in the news – Page 2 – This Old House 2

Believe me

Lately I barely skim the headlines, I’m so sad (angry? frightened? horrified?) by what we have become as a nation under our current leadership. I hate to see the way people talk to each other on social media. I hate the emboldened “hate” groups – who now see the President’s views as their validation. How awful is that?

I’m no snowflake, not a lefty, not even a democrat, I don’t hate the republican party, even agree with some of their positions. *I am not affiliated because I think party allegiance clouds some peoples vision. So this opinion does not come from one of those, if you’re someone who throws labels around and discredits any and every actual fact if you believe it comes from that territory – the territory that is not yours. What we have now with the republican party is nothing we’ve seen before. It appears as if the old party is dead, cowtowing to a monster who they fear will attack them, as he has many others, should they stand up for what they must know is right and decent. Some of them are indeed taking a stand, and being slammed for it repeatedly. How do you tell a man like John M*Cain he’s no hero because he was captured and ever feel good about it? How do you slam a man on his deathbed and ever feel good about it?

Can we call it leadership when the most powerful man in office lies to us regularly, still looking out for the big corporations, (wasn’t that what his base was railing against to begin with? are they suddenly blind to it now? ) still placating the 1 percent, while telling us he’s here for us, the every day Joe? That’s kinda hilarious, if it weren’t so important. In control, republicans couldn’t fix our health care system after bitching about it for 8 years. The deficit is bigger than ever – they screwed up so bad with their new tariffs the farmers who were already struggling had to be given a bail out , (jeez, isn’t that a socialist thing?) bail out money we are borrowing from CHINA, the people we threw the tariffs on… because the current administration blew our budget through the roof. Why are we throwing a military parade when we aren’t yet feeding our homeless vets? Not giving them the mental healthcare they need? Actually, vets just lost their dental coverage thanks to the new regime.

They’re making America great again, believe them, don’t listen to what you are seeing and what you are hearing – believe me, not them. That’s what he said yesterday. Those are some scary words right there. The leader of the free world, of our beloved America – is telling you the press is all fake news (that’s just not true) , our intelligence community is untrustworthy fake news ( also not true) , anyone on the opposing side is all fake news (what a childish take). The only truths according to the current President are what you see come out of his mouth. Yet, it’s been proven beyond any shadow of a doubt that what comes out of his mouth have been many, many lies, many false accusations … directly to you and me and all his “base”… again and again and again. Big lies, little lies, more than 3,000 lies since taking office. 3,000. Three Thousand. Lies. outright. Am I clear here?

He doesn’t care about our environment, he sides with corporations – which is eroding before our eyes, you don’t have to look anywhere other than your own surroundings to know it. He has yet to do anything that truly impacts positivily any of We the People, although if you believe him, he’s telling you he’s the greatest, ever, and you’re already so much better off. He’s making enemies all over the world and in this country. North Korea is laughing at him. He’s in P*tins pocket. He’s trying to discredit an investigation that has already yielded astonishing results – Russia has indeed been trying to undermine our democracy, our elections, and spies have lived among us doing the dirty work for years. We are under cyber attack by the Russians, proven, not fake news. Why would you ever… ever… call that a witch hunt – the protecting and defending of our freedoms, our democracy. His wife wears a jacket that says I Really Don’t Care, Do U? Wow. I believe her! It’s bizarre and unhinged. I just don’t understand how it’s not clear to absolutely ever single person how very toxic this current political environment he has created, is.

I love my country, there are so many good things happening out there, and it’s a beautiful, beautiful place. I have always felt blessed to be an American. I’ve also been so fortunate to meet some truly good people along the way. I try every day to set my deep concern for the welfare of our country aside and focus on all that is still good and right and decent and worthy of our precious time. I’m not a religious girl but I’m praying for all of us, to bring us safely out of this unhinged presidency and to find common ground again, to take care of each other and especially those in need, to be able to live peacefully and prosperously and safely on the world stage and respect each other again, to have faith in the powers that be.

It ain’t easy – believe me.

