Welcome to The Moose Pond! The Welcomings posts give the Moose, old and new, a place to visit and share words about the weather, life, the world at large and the small parts of Moosylvania that we each inhabit.
Welcomings will be posted at the start of each week (usually Saturday night with a Sunday date). To find the posts, just bookmark this link and Voila! (which is Moose for “I found everyone!!”).
The format is simple: each day, the first moose to arrive on-line will post a comment welcoming the new day and complaining (or bragging!) about their weather. Or mentioning an interesting or thought provoking news item. Or simply checking in.
So … what’s going on in your part of Moosylvania?
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NOTE: The comments page will now split off after 20 or so left margin comments with the most recent comments on the current page. To see the older comments, scroll to the bottom of the page and use the link.
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Good morning, Moosekind! It’s clearing in Ashburn this morning, although it may rain this evening. We must have had a shower last night, judging by the state of the courtyard early this morning. Currently the temperature is 36 F., going up to 56 F. later.
Regret not being able to get here yesterday. Slept late because of a bad night, then had to hustle to get ready to interview my first subject in the morning. We had a very pleasant discussion that lasted two hours. Need to type up my notes for that. After I finish writing the article, I have to arrange for a photographer.
Came home to prepare lunch, then ran to the Current Affairs discussion at the Cardinal Clubhouse. As usual, the discussion was dominated by conservative white guys who didn’t want to shut up. When the subject of the wall came up I asked scornfully which “wall” had ever worked: the Great Wall of China—overrun by barbarians; Hadrian’s Wall: overrun by barbarians; the Berlin Wall: torn down after three decades by newly liberated East Germans, but not before certain very brave people escaped.
After that I had to go shopping, then I just came home and flaked out. Today is the election to fill Jennifer Wexton’s seat, then there’s a Town Hall meeting at 10. I want to bring up a first-world problem that’s been annoying some people in my building.
On the national scene I am beside myself about the devastating effects of the shutdown. One of the reasons for my visceral loathing of the Rethug party is its disdain of “gummint” and “gummint” workers—yes, the people who ensure that we have clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, interstate highways to drive on and so forth, to say nothing of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
A columnist named Margaret Sullivan has begun a mild pushback against the media’s obsession with horse race coverage of the election and its penchant for blowing up minor gaffes to the exclusion of covering policy positions. I’m going to push back against the (mostly) white male Rethuglican “coverage” on Twitter every chance I get.
That’s enough from me. Hope everyone will have a good day without too much aggravation from the news.
Big, big win – she beat her opponent by about 36 points. The Blue Wave that started in Virginia in 2017 has not crested. Poised to take back the Senate in November, especially now that #FairMaps will be drawn (thank you, SCOTUS).
Good morning, Meesefolk; 37 now with a dreary high of 45. These swings on temperature seem to be wreaking havoc with my sinuses…at least that’s what I’m attributing it to. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but a week of high 20s-low 30s would be very welcome. As long as I’m thinking of weather as a menu item to be ordered, nice, fluffy snow of no more than 4 inches would be nice too. ????
I’m pretty sure I’m going to be watching a movie at 9pm tonight. I have a DVD sitting on my kitchen table just waiting to be watched, and for some reason, tonight seems like a good time. I’ll learn all I need to know from @ddale8 on Twitter.
Good day to and for all!
It’s 33 heading for 55 and sunny today in Fay., AR. The last sunny day in the forecast for several days but I’ll enjoy it while I’ve got it. Yesterday’s production at 7.58 KWHs was the highest for the month & year so far and brought the m-t-d to 33 – so we’re gaining. Not anywhere near on track, but gaining. Temps will drop starting sundown – tomorrow’s dawn low will be around 28. Presupposing I can get this not-seasoned wood to burn at all much less put off some heat, I will certainly enjoy my fire tonight.
