In The News – This Old House 2

Another light goes out

I don’t have any words that feel any sort of adequate when it comes to the violence we are all witnessing in this distraught world. Between a rhode island mass killer still at large, jews being assassinated on a beach as they celebrate their holiday of Light and Rob and Michele Reiner reportedly killed by their troubled son, and none of us can ignore the state of our current political climate to boot, ……. it all feels like a very dark world indeed.

Rob Reiner was a very gifted artist in the entertainment world , an Individual whom many of us first met as Meathead a/k/a Mike Stivic in the TV series All In The Family, his progressive views reasoning with Archie’s obvious ignorance I could relate to even at an early age. They were teaching us even then, and he continued believing in the goodness of people and championing equality and fairness for all as he moved through life unapologetically and with gusto, as did his parents before him. He and Charlie Kirk stood at the opposite ends of the political spectrum, yet his words when Kirk was assassinated, were the grace we all needed, the grace this world needs to find, and quick.

I don’t know how to fix broken people and ugly ideologies, but I know the power we each have to choose a kinder and more responsible and tolerant way to tread through this world and I hope this society, this world we live in, starts leaning in to that, in every corner of our existence.

Walking for wellness and thoughts on unity

At my recent physical I was told all looks good and the physical walking/hiking I do with my buddy, Kai has definitely helped me stay a reasonably healthy 60 year old. So what I discovered through many years and different approaches to trying to stay fit is it’s really important to find something you actually enjoy doing in order to find the motivation to keep with it, which is important and especially as we age. I’ve tried the gym off and on, and the bottom line is I’m just not a gym rat, it’s not for me. For the past three years I have really focused on the walking and hiking and I don’t go crazy with it – I am not one of those who has to get 30 miles in a week or even four miles in with every walk/hike. But consistently getting out there even when it’s just a 1.5 mile walk at least three times a week adds up to a healthier body and mind. For me, having Kai with me, knowing I’m doing him some good too is even more motivation and makes it more enjoyable as well. Hiking various trails makes it more interesting and varies the terrain and the workout. I am lucky to live in an area and state where there are an abundance of public trails. No matter where you live, an interesting walk is just outside your door. This morning it was 15 degrees out…. Brrrr…. we felt it… but we got in a little walk time and fresh air –

I just watched a ( closed caption) video and her simple words are profound. … “what made you a liberal?” a woman was asked. She replied basically ….Interesting question, I’ve not ever been into politics and haven’t given myself a label. I guess if I have to pinpoint what made me become involved… it was watching veterans not getting the healthcare this country owes them. It’s having family who work in healthcare and knowing intimately how awful the system is. It’s living a few doors down from a food pantry and seeing the line every Friday of people who don’t have enough food or resources to feed themselves or their families. It’s knowing there are many unhomed people in my city and it’s snowing outside. It’s the belief we all should have equal rights, it’s the belief that decency and empathy matter. So I ask you… what don’t you agree with here? And if that makes me a liberal, how did that become a bad word for you or others?

Something I’ve wondered myself. Who wants us to believe these are not good things or good people? Who wants us divided, who benefits from that?

I hope all is well in your neck of the woods, and that you’ll have a peaceful holiday season filled with joyful moments with those you love – That’s the plan here –

Till soon –

A glorious October

Despite predictions that New England would have a drab fall foliage season due to the drought we experienced over the summer months, there’s been plenty of beautiful color. My walks and hikes with Kai have been fragrant with crunching leaves underfoot, the strong scent of pine needles along some of my favorite paths, the swirling breezy wiffs of autumn that always bring me back to childhood and fond memories – leaf pile making and jumping in. “Dog shows” on the front lawn with neighborhood kids and their pets. Making little trails in the leaves with rakes for my breyer model horses – For in the ‘burbs’ there was no room for real horses.

In our yard there are three shrub varieties that are beautiful this time of year… If you’re looking to add color to yours, these are a great addition.

Flaming azalea…

CrapeMyrtle –

And Snowball Viburnum – in spring months the flowers of this shrub are wonderfully fragrant.