Who deserves a place at the table

I know it… didn’t I just say I was putting down the negative “stuff” and leaving it to sit on the side of the curb in order to lead a more stress-free life? I’m gonna do that, truly I am. I’m already doing it much better than I was, at least. Sorta.

But this article written by an essayist for The New Yorker? … this was so spot on, I want to share it everywhere I can. You know that little issue S*rah S*nders had while dining out at a restaurant recently? Well, as is typical in today’s political climate.. you’re either cheering the restaurant folks on, or you’re saying they should be ashamed. Personally I’m buying a gift certificate online to their restaurant all those miles away.

Of course, if you’re saying they should be ashamed… I hope you said the same for the Baker who wouldn’t sell a cake to a gay couple. And the Supreme Court for ruling that’s OK. And to the folks who turned Joe Biden away because they just don’t believe in the same things he does. The list goes ON…

Normally my reaction to this story would be, WOW, just because you don’t agree on a political level doesn’t give you permission to turn that person away at your place of business. Actually you can do whatever you choose in your own space but it’s gonna have consequences. Talk about prejudice… and aren’t we better than that?

However.. in this particular situation… I applaud it. There’s just so much turning the other cheek I can tolerate. This administration flies int he face of any civility, rationale, decency. So I just can’t find it in me to feel badly when they reap what they sow.

And here’s why….

“someone who has decided to make it her public role to extend, with a blizzard of falsehoods, the words of a pathological liar, and to support, with pretended piety, the acts of a public person of unparalleled personal cruelty—well, that person has asked us in advance to exclude her from our common meal. You cannot spit in the plates and then demand your dinner. The best way to receive civility at night is to not assault it all day long. It’s the simple wisdom of the table.”-Adam Gopnik

If you’re interested… the complete article HERE. .

Enough Said.

Yes, I do care

I am so tired of all the in-your-face bullshit. Truly- what has happened to this country? For the First Lady of the United States to purposely wear a cheap shot jacket that says I don’t Really care, Do U? … at any time! Let alone when she’s heading out to visit children in a holding center- is thoroughly disgusting. My God- This act was intentional and obnoxious- there is no other way to see it. Anyone who condones this new norm- this *fuck decency and *fuck truth- is selling us all out. I don’t care what your political affiliation or stance on issues- this goes beyond that.

Such a bizarre allegiance, We are better than this. We are better than this.

Goose Rocks and Cottage Gardens

My son walked into the kitchen a few afternoons ago and asked if I’d like to go kayaking at the cove. Are ya kidding? Let’s go! …. I think if your grown children enjoy spending time with you now and again, you’ve done something right in life, just sayin.

Inside Joshua Cove…

It was a gloriously warm spring evening and we paddled out to a small island of rocks that sits about a 15 minute paddle beyond the mouth of our cove in Long Island Sound. The water was like glass as we made our way – the sun shining down, warming our shoulders – gulls overhead chattering away and the soft clank of a distant buoy joined the birds conversation. I only know this last part because the boy described it to his hearing impaired mother – he is a kind one. 💕

Heading out to Goose Rocks … or Goose Island as it’s officially called…

As we approached the cluster of rocks I wondered how we’d climb aboard but my son assured me there is a very convenient landing consisting of millions of shells that have washed ashore. Indeed there was…

For such a beautiful night, there were very few boaters out in the water. It was if we had the Sound to ourselves for a brief while. M had an eagle eye, collecting a large assortment of sea glass and shards of pottery. They say when you find pottery pieces, it’s possible they are from cottages lost to storms along the coast.

Mermaid scale?

The beginning of the Thimble Islands out in the distance…

After sea glass hunting and some deep breathing and admiration for the beauty around us, we paddled back to shore, worn yet rejuvenated. Kayaking in the salt air and water does that to you – tires you out and refreshes you at the same time.

Added to the beauty of the sea are the cottage gardens and wildflowers along the little roads – The island is full of spring blooms …..

Because we of the 140 or so cottages share this 300 acre “island” with a herd of cows, they occasionally escape their pasture and come calling… perhaps the grass is greener on the salty side?