After almost a year of my kitties not being symptomatic for feline herpes (symptoms of a cold in humans – sneezing, runny nose & eyes, that sort of thing) both boys are having a serious bout of it. I think it’s because the little black semi-ferals I’m feeding at the back door have it – I’ve let them sniff each other thinking I might be able to bring the most tame one inside. That may have been a bad idea. sigh. I’ve got so many individual humans I’m worried about it’s sort a diversion from focusing on the big picture deplorability going on that I can’t do anything about. Of course I can’t do much about the humans I’m worried about either – send them love and {{{HUGS}}} and maybe a little grocery money while I can. And I can because I’m still working although how long is up in the air. They did 4 interviews yesterday and are doing follow-up background checks today. The Dept Chair has decided this has moved to the urgent category and is pushing to get the position filled ASAP. So I’ve got this week and maybe next week before I finally go back to being retired.
So. Back to work although I’ll keep the tab up and check back over the course of the day. Healing Energy to everybody everywhere to their shaping. Goddess knows we all need it. Bright the day, Meeses. {{{HUGS}}}
Good morning, 38 and cloudy in Bellingham. It’s the winter grey season in the PNW so it’s all to easy to get cozy and hibernate. Needless to say I’m not checking very many items off my list! Oh well, I’ll muddle through.
Last fall we decided a winter getaway would be a good idea so next week we’ll be on Orcas Island. It’s just an hours ferry ride away, which should be easy travel for me. I haven’t been to the San Juan Islands since 2011, so it will be nice to revisit some of our favorite places. We will be staying at Deer Harbor, but this time in a rental cabin, not in our boat. My get ready to go list is merging with my take care of business list so I hope I can avoid tRump angst today and be productive!
Best wishes to all.
47 with high of 59 and some fog. Waiting for AT&T installer to call between 11 am and 1 pm. Took the day off from work to attend to that and get several packages in. Hopeful I’ll have internet tonight.
{{{basket}}} – hope your day is very productive. Skritches to the kitties. Healing Energy & moar {{{HUGS}}}
Good morning, meeses! Wednesday …
It is 18 degrees in Madison with an expected daytime high of 21. Sunny skies are in the forecast.
I am going to skip the news except to read the Democratic Party response to the Trump 2020 campaign speech that the networks chose to gift to him so that they can profit, once again, from the misery their failure to do journalism has rained upon our country. Blast their hides!
Here are some adults to speak to us:
(*’ing added)
I have a project to get done before 6am and I have to get to it.
See all y’all later.
Wednesday Meese.
42 degrees here in NYS with rain.
Responses to Trump’s wall mess
Puerto Rico
Hi – I meant to publish my diary last night but I got sidetracked by my 2.25 mile walk, then loudly avoiding the Talking Cheeto’s speech. But it’s up now: https://www.motleymoose.com/2019/01/09/11278/for-my-birthday-on-friday-id-love-55-donations-for-the-hill-country-ride-for-aids/
And hey, did you notice I said I walked 2.25 miles yesterday evening? Yay me. Tried to walk this morning but didn’t make it early enough to do that and check the diary before posting. I’ll do 1 mile this evening, then I took Thursday & Friday off, I can walk longer then.
{{{ad}}} – definitely yay you! I saw your post and tweeted it out. I’ll be able to send something Friday. (You’re only 55? Heffens! Enjoy the “double nickle” year.) Healing Energy and moar {{{HUGS}}}
Good morning, Moosekind! It’s cloudy again in Northern Virginia and colder, with a current temperature of 44 F., going up to 51 F. I’ll have to move my plants back against the wall again.
Had another night from hell because of sinus congestion. Will have to speak with the doctor about this when I go for my checkup next month. It was supposed to be this month but she postponed it.
Good news about Jennifer Boysko’s win! Here at Ashy Ponds the vote was 377 (57.91%) for Boysko, 273 (41.94%) for May and one write-in. We need to keep Virginia blue!
This shutdown will not endear him to the people in this area, many of whom are federal workers and contractors.
Think I’ll have a stay-at-home day instead of gallivanting around. There’s a lot I need to work on. I wrote all but 300 words of Chapter 17 last night: waiting for the characters to tell me what’s next. It should be interesting!
Wishing a good day to all at the Pond and an end to the shutdown.
It’s 30 but feels like 21 in Fay., AR – but at least it’s sunny again. We generated 8.0 KWHs yesterday – highest for the month and year so far (& meets 12/28/18) – not great but definitely good. We still aren’t on track with a m-t-d of 41, but we’re gaining. I’ll call that a good sign or pleasant omen or something.
