The Burrow

My plan was to expound on Taos Bubbe's plan of action.  We were college roommates on the edges of the effort to stop the draft and the war and we ended up closing Cornell two Springs in a row and thwarting LBJ's run for reelection.    As she said,  we were loud, we were disruptive,  and we were colorful. We were young,  as were most of our compatriots across the country,  and we stuck together, making noise,  until we could no longer be ignored.  There's a lot more to say on the matter,  but I'm her lagged and altitude readjusting and my heart's just not in it.  Maybe tomorrow. 

Bluesky (find me @ClumsyGrammy - Giblet's moniker for me) was awash in the end of democracy.  I'm still surprised at the unconstitutionality of FFOTUS' Executive Orders; why, I do not know. There was ranting and raving from the usual suspects,  most aimed at the White House,  but many targeting the  feckless Democrats who refuse to do more than send angry letters upstream.  There was a script to use when calling one's elected officials.  I dialed Juan Ciscomani's Tucson office and read it to Brendan,  the lovely gentleman who answered the phone.  He said the Congressman had called the White House,  "sent a Q &A" requesting information,  and reassured me that Social Security,  Medicare,  Medicaid, SNAP, and Pell Grants were still operational. Further research found that to be marginally accurate but I didn't have all the information at the time so couldn't refute it.  I wondered if the Congressman was concerned about th...

The day got away from me.  Actually, two days sped by without my paying much attention to anything except my expanded family. 1440  has replaced the NYTimes and WaPo as my early morning news fix.  It's fact based information curated by humans, not an algorithm.  This morning it told me that Colombia, like Mexico, was refusing to allow FFOTUS's deportation airplane to land.  A mini tariff squabble ensued.  There were links to follow for a deeper dive, but I'm trying to limit my doom scrolling. It also mentioned that an alcoholic, serial abuser was confirmed as Secretary of Defense.  I certainly avoided those links. Instead, I went downstairs to hug the babies.  I invite to you to pretend and do the same:  

  This was not an expression of love for the audience. Those who live where it started understand that. So should we. Do not let them gaslight you.

Stupidity Having trouble dealing with those you love who've somehow gone over to the dark side?  I know that I am.  It breaks my heart.  I feel helpless and flummoxed and at a loss for words.... which,  for me,  is really saying something.   As if she felt my angst over the miles,  Susie Q sent this today.  Clear, thoughtful, and beautifully illustrated,  it's worth a listen over lunch.  Bonhofer on Stupidity

The MAGA hats are disappointed.  Their fearless leader won't be outside to see how few of them showed up.  His Inaugural Committee has ordered that the Jumbotrons be removed, so there won't be an outdoor live performance of any kind. Many are asking for refunds of their hotel and travel expenses (good luck with that,  but keep buying those coins, boots, and bibles). Democracy dies in darkness.  WaPo used to have this as a header, but its avatar will be in the Rotunda (oh, wait, they know how to get in there; no refund needed) so his hair doesn't get mussed. The rest of us will weep as Democracy sobs.  I leave you with 2 things as we DON'T WATCH: 1. Do something for someone else today,  in honor of a man who saw the goodness and promise of our society.  2. Enjoy this cartoon. 

Re: Confirming Pete Hegseth "I was so busy keeping my job that I forgot to do my job." (Michael Douglas in The American President)

There were MagnaTiles for connecting and for playing peek-a-boo, which is extremely adorable when said with a toddler's Russian accent. Mama read books. Grandma was asked to take her for a walk. She brought me my shoes and said  park,  both of which were also quite adorable.  The sun was out and the park was empty and the slide was so much fun.  We went to music class,  with 3 pony tails and a pretty dress. We came home and I collapsed on the couch.   Parenting is exhausting.  Grandparenting is tiring.  Big Cuter reminds me every few hours, it's a marathon,  not a sprint.  I'd be tired after either one.