*thank you to those who acknowledged their view on the previous post. Politics (and religion!) are not easy topics to discuss and it doesn’t always feel safe to express opinions. While I’ve been trying to avoid the subject for the most part, it doesn’t always feel right to just say or do nothing. There is great power in communication. And.. there’s great power in the vote. Get out and vote at every opportunity – just that.

Have a good weekend, all –

Booting the Reboot

I applaud ABC for giving Roseanne the ax yesterday after her thoroughly disgusting racist rant – (one of many). Apparently decency is still capable of trumping money (high ratings) and that’s heartening. To think the President’s son retweets her vile assaults is dumbfounding – literally. Her brand of “humor” is poisonous. It’s a shame she dragged the entire cast down with her.

Of course, the President himself has not said anything on the subject since the firing, but how could he, when he displays the same behaviors himself. Indeed, his hateful, deceitful, fake news filled speeches and twitter rants are vomiting all over what remains of any decency in our country. I don’t care what party you identify with, and I am branded by none – what he represents is the worst humanity has to offer. He is not America First. For if he truly was, he would not be fanning the flames of division and bold faced lying to the American people over… and over.. again. It’s as if he’s just throwing sh*t everywhere to see what will stick. Deny till you die is his apparent MO – and even when caught outright in those lies, he just moves on. If you aren’t enraged at the very least that a US President thinks we are so stupid we will eat anything he says regardless of what the actual truth is, I got nothing. It’s mind blowing.

There is a reason hate groups are invigorated by Tr*mps speeches. He encourages them. He gives everyone permission to be an assh*le. He is so ill suited to the office he holds in so many ways – his Memorial Day speech was nothing but shameful self promotion. And I doubt those who have lost loved ones in wars are thinking it’s a Happy Memorial Day, Nice!!. So out of touch with reality. As for his tweet regarding Democrats ripping kids out of their families arms, supporting thugs? *sigh…. Right now, it’s you, Tr*mp. You. Enough with the lies, enough with the hate speeches.

Another truth – not fake news – All parties have their good and bad ideas, policy and intention. By repeatedly attacking each other and furthering the divide, we all lose. WE ALL LOSE. How are we missing that most important and straight forward message? In the end, no one wins when we don’t work together. This post isn’t about policy – we shouldn’t have to give up truths, decency and simple respect to improve on what is and has been ill within our governance.

Decency and respect matters. It Matters.

#NotMyPresident

This one requires a cup of coffee ..

No really – lots to cover, go get one. And a donut – trust me on this. side note: I just found out the Redneck Donut Truck (actual name) up the road a piece is packing up after today to move back to their homeland four towns over – this is terrible news, and it’s very good news, depending on whether you talk to my mind or my “matter” . Their canoli donut was thebestpieceofdonut I have ever had, ever.

Anyway…

First let me say, if you were in on the religion conversation post, thank you so much for your thought provoking and respectful answers – I so enjoyed reading your take on the subject. And that’s all I’m gonna say about that.

I’m not a dyed in the wool Royal Watcher although I’ve read the headlines over the years, seen the stories, watched news coverage of the weddings, the funerals, the scandals even. I watched along with everyone else in horror as Diana’s world unraveled and ended really badly and far too soon. Who doesn’t admire how those two boys have persevered in the glare of the royal spotlight over the years, carrying out their born duties with some grace and class, and fun! Harry underlined here. Harry is my favorite and he and his bride were humanitarians before they met each other – imagine the dynamic team they will be. Watching the royal wedding today, you’d have to be dead not to notice the radiance and genuine smiles shared between he and Meghan M. I loved her choice of simple yet elegant gown and veil, and the personal and refreshing twists they bestowed on the wedding ceremony itself. Truly they are a breath of fresh air, bringing the Royal Family into a more modern light. Surprisingly I had tears in my eyes as I watched this morning, and I’m no sap.