Out on the trails and around the farm, the golden hues have been intoxicating…

Sometimes kai and I traverse a town instead of beach or woods walks. The Town of Essex does a spooktacular job during Halloween season, one of our favorite strolls.

The grands continue to bring me so much joy, and the holidays come alive again in a whole new way when we get to share it with them, and see their excitement and wonder and thrill –

Another joy of mine is getting to witness my kids become loving and engaged parents. Daughter K has her second child due in January – grand No. 4!

Two simple recipes Susan Branch has shared weaved into her art –

We had a celebrity visit here on the farm a few days ago…. If you know, you know. Well the picture helps if you don’t know 🙂

The Mister and I have visited a few farm markets, this month was the last hurrah for the farm market season and we took advantage… We are sixty-ish now and it shows, but those smiles and lines and gray hairs represent a lot of living that I am grateful for. Amen… and Amen again.

Up at the barn, it’s blanket season! Max is now about 30 years old, we don’t want the old boy to have to work his body too hard to stay warm… and Leah, bred for show… doesn’t grow a strong winter coat so we give her a boost as well.

I am tempted to dive into the tangle of current events, so much of it alarming… but I think I’ll leave this post as a reminder that there are many many things to be thankful for, and our peace is worthy of protection. Keep doing all the things you do to make the world a better place, even the smallest acts of kindness send a ripple out into the world. Hug those you love, love on them well and tell them often. Take care of yourself, too.

Cheers to hope for the future, from our moms, who are still with us, (so thankful for that)…. to you. To all of us! 🥂

Till soon –

The Devil doesn’t need to attack the Church, he just needs to join it

The White House is starting to look less like a seat of power—and more like a cafeteria full of mean kids who never grew up.

The President posted an AI video of himself flying a “King Trump” fighter jet—raining feces bombs on peaceful No Kings Day protestors.

Yes, the President of the United States did this.

Earlier last week, his press secretary responded to a journalist with a “your mom” joke.

His communications director quickly doubled down, proudly.

And when a 2,900-page leak exposed the Young Republican National Federation swapping racial slurs, rape “jokes,” and pro-Hitler messages, there is one appropriate response.

To denounce it.

But Vice President J.D. Vance?

He didn’t condemn it—he excused it.

“Kids do stupid things… especially young boys,” he said.

Except these “kids” aren’t “young boys.”

The average age in that chat was mid-20s to mid-30s—

grown men who can rent cars, hold office, and apparently praise Nazis in their free time.

This isn’t immaturity. It’s intentional cruelty.

It’s the celebration of ignorance,

the glorification of bullying,

the coronation of anti-intellectual stupidity as a virtue.

And the silence—or worse, the laughter—from the so-called “party of faith and family” exposes not only how bullying has become cool again, but this time around, it’s Jesus-endorsed.

Biff Tannen. Johnny Lawrence. Buddy Revel.

Every 80s movie villain would be proud.

And yet they look straight into the camera,

wave their Bibles,

and call themselves the party of God.

Let’s be honest:

God doesn’t anoint bullies.

Jesus didn’t bless mockery.

And the Holy Spirit doesn’t speak fluent “your mom.”

Ephesians 4:29 says,

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.”

But this administration doesn’t build.

It belittles.

So when a nation cheers humiliation, mocks mercy, and treats cruelty as comedy—it’s not politics anymore.

It’s spiritual and moral decay dressed in empty, performative Christianity and patriotism.

And while they weaponize cruelty for applause,

too many Christians stay quiet, afraid to upset the empire.

Bullying isn’t leadership.

Cruelty isn’t courage.

Mockery isn’t strength.

If this is what the “party of God” looks like,

If this is what the American Christian Church is okay with,

then the devil doesn’t need to attack the Church—he just needs to join it.

– Pastor Brandon

Jane Goodall

I watched “Famous Last Words” last night with Jane Goodall as the guest- a new and profound Netflix documentary series where influential people are interviewed before they pass on, discussing their life’s work, their unhindered thoughts on a variety of subjects and giving their parting message for the world, not to be released until after their death.

