gracie

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, STRETCH!!

 Yesterday was the 4th of July and we all gathered together to eat and then watch the big fireworks display. 

But, today is the REALLY BIG DAY because it's Stretch's REDACTED birthday! She's celebrating at the beach with Captain Chaos, The Kid, and Big Boy Chaos! I'm not sure what time things will kick off because yesterday ran really long into the night. 

So, here's to Stretch, may she have many more birthdays! Join us in wishing her the happiest of happy days!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, STRETCH!!

The 4th of July, 2021

For many people, this will be the first time gathering together and watching fireworks celebrating our country's founding. Historically speaking, this is the commonly accepted day that was chosen to commemorate the signing of the declaration of independence. Given the past events here in the United States, the rise of white supremacy, the acceptance of ignorance over science, and sadly, false patriotism, I hope it isn't the last.

I think I have re-entry anxiety.

Stay safe, sweetpeas!

Three posts in April and now it's MAY 18th!!

I don't know what's happened to my blog mojo, but it seems I have lost it.

I'm still languishing even though we're all fully vaccinated here. I've seen my family and we're getting ready for a larger get-together this coming weekend, but I don't know why I can't seem to focus on writing or reading.  I mean, I've even been to Trader Joe's and Target! (wearing a mask, of course)

I have to admit that since the CDC relaxed mask-wearing, I've become more adamant in my stance to continue wearing one when I'm out in public. To be clear, I have and will continue to follow science, but there are far too many people here in Lalaland that seem to believe that they've been lied to and that COVID is a hoax! Not to mention the fact that the CDC is asking me to trust those same people to be honorable about their being vaccinated. What could possibly go wrong with that assumption? 

I don't know what's coming next, so I'm not making any promises. But do know that I haven't forgotten any of you. xoxo

So, how the hell are y'all doin' these days?

420, 4/20, April 20

 Today is an auspicious one. No matter which way you read it or celebrate it, or smoke it, today has been one helluva day!

Waking up and after watching a bit of the news, wondering if the jury in the Chauvin case would have a verdict or if their deliberations would take longer. Then the MITM came in and asked if I'd read the NYT yet. When he found I hadn't, he told me that Idriss Deby, the president of Chad, was dead after a "clash with rebels" near the Libyan border. This is the country that the MITM used to work in (remember deepestdarkestafrica?)  Deby was a dictator and, to my mind, a destroyer, not a savior or a just leader, of his country, so while his death will be immortalized and he will be lauded, the movement to supplant his son, the new ruler, will be quick. 

But, here, in America, the first steps towards healing, justice, and accountability for all came around 5PM Eastern daylight time. This country was prepared for the worst, a not guilty verdict because, sadly, that is what we've come to expect. Today, that changed. It changed so much that even Chauvin was surprised to hear he wasn't acquitted! You could see the expression on his face. I have to admit, but I was among those who expected him to be found not guilty but hoped I was wrong. It is a sad reality for POC to expect, as we say, the short end of the stick when it comes to justice, especially when it comes to criminal justice. So, you know I was pleasantly surprised, as was everyone watching TV or following live feeds on a computer. This verdict will not bring George Floyd back to his family, nor will it erase the trauma experienced by those who stood on the sidewalk and watched, while they pleaded for the police to stop, George Floyd's life end.

I don't know why all of this happened today, but it did. Will Chad have a more equitable future for all its citizens?  If history is any guide, the odds are against it. Will America be better for this verdict? Perhaps, but it is a start and we can not and will not go backwards from it.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

***********

A little levity:

There's a site on Instagram called "Overheard in L.A." and I have one:

Guy: Idriss Deby died.

Gal:  Oh no! That's horrible!

Gal: Wait, wait, I thought you said Idriss Elba died!  Dude, I work in Hollywood, don't scare me like that!                                                                     

Happy Birthday to The Dancing Lady!!

 Today is "The 30th Anniversary of The Dancing Lady's Quinces"  so she has elected on that other social media site to share the following photos with a few sartorial additions this year!

Thirty years ago, well I'll let her tell it:

This time I'm wearing the tiara and nails my Mami wouldn't let me wear the first time around. That's the benefit of being 45!*

I hope you'll join us in wishing The Dancing Lady the happiest of happy days!

Oh yeah, her birthday request, now that we're all vaccinated, is for the entire krewe to gather and share the MITM's famous gumbo this Saturday! There will be pictures!!

xoxo

*To be perfectly clear, I don't think The Dancing Lady has EVER worn nails this long!

06 April 2021

 Checking in with all y'all because I ain't got much to share today which is why this is being posted at 21:55!

Yeah, I've been MIA, I know, but there's a reason (it's weak, I know) that I've been absent. You see, I've been scrolling through that other social media site and ignoring the news, except for what pops up in my email, and I can't seem to organize my thoughts to blog! 

Weird, right? 

Anyway, this too shall pass. 

The MITM is finally getting a new phone and mine has been repaired, so we're all iPhone people now. (Don't judge or try to dissuade us, we've paid the money and that's the end of it.) I don't know why any or all of this is relevant, but that's the way it is around here! 