So… this guy showed up on our side porch the other day… a gift from a dear friend just because, a fellow blogger who shares my birthday! It was evident right away that Henry was not made for farm life, so I brought him down to Stella by the Sea to see if that environment suited him better.

Aaaah, MUCH better.

While we’re here, let me show you the new furniture reveal. The couch and chair are of rugged material a summer cottage demands, in soothing shore colors that say Relax! Summer! The Mr. and I moved furniture around yesterday because last year it felt like we just jammed stuff in there in our big rush to enjoy our first “cottage life” season. So the little space felt.. rushed.

The table and chairs are now centered in the room, not pressed against the windows…

The rug that was in that floor space all by itself is now in the kitchen work area…

My $100. “Edith” chair now in the “living room” area instead of squished in a corner of the bedroom where it got no use. (the table and chairs used to be in that back corner to the left of the Mr. ) We do have to relocate the little chandelier now that there’s no table under it.

The new recliner and couch with a sturdy whitewashed bench type table for putting feet up or resting drinks, etc. on.

Let’s head outside… An Awesome quality about cottage life – small spaces are easy to clean – and mow! Garden management is minimal. My new perennials are happy and growing… they like all this rain we’ve been getting.

The robins on the back porch – initial there were four eggs in the nest.

Then it looked like this just four days ago… and I thought there were only two…

Now they look like this… and there are very definitely three. Absolutely amazing, the speed of the development of birds from egg to fledgling.

I’ve also put a few galvanized pots of flowers on the stone steps down to the water.

Believe it or not, this type of super petunia is happy in that environment –

wind of the water, rain and all.

And meanwhile, back at the ranch… we’ve got another cold, rainy day in store. This is my current view out the kitchen sliders. There is a little tiny nest in the shrub at bottom right…

Inside that shrub is a perfect little nest with four tiny tiny eggs.

This is momma or dad. A song sparrow perhaps?

Waiting anxiously for me to leave the area.

My rescue friends are holding an adoption event this weekend for shelter dogs in neighboring Durham, CT at the fairgrounds – 30 of the 60 dogs in attendance got homes in the first three hours, just amazing. This is no easy feat – The dogs from down south are most often pulled from kill shelters or taken from abusive situation or strays that have been caught. Then they are spayed, neutered and fully vetted and housed with fosters or with the rescues directly and evaluated for temperment and training. Applications are taken and references are called and interviews conducted before any of the dogs are allowed to go home with their new families – It’s quite an operation, takes many many volunteers. We’ve been doing this for about 9 years now, and it’s heartbreaking and extremely rewarding at the same time.

Yesterday I stopped in to drop off food for volunteers and help unload the dogs that had just arrived. This little guy, whom my friend Lillian calls a squirrel, would have come home with me if I didn’t have four already. He and his litter mates were so darn cute, hard to believe they were dumped. Those ears!!…

If you’re local and want more information, visit

www.homewardboundct.org

Whew! are you still with me? We covered a lot of ground today –

Time to spend a little quality time with the Mr.

Got to stay in good standing in case I want to

bring another “squirrel” home some day.

Till soon, friends –

Mom says it best

Lately I’ve tried to stay out of the political fray because I am so very tired of the bickering amongst we the people, let alone our governing forces. Who would have ever thought we’d see such a polarizing POTUS….or that he could get away with so much utter crap. (how about that forged doctors letter! – that is just bizarre). One small comfort I take is – our government needed a shake up. It needed a reality check – we the people were not being represented in our best interests for a variety of reasons and in several big arenas. TR*MP isn’t wrong in calling out some of the very big issues we have faced for years and have not fixed. The following came up and I want to share it, even though I’ve been enjoying the hiatus – which I’m returning to after this post, lol. I welcome opposing views as long as comments are respectful.

I’ve spoken here before about living in a house politically divided. I’m not affiliated with a particular party because I’m one of those who walks the middle ground in my views on a lot of issues, so that helps just a smidge. Until the election of DT – because TR*MP. So, in order to avoid World War 3 on a small scale up here in this house, we don’t talk politics often. The other day, the Mr. thought Dr. Charles Kra*thammer shared an opinion that should please us all and he sent it to my mother and I. Turns out the piece is falsely credited, the author was actually another political columnist. If you’re interested in that piece.. you can find it HERE. with the snopes correction.