Jane Goodall gave one of her last interviews, a genuine hero in my lifetime – a scientist, a humanitarian, an animal activist and conservationist. While I am horrified by how we continue to abuse this planet and the animals that live in it.. in Jane’s way, she gives me hope. Watch it if you can – and consider a donation to her foundation at the following website. There are also wonderful childrens books and apparel and other gifts that can be purchased on the website, all funds further the cause. If enough of us care about the world we are leaving to our kids and grands and so on, this beautiful place we all call home will stand a chance against the onslaught of abuses we all know exist.

janegoodall.org

We are The United States of America

We are the United States of America

not the United States of Republicans or Democrats. And like it or not, our differences over history have also been our strengths. Balance is the key word here. We shouldn’t have “sides”, there should be no – us and them – there should be a collection of voices that together hammer out the massive problems we have so that we all actually survive… and the goal of course .. to thrive.

So many external forces would love to see us crash and burn, and currently watching all the vitriol, we are on a course to hand them that victory. It’s not rocket science. And please please please… at every turn and in every party at every election from now on , elect officials that walk and talk Unity amongst us all, not the us versus them rhetoric that will be our demise if we dont figure that out.

I did not like some of what Ch*rlie K*rk had to say… some of it was pretty hateful and should have no rightful place in the fabric of this country, yet it’s there. But you cannot preach what I said above if you are not willing to hear any of the messages from a different perspective or you can’t have empathy and indeed horror for a hideous act.

Here’s what I hope America learns and keeps in its soul after the awful deaths of recent political figures both Democrat and Republican. And let’s not forget the children slaughtered in schools because we have yet to do anything about the hate and mental illness epidemic we have in this country.

Let these words of Charl*e K*rk be his lasting contribution to a better America – “When people stop talking, that’s when you get violence. When people stop talking, that’s when civil war happens, because you start to think the other side is so evil and they lose their humanity. What we have to get back to is being able to have a reasonable disagreement where violence is not an option.”

Amen to that –

And Just Like That…..

… it’s August.

We welcomed our third grandchild last Friday! Much to his parent’s surprise, he has a shock of beautiful red hair. We are all over the moon, full of joy for this little guy, who joins his sister M and cousin J, all of whom are being raised on this family farm.

My daughter and her son… my son and his daughter in our vegetable garden on the hill behind our house.. This picture captures the dream my husband and I have been building for 37 years and not a day goes by that I am not grateful for this blessing.

Speaking of blessings… the fruits of our labor were on the dinner table last night…

Not pictured is my most favorite summer food… a simple garden tomato sandwich with mayo, salt & pepper. Sometimes some greens.

More garden shots…. I think planting things in your surroundings and nurturing them is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.

If you’ve been visiting this blog for years, you’ll remember our cottage at the shoreline.. Stella. That was a wonderful renovation project and we enjoyed Stella for six years. What we discovered along that journey is having two places to manage/maintain when our main homestead takes up so much of our time and energy isn’t ideal. I found that most of my time spent at the cottage was doing the upkeep chores instead of the rest and relaxation it was intended for. So ultimately we decided to sell it. Mom had been renting a summer cottage down on the island for five years previously, and this year the opportunity to rent that previous cottage came available…. and so we headed down to the island again, moved mom in for a little over a week… and enjoyed what initially drew us to the area – rest, relaxation, sea air, shore birds, and a few refreshing gin & tonics.

Who knew cormorants had such beautiful greenBlue eyes! They are the color of jadeite –

Have you ever seen an American Oyster Catcher? They, too, have beautiful eyes. All of these shots I was able to get while out in the kayak in the cove.

Back on the farm… smoke from the Canadian wildfires has made our sunrises and sunsets eerily red lately. Sometimes we can smell the smoke of it….