I spent yesterday evening by the fire with a cozy mystery (Charlotte MacLeod’s The Gladstone Bag) and alternating kitties on my lap. Poor babies are still sneezing like mad but I think the lysine is starting to work for them. I can’t do anything about the semi-feral – he’ll let me pet him but I’m not chancing scruffing him and sticking goo in his mouth. For one thing, if he didn’t bite me which is probable, he wouldn’t let me that close again and lysine is a 2x day treatment not a one-and-done. So much bad stuff happening to people I care for. I sometimes despair and doubt my faith – but that doesn’t help either, doesn’t really make a difference, so I go back to doing what I do in the faith that it will bring benefit of some kind. And on that note…Healing Energy to everybody everywhere shaped to the need. Bright the day, Meeses. {{{HUGS}}}
Good morning, Meesefolk; 27 when I got up, and that’s our high for the day. No sun, and no snow…just the cold; I’m pretty sure this is a case of “be careful what you wish for”!
I didn’t watch the propaganda last night, and while I was momentarily relieved that he didn’t announce a national emergency, that doesn’t mean he won’t. He’s in full cruelty mode, with the usual dose of “they’re coming to kill you,” so I expect if he can find a way to make things worse, he will. I see he’s renewed his threats against CA. Is that supposed to scare Speaker Pelosi? Does he forget that there are folks in CA who voted for him? (I’d ask if he cares about that, but it’s patently clear that he doesn’t. Maybe those Californians who voted for him are expected to just “make adjustments”?)
I’m going to focus on the positive today instead and start making plans for my weekend projects (because that always works out so well). Good day to and for all!
Good morning, 41 and raining in Bellingham. To my relief tRump appeared to be a tired and defeated old liar last night. He’s not through causing grief and trouble, but he’s done. Past time to vacate the premises!
Good news for our state and hopefully for my family because finding and paying for affordable health care and insurance is becoming increasingly difficult.
Inslee proposes ‘public option’ health-insurance plan for Washington
It’s cool and sunny 62 degrees out here in Costa Mesa. I have to come in earlier to work during January because the library closes at 4 pm. I can stay till 5:30 instead of my usual 6:30 but boy-o-boy my body does not like this plan. Last night I finally went to sleep about 11:30 and at least feel human today. I’m pissed at Trump after this tweet this morning: https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1083022011574747137
His speech goes over like a lead balloon and he takes it out on Nancy Pelosi. He’s a mean spiteful twit.
The more I’ve thought about this, the more I think this is probably the first FEMA will have heard about it. Yes, he’s mean and spiteful, but he’s also fundamentally lazy. Unless we hear the same thing from FEMA or see an executive order, I’m going to take the view that this is just one of his [ongoing] temper tantrums. He really, really can’t handle the whole co-equal thing, can he?
Good morning, meeses! Thursday …
It is 12 degrees in Madison with an expected daytime high of 25. Clouds lingering this morning and then mainly sunny this afternoon. The clear skies last night framed a lovely waxing crescent in the southwest sky – a gift from the goddess!
I am trying to figure out how Individual 1 backs down from his hostage-taking after doubling down with the “this will be the end of our party” talk or if Democrats will have to give in; we care deeply about the people hurt by the shutdown. Federal workers are going to start having real problems with Friday’s missed paycheck. HUD contracts paying for low-income housing have expired and no one knows what will happen to the people in those homes. The FAA is no longer inspecting planes and the FDA is no longer inspecting our food. So while the Agriculture Department “found” money for February SNAP, there may be no safe food or a kitchen table to eat it at.
My favorite clip from yesterday’s NOgotiations reminds people that Trump, and Republicans in Congress, have never had to deal with having essentially NO MONEY to pay for food and shelter. “He thinks maybe they could just ask their father for more money.” BURN.
I will keep one eye on the news as I go about my day but I have no hopes that there will be a quick breakthrough. I counted 7 vulnerable Senate Republicans and one open seat in a blueing state so while that is a nice number, it is not enough to pass a bill needing 60 votes much less to override a veto. The break will have to come from a deal – DACA path to citizenship for wall money, a deal we had actually agreed to before – rather than Republicans giving in and passing the CR.
