It's cold again. Very. And I can't help but think of those who are living rough, who are unhoused or are "couch surfing" from patient friend to patient friend. Most of us are just a paycheck or two away from making those same hard choices. The overnight shelter in Littleton is open, and there is a giving tree at the Coop with needs tags for them. There is an ongoing collection for basic necessities to benefit those who are having a rough time. There are several "little free pantry" sites. But it's not enough, and the need is growing. When I hear from certain pundits that prices are down all over, that gas is about 2.00 a gallon, that an extra dollar or two won't break anyone... I get steamed. Seriously angry. How dare they spout such fallacies? I've read "so what if beef is a dollar or two more a pound" too many times lately. When hamburger is a luxury item, there is something radically wrong. Health care costs are already spiking, ...
We had a really relaxed day yesterday, which was ideal. Holly got lots of good things to read, do, and watch, and we all had a few nice surprises in the packages. Mostly, the best part-- family time. No rushing, no agenda, just hanging out. And now, the quiet. It's been a very busy few months, and my brain is clicking on empty. Yes, I have a to-do list for the week ahead, but none of it says, "clean this...rearrange that..."-- well, not more than the usual upkeep, and of course, removing the tree. But not today. Not for many days. Mostly, it has things like "inventory the freezer and see what you need to get at the store" and "finally write that book review." I need quiet to get things done, but mostly, it's to recharge my inner self. I am a person who needs an hour or two (minimum) of quiet time daily in order to maintain balance. I have not had that luxury for quite some time, and I'm going to revel in it. The quiet is really wonderful, ex...
Mid-40s and rainy/windy start to the day. It's messy, to be sure. Today, I'll be shuttling Holly here and there, and in the interim, I hope to get my gift-wrapping done. And probably some house chores. The kids at school have a sub, and I'm told he's a good one, so I'm not going to worry. So, good stuff: when a student admits to having actually cried at the death of a character in Hard Times (Dickens!)-- others were outraged at his death. They are appropriately irritated with other characters, too. Just goes to show, Dickens is still relevant. Maybe even more-so these days, given the wealth and power inequities that are all around us. The lack of agency for the common worker. The lack of safety measures, clean air, water, the insufficiency of the mandated educational model... yeah, read it, if you haven't. It's not very long, but it packs a wallop. Dickens railed on and on about these issues in just about every one of his books. Change came, eventually. ...
Comments
Post a Comment
Thanks for stopping by!