Since he threw down the gauntlet and started the conversation, we both replied politely (really!) on what we thought of the piece. My mom said it best – and I’ll share it here with you. In it’s simplest form, the piece calls TR*MP a pragmatist, not a republican or democrat, who is just what this country needed. It was clearly written by a conservative republican, because while it lays blame on both parties for the ills of our society today (I agree!!) it labels Cl*nton and Sanders as Crazies trying to out crazy each other and speaks of being liberal as if it’s a disease. While I didn’t agree with Cl*nton and Sanders on all points, nor do I think Cl*nton was a stellar choice for President, they certainly aren’t lunatics in any sense of the word and being liberal is no more a disease than being a conservative republican. There’s another little blurb about those of us who haven’t achieved greatness or -done anything ! – we apparently can’t understand or appreciate true greatness and the confidence 45 displays because we haven’t achieved anything – (wow, dude).

Anyway – my mother’s response to the piece in the link above……

I agree that Trump is not a Conservative. He is a pragmatist in the
sense that what is good for him is what he wants. He is also a
pragmatist in the sense that he will keep on the issues that he feels
will keep his base loving him. There is no question in my mind that
both established parties have left the mass of the people behind,
sometimes out of ignorance, sometimes out of arrogance,often just to
ensure they got rich.

We need a new paradigm for the new age we are
facing. Globalism is not going away unless there is a planet wide
catastrophe. I see that as being a viral or bacterial pandemic, nuclear
war, or the more gradual effects of unaddressed global warming.
Pragmatism and straight talking is helpful, but that is not what we are
getting and I think the author of the piece knows that. What we’ve got is a bull in
a china shop thrashing around. He may break some things that need to be
broken but he is not discriminating. Breaking the Justice Department and
the FBI will have consequences. Encouraging the dog whistles of racism
will have consequences. Hyper-divisiveness will have consequences.

We are hopefully in for a sea change in our political life over the
next decade and if it is more pragmatic, transparent, and genuinely
aimed at strengthening the economic position of the middle and working
class, then we will all be better off. The other possible changes of
which there are signs around the world are less democracy and more
fascism. We are at a tipping point and could go either way. Trump by his
very nature leans fascist.

Well said, mom. Thank you –

What’s Soda got to do with it?

A long time ago we were big soda drinkers. A staple on my husband’s family’s dinner table when he was young – a bottle of orange or coke or rootbeer soda. We smartened up years ago, and only occasionally enjoy the original Coke or a good Root Beer. But.. there are some fun recipes that are thoroughly enhanced by the addition of soda, like this cake below, using (my teeth ache just thinking about drinking this stuff) Mountain Dew! This is a nice light cake – not good for you at all in the healthful eating sense, but sometimes you just gotta give yourself a treat that has no other benefit than the YUM factor. Because CAKE.

Mountain Dew Bundt Cake

Ingredients

1 box Duncan Hines Lemon Supreme cake mix

1 (3.4 ounce) box Lemon Jell-O instant pudding mix

4 large eggs

1 (12 ounce) can Mountain Dew (equal to 1 1/2 cups if you’re pouring from a bottle of pop)
** I used Sprite instead of Mountain Dew

1/2 cup oil

Glaze

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 cup sugar
10. 1/2 cup Mountain Dew

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. (yep, 325) Grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt cake pan/tube pan
. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix with the pudding mix. Add the eggs and oil, then
slowly add the Mountain Dew. Mix at medium speed until blended. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in
the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for five minutes, then transfer cake to a wire rack.

Glaze directions: While cake is still slightly warm, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat.
Add 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup Mountain Dew to the melted butter. Turn up heat and bring to
a boil, stirring often. Boil for two minutes and remove from heat.
8. Poke holes in cake with a wooden skewer or the tines of a fork, then spoon hot glaze over
cake. Cool completely before serving.