One of my favorite quotes – “We’re all just walking each other home”….. I keep reminding myself to keep this mentality when I allow myself to peek at the news headlines or glance at the TV screen as the noise blares. And there is SO… MUCH… NOISE. I’ve not ever enjoyed politics, largely just keeping it out of my life other than to exercise my right to vote and cast my pebble into the ocean of what feels like the right trajectory for us and our fellow countrymen. I knew there were many things our governing bodies were not getting right, many things that needed change and action that wasn’t coming – and that blame lies across the entire political spectrum.

That being said… I would not ever have believed an administration and a leader who is so thoroughly corrupt right in front of our very eyes in every facet of the human existence could muster the kind of cultlike support he has managed to create. It’s mindblowing. Ignoring it feels like a cop out, so I can’t.

If your entire political identity is built on hating “the other” – immigrants, queer kids, people of color, women who speak up – then maybe it’s time to ask who really broke this country. Because it certainly wasn’t progressive ideas… and let’s be honest about what that actually means, those progressives… the idea of progress. Specifically, it refers to social progress, the process of a society lifting itself out of ignorance, injustice, and inequality, toward a future that promises enlightenment, prosperity, equality, and environmental sustainability. Why does that notion offend anyone at all? The answer to that isn’t comfortable.

No… what broke this country was the normalization of cruelty, the elevation of fear over fact, and the celebration of power over principle. We didn’t drain the swamp, we added pollution to it.

Loving your country doesn’t require hating its people. If your politics demand cruelty and hate, you’re not patriotic. That’s parasitic.

And I don’t regret losing a few “friends” because I choose to speak up about what we are all seeing and being honest about it. Because I know… where I come from is a place of fairness, justice, truth, equality, safety…the desire for economic and environmental soundness…. FOR ALL.

If you’re still with me, this blurb below is true too…. ” we are all saving each other every single day in tiny, seemingly insignificant ways”…… that. Keep doing it wherever you are. Let’s grow where we are planted, and water others along the way. That is where our power lies, in the every day interactions.

till soon –

The Doves

When we moved into this old house after the extensive resurrection, I put up a bird feeder and soon after, what seemed like a family of doves appeared. I did not have dove visitors at our previous farms, and really fell in love with them, felt they were a sign.

“There will be peace here, Karen.”

Fifteen years later, they still visit my feeder – which I placed right at the kitchen window so that when I do that dreaded chore (dish washing, bleh) I can at least observe my feathered friends. When they aren’t at the feeder, we often see them sitting on the roof of our house.. and at night they tuck themselves into the thick pine we planted at the front gate, now a large tree. Sometimes they are “birds on a wire”, sitting just in front of that pine tree on the power lines that run down the road.

Every time something really horrible happens here in this country lately… I watch with great hope.. to see if it will turn Tr*mp et al’s heart, bring him and his entourage the understanding that their own hateful rhetoric throws fuel on the fires of division that we all know will end us if we don’t quit the shit, and awful things happen as a result. When he was nicked with a bullet I had hope that he would see the error in spewing hatred, because that hatred came right to his home to roost. (Nope)

This assassination of a D leader and her husband this week, the critical injuries of another two… and a hit list of 70 more… should have been another turning point. There was the initial statement that seemed appropriate. But it was soon followed by a chaser of…

…”D’s are sick of mind, hate our Country, and actually want to destroy our Inner Cities – And they are doing a good job of it. There is something wrong with them.”

Just days earlier, the Speaker of the House who claims to be a devout Christian, called for the governor of California to be tarred and feathered.

Two people were just murdered because of this kind of hateful false rhetoric. People who are not sound of mind look to their “leaders” and act on what they are being fed. That is not rocket science and denying or ignoring it doesn’t make it go away.