SweetMarySunshine, I will try and get myself in gear this week, I pinkie promise!

24 March 2021

 I thought I'd date this post so that I'd have an easy reference to how long it's taking between posts these days. I'm not sure why it's taking me so long between posts, but I have a suspicion it's because I've been spending too much time on that other social media site, but not the one you're probably thinking of! Yep, that's right, I finally found tik toc and I am amazed at the volume of things that are on there. It's really insane but strangely fascinating, in that way that Boomers find all things done by other generations. 

What are these kids thinking? 

Yes, ma'am, I fell into that trap of tut-tutting and feeling ridiculously old, UNTIL I read that everyone over the age of 25 feels that way when it comes to tik toc! So, there's that and now I'm back in Blogville, but with the occasional trip to Instagram and its doting mama, Facebook.

I almost forgot my other spot, TWITTER! Now that the orange menace is no longer in the spotlight of social media, it's a far calmer place. I've given up doomscrolling and also watching the evening news, so there is that...

Now I just read the highlights of world tragedy and information in email summaries. If something is important, then I'll do more follow-up, but this method seems to be working for my mental stability. This pandemic isn't over and we are still a ways from the end.

********

The other day I shared a meme on Facebook that said that the greatest threat to our society was white supremacy. Sadly, the only response (the post received many likes and shares) was that the greatest problem was people who rubbed salt in the wound instead of doing something to change it. Then the suggestion was did I have a mirror? My first response (internally to be clear) was to ask for an explanation because I wasn't sure what I was reading. But, then I realized that it was of no use because I knew what he meant and that no matter what I said as a woman of color, he would never see that the problem is HIS, as a white man, to solve, not mine. I'm sharing this here because earlier the MITM shared a story he'd read about Dave Brubeck that brought him to tears as he relayed it to me. Seems Brubeck when he was a kid he lived on a ranch in Stockton, California. His Dad wanted him to work the land with him, but Brubeck wanted to be a musician. Now here's the story that struck the MITM. Brubeck's Dad took him into town to meet a Black man that he knew and then asked the man to raise his shirt to show Dave his chest: it was a brand. His father said this should never happen! That was the reason Dave Brubeck joined the Army and why he always had an integrated band when it was NOT a common thing! As an aside and a great example of people with heart, Benny Goodman once told a white man who questioned his playing with niggers, "If you say that again I'll crack you in the head with this clarinet!"

All of this to say, if we don't face our problems, we will never change our society. Each of us has to deal with those around us, but when it comes to white supremacy, only white people can change that because those folks who believe in the superiority of their skin color will never listen to a colored gal like me!

Dave Brubeck - The Essential

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE DOC!!

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DOC

This photo was taken in 2016 in London at St. John Restaurant! The Doc and the MITM had a brief stopover for a meeting on the way back from deepestdarkestafrica. Since this pic was taken he's grown a very distinguished beard with just a hint of grey!

The Doc reads this blog, so I hope you'll join us in wishing him a 

BIG OLE FANTASTIC BIRTHDAY!

Lauren got TikTok famous but is she bovvered? | The Big Night In - BBC

52 years ago and last year

 On March 8, 1969, the MITM and I were married. 

Last year was the last time we celebrated our anniversary with family and friends. Last night we were talking about all the events that happened before lockdown and how things have changed over this past year. 

There was a baby shower.

The baby is now almost a year old. They live in San Diego now and no longer in New York. We haven't seen them in person yet. 

On the plus side, the MITM and I have received both doses of the Moderna vaccine. Only 2 people in our family haven't been vaccinated yet, so we're close to having our pod expand to include The Doc and The Dancing Lady! Soon the rest of the extended family will be vaccinated which means we're very close to celebrating together again.

I'm hopeful.

This is probably the scariest part of all of this because we're so close and yet, so many idiots out there still think that it's nothing to worry about.

Stay safe, darlings, and please continue to wear your mask, wash your hands, and practice social distancing.

A little levity courtesy of the BBC:

 For some reason, the video won't post, so it's shared in the post above!

That day when you hit the wall

 Watching the news (for the first time today) and realizing that even though 45 is gone, his actions and GOP inactions still dominate the news. Then there's the winter cold snap that's plaguing the country. Looking at images of Texas and reading about their decision to leave the national power grid and the impact that has had on the state is beyond insane. It's a testament to greed and neglect of the needs of the people of Texas. 

I am saddened by the state of this nation. President Biden gives me a bit of hope, but we still have to contend with the fact that there are far too many people who believe in the lies spread by white supremacists and insurrectionists. I facilitate between fear and anger almost hourly.

Yesterday, I watched BBC and BGM play together celebrating BBC's 9th birthday. The Captain, Stretch, The Kid, and super nana sat at the dining room table laughing and talking while the MITM and I took it all in. What is their future going to be?

Today, today I hit the wall.

Today was the day it really hit me.

Lockdown, no lockdown.

Rise in cases, fewer cases.