This photo, taken at Barbara Bush’s funeral services, makes me smile for several reasons. And that’s all I’m going to say about that.

*yesterday he was admitted to the ICU, doesn’t surprise me that he

might go so shortly after her passing. They were a team in every sense

of the word. Life without her must be unimaginable for him.

I’ve been debating changing blog platforms to WordPress, simply because Blogger is free and powered by Google and therefore there are no guarantees it will be around forever – think of seven years of blogging all gone should they decide to fold. Anyone out there have experience with WordPress? Opinion? It seems like it might be more technical than I’d like. I am NOT tech savvy, and blogger has been relatively easy.

Another blogger with a much larger following posed the question – where are you from? I enjoyed reading the answers and learning where her many readers hail from and live now. So, I’d like to do that here. Years ago this blog had a lot more traffic as we documented the resurrection of The Old House. Now, on average, approximately 150 readers stop by here daily as you browse blogs and a handful of you leave comments on occasion, which I enjoy reading. If you’re so inclined, in the comments, leave your city or state or town of origin, other areas you’ve lived and where you live now (just what you’re comfortable with). I’d love to hear from you.

It’s a new day, all – let’s make it a good one. PS – the sun is SHINING here again today – Amen!

Here Comes the Sun

Little darling, it feels like years since it’s been here
Here comes the sun
Here comes the sun, and I say
It’s all right

Star magnolia tree in our side yard,

a mother’s day gift from my daughter

a few years back 💗

We are rejoicing in the reappearance of the sun. Temps are still on the chilly side.. but we have green. We have warmth, we have that golden glow in the sky. Amen.

The chickens are sun and dust bathing again…

The horses grazing…

We have a little side deck off the kitchen sliders – the wood heats up when the sun is out and ooh, does it feel good to lay out there, back pressed to the wood, soaking up the rays – which we did quite a bit of yesterday, me and the dogs, and for ten mintues, even the husband.

The grass is greening up, the horses are shedding their winter coats and birds are nest building with some of that horse hair. Egg laying has commenced.

Purple finch eggs behind our porch lantern

The forsythia is just beginning to bloom, weeks late, ever so hesitantly – and daffodils that are not planted in the shade are blooming. The others still need convincing. The seeds my guys planted are out in the little greenhouse sprouting away, too soon to safely live out in the garden plot, so we wait. These below are purple peppers I ordered from Bakers Heirloom Seed Co. I look forward to tasting this new-to-me variety come summer.

I was never overly fond of the Bush Family, but I have certainly admired Barbara Bush for her strength and tenacity, dedication to literacy of our children, her devotion to her family and to the grace and dignity she brought to her position over the years. May she rest in peace –

Let me tell ya – we can laugh about the following little ditty… but it’s absolutely true up here in this house.

Sharing this Good-For-You meal found in Family Circle, perfect for Spring and Summer –

Zucchini Noodles with Asparagus, Peas and Bacon

1/2 pound asparagus

1 yellow pepper, seeded

8 ounces bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 pounds spiralized zucchini

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 cup milk

2 large cloves garlic, grated

1 cup frozen peas, thawed

1/4 cup basil, very thinly sliced

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1Trim woody ends from asparagus and peel bottom 2 inches if needed; slice on the bias into 1/4-inch-thick pieces, leaving tips intact. Cut pepper lengthwise into 8 pieces, then slice crosswise into 1/4-inch strips.

2Heat a large stainless skillet over medium. Add bacon and cook until crispy, 8 to 9 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Pour off bacon fat, then return 2 tbsp fat to skillet.

3Meanwhile, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium and cook zucchini and 1/4 tsp salt, covered, until crisp-tender, 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain zucchini.

4Add yellow pepper to bacon fat; cook 1 minute. Add asparagus; cook 1 minute more. Sprinkle vegetables with flour and cook 30 seconds, stirring well.