I hate politics, always have. I choose common sense, accountability, decency… equality… freedom, prosperity for all. Not a party. Why do I speak up? Why do I think anyone cares what I have to say? Being honest here… I’m criticized by certain members of my own family for doing so…. but I don’t do it to please or annoy anyone else. NOT STANDING UP AND SAYING THIS ISN’T RIGHT, THIS IS NOT WHO WE ARE….. feels wrong. I’d love nothing more than to be able to go about my life blissfully unaware of the ugliness oozing from the pores of this country right now. But we owe it to ourselves, to our children, to our fellow countrymen…to not turn a blind eye, to be brave regardless of whether it will be criticized by your friends, family, neighbors. DO something, SAY something, and for God’s Sake… LITERALLY…… choose kind.

History has already taught us these things, why.. why.. why… isn’t this country capable of learning from past mistakes… so that we DON’T REPEAT HISTORY.

Peace.

Ogunquit

Just a three hour ride from our farm, Ogunquit, Maine has become a favorite place to visit. For the past 40 years we have vacationed on the island of Martha’s Vineyard, where I have certainly had a love affair with the rugged natural terrain and the charming New England villages, the cottages, the beaches and dunes and the restaurants, the artists…. the farming community and the summer revelries, the quiet ones and the big ones like illumination night at the campgrounds and the agricultural fair. All of those things are still wonderful… but tourism has really done a number on what used to be the vineyard experience. Now.. ferry reservations are hard to get and not always reliable, the price of summer rentals is through the literal roof, the crowds and traffic… I feel for the locals, they must hate it all, even as they need the income it brings. Sadly, in the past 30 years, the uber wealthy have taken over and caused a very real housing crisis. Families who have lived on island for generations have had to leave or are struggling to stay put…. employees and employers struggle to find help or housing because there is very little affordable housing. All of these things have changed the experience a bit, and it’s a little heartbreaking to witness.

A friend recommended Ogunquit… just a jump up the coast from the Vineyard as you arrive in the State of Maine…. and let me tell you… it’s a beautiful thing. Just as on the Vineyard, the sea air is refreshing.. the water clear and bracing… and strangly… in just that little distance.. the people are friendlier. Happier, it seems, less harried. My guy has a hard time unwinding, as his job is very demanding 24/7…. but here… he lightens up and that indeed makes my world a little lighter too.

Our sunrise walks along Marginal Way are our most favorite part of the day….

The red sun is caused by the smoke coming down from the Canada fires…. there was a faint smoke scent in the air during our visit.

The food… the food!! Halibut or Lobster, blueberry stuffed french toast, the bakeries, the ice cream…. two favorite breakfast places I recommend if you travel to this wonderful town are The Greenery Cafe (and order yourself a Honey Lavender Latte, you’ll be glad you did) … and The Egg and I.

Restaurants we love our The Maine Catch, Robertos… Barnacle Billys in Perkins Cover just down the road, and there are many others to choose from.

And speaking of Perkins cove… it doesn’t get more charming than this quaint little seaside town…

A charming shop owned by two lovely men….

I hope to return to this magical place for many years to come, God willing and the creek don’t rise.

As we were sitting on the lawn of Anchorage by the Sea relaxing with fellow vacationers, we witnessed the cat fight between The Orange Scream and the X-ecutioner. Now… the Mr. is a conservative republican forever and a day, so you can imagine the conversations we don’t really have, for they always become arguments. I could not revel outwardly in this Knew-it-was-coming moment , nor could I remove the “told you so” smirk from my face, but being on vacation had a soothing effect of sorts, so we both just kinda watched it unfold, one in horror but in disguise, and then there was me, the smirker.

In the history of ever… have you seen a more appropriate representation?

I don’t wish harm on anyone, and especially these United States and our fellow countrymen, no matter what your affiliations, religion, life choices, as long as you’re not hurting others. And that’s exactly why I am so alarmed at what this country is becoming… Tr*mp’s America. That doesn’t mean I don’t recognize the reason we arrived at this destination that is Tr*mp 2.0. And I blame that on the past failures of both parties, and the lack of solving our very real and long time problems, including immigration reform, healthcare reform, government overspending, corruption… the lobbying… and the division that has been encouraged for decades now, but more so in recent times. And it really comes down to this simple truth – together we stand, divided we will fall… hard. The End. Literally.