The escalating death rate, the declining death rate.

It's as if no one is really listening to the science that's saying, 

this 

shit 

ain't 

over

 by

 any 

means.

So I wear my mask, wash my hands, stay home, and when I do go out, I practice physical distancing.

And some days, I just cry.

Happy Birthday, Big Boy Chaos!

 TODAY HE'S 9!*

Join us in celebrating and wishing BBC a wonderful day!

*There will be a picture later after the batteries for his remote control car are charged!

Contrary to the ex-president's defense team, the FIGHT for justice has just begun!

 I've watched the Impeachment Trial since it began and I find it hard to believe that 43 Republican men and women were in the Senate chamber watching what I and the rest of the world saw and still managed to construct an alternate reality that found Trump not guilty. The case for impeachment was made by the images we saw and the words of Trump! The House Managers presented in a clear and logical manner what the world saw and what the members of the House and Senate experienced! How Senators could go from saying on the Senate floor that Trump was guilty and then weeks later acquit him beggars belief. I have to agree that if the vote had been to impeach him on January 7th, Trump would have been found guilty! Sadly, politics over the country won today.

On Mago's blog*, I wrote the following:

My heart is broken because even though the reality of an acquittal was a given, I truly believed that those men and women in the Senate who had to RUN for their lives from the insurrectionists would vote for the good of the country, and for truth, over their party. I can only hope, once again, the DJT will be tried and convicted in federal and civil courts! This is not about vengeance or hatred, it is about justice and the preservation of our Democracy. 

I think that Rep. Jaime Raskin summed it up best when he said that if these actions by Trump did not constitute impeachable offenses, then what did? I don't want to even contemplate what the future holds for our children, our grandchildren, and America.

*https://63mago.wordpress.com/2021/02/13/the-deed-is-done

A BRAND NEW DAY!

Three drafts and nothing published since January 1, 2021

 Sorry, darlings, but I can't seem to share anything positive right now. Too much anger and frustration. 

Just too much.

I'll see all ya'll after the 20th...maybe.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

WELCOME 2021

SO LONG 2020

WE SHALL NEVER SPEAK OF YOU AGAIN

WHEREVER YOU ARE

MAY 2021 BRING YOU PEACE, JOY, AND HAPPINESS!

WE NEED IT FOR REAL!

December 31

 

I had no idea at 18 that I'd see 71 much less celebrate that fact.

HAPPY, HAPPY, DARLINGS!

 

For all of you 

from all of us here in Lalaland

We wish all y'all the

Merriest, Happiest, Wonderfullest

Holidays!

2021 is just around the corner 

and

May It Bring Us All

GOOD NEWS!

Stay safe,

wash your hands,

practice physical distancing,

and

PLEASE wear your damn mask!

xoxo 

Savannah, the MITM, and the Krewe

Looking Death straight in the eye

Watching the news has become similar to glancing at obituaries, something you do almost without thinking. On TV we see maskless people become the proverbial dead men walking, ambling slowly to their deaths. All the while looking death straight in the eye and saying I'm not the droid you're looking for except, in this case, it could very well be them. 

I'm watching people do the most foolish things because they don't believe that the pandemic is real. Or if they believe that it is, in fact, a real thing it isn't going to affect them. No, not for them the overflowing COVID ward. Not for them, the emergency triage set-up in a converted hospital parking garage. These folks think that they are immune because of some convoluted reasoning that exists only in their feeble brains and fuck all the rest of us. Yeah, the chosen ones will survive this pandemic and the rest of us are damned to suffer. I truly do not understand the selfishness of those folks around here that think masks diminish them or somehow impinge on their personal freedom. 

Or maybe, they have resigned themselves to death and are spending their last days on earth doing as they please and fuck all the rest of us. 

I'm just so damned tired of this me-first mentality that far too many people seem to think is appropriate. Trump is just the most visible manifestation of that me first libertarian attitude that too many believe is their own manifestation of American exceptionalism.

I'm just too angry.

********

I wrote a post about combat breathing that I never posted. Part of the reason it never saw the light of day was because I was truly angry the day I wrote it. I'd had only one day of real happiness after the election was called for the Biden-Harris ticket. The next day it was back to WTAF is going to happen now or WTAF is Trumpito going to do now that he's lost.  Combat breathing is basically centering  yourself, slowing your breathing down and giving you time to reset and focus on your goal.* In my case, it was and still is keeping my eyes on the January 20th, 2021 swearing in of Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr. as the 46th President of the United States of America.

I sincerely hope that we, as a Nation, can find a way to care for each other and provide universal healthcare, paid leave for workers, and assistance for small businesses. We have to find a way, as other countries have done, to make it possible for people to weather mandatory lockdowns until this pandemic is under control without food insecurity or fear of eviction for non-payment of rent or mortgage payments.

I'm tired of being angry.

*Simply put, combat breathing involves counting to four for each step of the breathing process. Breath in, count to four. Hold your breath, count to four. Exhale, count to four. This process can act as a soft reset for your nervous system and calm the shakes faster.