5Stir in milk and garlic. Add peas and half each of the bacon and basil. Cook until sauce thickens, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

6Add zucchini, 1/4 tsp salt and the black pepper, and toss to coat. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with remaining basil and bacon. Serve immediately.

Have a good day, all – and thank you for stopping by.

Rambling Rose

Because sometimes a post title just doesn’t come to ya.

Happy 22nd Birthday to my boy, who I adore more than it seems possible. We’re so proud of the kind, responsible, hard working young man he’s become. I’m one of those ridiculous moms who’s children are literally my everything. My children are truly my greatest accomplishment in life. Is it ridiculous? I don’t know, I bet most of you moms feel the same way most of the time. ( we all have those “other” moments) My life is busy with my editing work, farm chores, volunteer activities, my hobbies and family life – but “family life” is on the top of my importance list, always. 💗

Since being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia last year, I’ve been struggling with the diagnosis, which is a tricky thing because after all the tests and all is said and done, they can’t tell you why you’re experiencing so much pain and inflammation everywhere – it just is. What??…. that’s frustrating.

If you suffer the same affliction, I can tell you this. Diet helps. Cut out the crap, literally. Sugar and Gluten are not your friend if you suffer from fibro. Too much dairy consumption also isn’t great. I’ve cut down big time on all three things (didn’t totally eliminate) and it has helped. Also… exercise. That’s a big one. It’s real hard to make yourself work out, go for long walks, run on a treadmill, insert whatever form of exercise you prefer… when your body is telling you OW THAT HURTS..with every move you make. But.. it’s important to do so if you want to keep moving, and even feel better.

A wonderful physical therapist I was sent to this fall has taught me some very valuable tools. He said…. “Those who improve from this condition do the hard work – they keep moving, keep exercising, and work on their diet continuously. Those who give in to the pain and don’t do the hard work, don’t improve, they get worse. Also, when you’re exercising, tell yourself that nothing is actually broken, even though your body is sending you pain signals. Work through the pain, and it will gradually decrease.” He was so right. I have now been in a steady work out routine here at home for a few months and I am feeling better. Not awesome, not perfect, not pain free – but better. Amen.

What I currently do is watch my diet (but I do slip up here and there – not much willpower, I love food!), I’m using the WW app to track my food intake, and I’m light weight training in the gym at least five days a week, have even increased the weight, three sets of 12 reps of a variety of lifts I was taught by a good friend (Joey), and I either take the dogs on a long hike or sprint/jog/walk on the treadmill on crappy weather days (MANY LATELY!!).

What can I say about the current state of political affairs here in our country… Holy cow, what an absolutely bizarre point in our American History we have reached, on so many fronts.

For those who still embrace the 45 Cult, man, I give you credit for standing by your man. Sorta like Melania… can you imagine what their cosy evenings at home must look like now? And I’m not making fun of her, she didn’t ask for the three ring circus she now lives in. Truly feels like he’s just throwing all the sh*t against the wall and hey, let’s see what’ll stick.

The thing about 45 is, I don’t totally disagree with some of the things on his “list to fix”. He just can’t get past his giant ego and his sordid past to lead this country in any sort of respectable, commendable, responsible, honest way. Sad thing. He is truly his own worst enemy. That he knowingly had that past history, and didn’t figure out that it would ALL come home to roost for him if he won the presidency, is remarkable. People in Cult 45 still clamor for 2020, but I bet 45 wants nothing to do with it, now that he sees what this position he holds has done to his and more importantly, his family’s formerly fabulous unfettered life. He and they are now in the fishbowl and who knows what price they have yet to pay. What he did to Obama and others is now being done to him, tenfold. And he keeps asking for more. Strange times.

33 degrees here in Connecticut today – I donned hat and gloves yet again, mid April! to do barn chores this morning. Our friends in Canada and Vermont still have snow! We planted seeds, which are now in their containers in the greenhouse – growing, growing, with nowhere to go until we see REAL spring temps. The forsythia is trying to bloom.. weeks late… but the attempt is half-hearted.

Come on, Spring.. the world NEEDS you!

Till soon, friends…