Anyway!… out of the muck of the place and back to the 🌟JOY🌟.. . and people…please give yourself this simple gift… let go of the crap that drags you and catch joy wherever you can. I find it in a good book, in the clear water I wade through, the smooth rocks and pretty shells nature provides, my children and grands… the smiles of strangers… good food shared with others… the animals (!) and even a 35 year marriage where we are really more alike than we are different, when we’re not waving vigorously our flag of the opinionated stubborn italian/irish/german cloth we are cut from. Immigrants, all of us. Remember that, too..and how empathy and kindness can go hand in hand with fixing what’s broken… and should.

I hope all is well in your neck of the woods…

Till soon –

Harkness and Seaside

Yesterday was one of those early May days that remind a person of the simple joys of being alive and being able bodied to *just do things*. It was warm, sunny, breezy… T-shirt weather, my favorite. I got my barn chores done early, took a quick shower and hopped in the car with my doggo, Kai…

The air smelled of fresh earth and spring blossoms and because I headed down to the shoreline, salty balmy air. I wish there was a feature on this laptop to transport the scent along with the photos. When I do these walkabouts I breathe deep and slow, sort of nourishing my lungs and my peace of mind with all that goodness, flushing out any lingering toxins.

Harkness park is such a jewel bestowed on the residents of this state, and the now abandoned Seaside Sanatorium is an eerie contrast, just down the road from it. Seaside has an interesting history…. you can read more about it here if you’re so inclined.

First, behold Harkness Park…. It never ceases to amaze me and truly my gratitude overflows for people who had the forethought and the generosity to bestow their properties to the general public, for the welfare of all. Amen for those beacons of light, for the humanity they embody and share with us all.

On to Seaside – it was an eerie experience, haunting, really. I was glad there were a few other dog walkers there. Hard to imagine why this property didn’t flourish for generations to come as a hospital, a respite, a recovery centery, an elderly housing complex …… any of these things could have been beautifully done here and right on the water, surrounded by a nice neighborhood and nearby bustling town.

I had a physical last week and thankfully all is as well as a 60 year old can expect. I still have 20 pounds to lose but I did lose a little weight, and the sugar and cholesterol numbers improved. Had my eyes checked a few days ago and all good there too, just a small bump in the reading glasses number. I’ll take it. The hiking and walking and barn chores and light weight training is helping me stay strong – I always remember what a dear older friend of mine said some years ago…. I asked her what her secret was to staying so fit and strong as she approached 80. She said… KEEP MOVING. KEEP DOING ALL THE THINGS. DON’T START BEHAVING LIKE AN OLD PERSON. And so I plan to do just that. I hope you’re taking care of you, too – it’s so important to find something you enjoy doing to help your body and mind stay active… if you’re not already doing so, it’s never too late to start. Just do it. Sadly…. she ended up with dementia in her late 80’s, but she is lucky to have strong family support and the money to live in an excellent facility near that family with her own apartment.

On that subject… I have several friends who are living with and caring for their spouses who are suffering from either dementia or alzheimers… and several community members have either died from or are living with the same awful disease. It seems more prevalent now than ever -scary! What I have learned from both of them is…. family and friend support is so important. One of them has very little of either and at this point feels very isolated and alone, feeling trapped in her home as she cares for her husband. The other has tremendous family support and has found a support group that really helps her in various ways. It makes all the difference. If you know someone who is in the same position, please reach out in any ways that you are able. …. and no small deed is too small. If you are unfortunately IN that position as care giver…. remember…. you matter too. Reach out, don’t suffer alone…. and carve out time for self care, whatever that looks like to you. It’s not impossible, and it might at first feel uncomfortable to ask or seek, but do it… for you. You are just as important as the patient.

I hesitate to say anything at all about the present political climate….. I and many others are sad for this country and hoping with all we’ve got that eventually most of this country will right the ship and lean in to decency, grace and humanity again….. We deserve so much better, we are capable of so much better…. The world deserves better from us.

Onward.