Into the Wild Wood and Home Again

As Pete Buttigieg said, and I'm paraphrasing, it's not that more people became democrats, but more that people want positive, substantial change. And now that the ball has been tossed to the blue side of things, it's time to get to work. This is a sacred charge, and it cannot be fumbled. It's time to let younger, more energetic folks lead the way.  But the vote across the country reads like a solemn referendum, not a victory as yet. No more sending the House home when things get interesting. No more obfuscation. No more slash and burn of things that help keep people alive. The list of things to do is a long one, and I hope that the focus does not shift to retribution alone (although accountability is on the list, near the top). There's work to be done. And now, there's a chance to get it done.  Curbing AI. Ending this horror show in the Middle East. Restoring some dignity to the daily lives of the people who struggle the most. And for heaven's sake, restorin...

It's relatively balmy out-- 44 degrees when I got up at 5:30. And rain is in the forecast, just showers. I think the weather mirrors my mood.  It's election day, and I will vote. I always do. I hope you do as well.  Pray for a positive outcome, with no violence.  Isn't it strange that we even have to consider that possibility? It boggles the mind.  Have a good day, friends. Stay safe. Keep each other safe.  C

It warmed up (!) during the night; I went to bed and it was 29, got up at 5:20 and it was 36. Weird. But hey, this week is supposed to have some very warm days. I'm glad I have a few more days to putter around-- we still have outdoor stuff to attend to. And I'm scheduled to get winter tires put on Friday afternoon. In the meantime, though, the prediction is for 72 degrees on Wednesday. Wacky. But I'll be glad, so we won't use pellets or oil much at all this week. I grew up parsimonious, but I'm now bordering on cheap when it comes to fuels. What else can we do? Today, my sophomores will be presenting their medieval projects-- an odd assortment of weapons, maps, slideshows about plague, etc. I'm wearing my plague doctor tee shirt. Just trying to get in the mood...  And the juniors will continue their small research papers. What a grand variety they are working on! Everything from "forever chemicals" in our water to climate change and the ocean's eco...

Good morning, it's November, it's daylight, and I already have a beef stew simmering on the stove for dinner tonight. Which is to say, I have had sleep. Amazing. We are going to the later Mass this morning, so I have time to get a few things done.  That all said, who knows what the rest of the day will look like. It's All Saints Day, and Holly is supposed to go with us to church dressed as St Brigid of Kildare, but I just got a message that she's getting difficult about it. We'll see what happens. I have hope.  Last night, we had a modest number of children for Trick or Treat, which is to say, there's a ton of candy and pretzel packets left over. And as always, all of the hot cocoa packets went first. I need to get more for us, now. It's funny that, given a choice, kids always pick the cocoa. It was quite chilly last night, too, so it tracks that they want the cocoa for after their tricks.  And here we are, All Saints, and tomorrow is All Souls. The shades o...

All Hallows Eve! Here's a recipe for you (and let's not create it, shall we?!). Have a safe and amusing day.  I'll be back chatting with you tomorrow. C Macbeth , Act IV, sc. 1 (Folger Library) Thunder. Enter the three Witches. FIRST WITCH   Thrice the brinded cat hath mewed. SECOND WITCH   Thrice, and once the hedge-pig whined. THIRD WITCH   Harpier cries “’Tis time, ’tis time!” FIRST WITCH   Round about the cauldron go; In the poisoned entrails throw. Toad, that under cold stone Days and nights has thirty-one Sweltered venom sleeping got, Boil thou first i’ th’ charmèd pot. The Witches circle the cauldron. ALL   Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble. SECOND WITCH   Fillet of a fenny snake In the cauldron boil and bake. Eye of newt and toe of frog, Wool of bat and tongue of dog, Adder’s fork and blindworm’s sting, Lizard’s leg and howlet’s wing, For a charm of powerful trouble, Like a hell-broth boil and bubble. ALL   Do...

Half day at school-- ostensibly, to get grades caught up and so on, but also to allow for folks to go to the playoff game (boys) that is way down on the bottom of the state--they are headed to Epping. I may try to watch the livestream.  This all means I'm out at noon. Which, to be honest, is going to be great. I have been too busy of late, and a little time --yes, merely an extra hour-- is more than welcome. Add to that, I've decided we are going out for dinner. I'm not on strike, but I would like a moment's peace. It will be a busy-ish weekend, so why not?  I will collect my thoughts on the loss of Sir Patrick Stewart. All of the online tributes are apt, of course, but no one has yet mentioned his deeply affective version of A Christmas Carol, and that is where my thoughts are trending. Yes, Picard. And yes, X-Men. And of course, all of the stage plays. Add to that, his iconic " Ice Bucket Challenge " -- he was pure class, with a wry sense of humor. And one ...