See all y’all later!
Thursday Meese
32 degrees here in Saugerties NY and we have snow on the way,
Good Thor’s Day morning, Moosekind! A bitterly cold wind is blowing rosy little puffs of cloud across a very pale blue sky here in Northern Virginia. When Dearly Beloved took Monty out for a business meeting, the latter did as little as possible and bolted back into the building. The current temperature is 30 F., going up to 36 F. today. Ugh.
Fortunately, all I need to do is walk (through the buildings) to Great Oak clubhouse this morning to interview a subject at 10 a.m., then I need to go to Library Morning at Cardinal Clubhouse. There’s a book I want to read but it’s a heavy paperback, not a mass market paperback, so I want to download it to the Kindle app on my iPad.
Younger Son and DIL invited us to dinner last night, Chinese Beef Stew followed by Mango Sticky Rice. Very tasty! Miss Pink Cheeks is becoming like a teenager—moody and nontalkative, although she won’t even be 10 until next month. Mr. Paw Patrol informed us he would be five this year and would be getting on the same school bus as his sister at some point.
Hoping for a quiet afternoon to work on interview notes, the book, and letters. I can’t let myself get too depressed about the national scene. Younger Son and DIL are all right for the moment as they closed on the sale of their former house yesterday—money will be pinging into their bank account next Monday. But they’ll be in trouble if the shutdown continues much longer because DIL is the higher-earning of the two.
Blast the hides of all Rethuglicans! The white male lege in Kentucky is trying to ban abortion statewide.
Wishing a nice quiet day to all at the Pond.
There was good reproductive rights news out of New York, though. New York State will finally protect the right to an abortion so that when Roe is reversed people in that blue state will have the rights that the Keggernaugh Kourt removes at the national level. That is took this long is legislative malpractice but better late than never.
Regarding your almost 10-year-old granddaughter, I had focused on “10 years old” as the perfect age for a child and was distressed to find that was the age when “eye-rolling at parent’s cluelessness” began! :)
Oh, no!
But that’s good news about New York!
29 and feels like 21 in Fay., AR – I had to pour boiling water on the outside watering dish before the semi-ferals could get a drink this morning. Partly cloudy at the moment but the sun is shining. Yesterday we generated 8.2 KWHs – best since early December 2018 – and the m-t-d is 49.6. So still gaining towards the goal track. Holding the Good Thought. I’m going in at 10 today and probably not at all tomorrow. Been racking up too many hours again. The references didn’t work out for their 1st choice of the 2nd round but they’re planning a “final” interview with their 2nd choice. We shall see what we shall see.
I’m not sure what I should be doing about the semi-ferals. One of them actually wants in which would probably be a bad idea although Charlie and Cloud don’t hiss at him/her when I’ve let them sniff noses through a slightly open/tightly held door – I’m feeding 3 full time and 2 others part time which is expensive enough. Vets visits to be sure the little one isn’t carrying something besides herpes – well, I could do one right now with money I’ve earmarked for someone else – but not otherwise and not on a regular basis. Money’s a horrible reason for not taking in a little guy who would like to stop being an outdoor kitteh but…in this too we shall see what we shall see.
I wish our team would start pushing the meme of how much money #45 has been given for security that he’s refused to spend – I can’t remember how much it is, but it’s a heck of a lot more than $5 billion. Right now the MSM can pretend we’re the reason the shutdown’s continuing because we won’t give him his money. If we point out he’s already got the money, that the new money is just an excuse to hurt people he doesn’t like – and keep point it out every time the MSM says anything – well, for one thing that’s #45’s out. He’s already got the money. For another that might peel off a few more Rs in the Senate. Live in hope or something. Lots of hope. People need to live indoors with food, water, lights, and warmth (all of which way too many folks in Puerto Rico haven’t had in 14 months). Meanwhile I need to get ready for work. Healing Energy to everybody everywhere shaped to the need. Bright the day, Meeses. {{{HUGS}}}
I slept in, and in, and in……figured the 4th time I re-set my 2nd alarm for 15 more minutes would be too much. Watching the news & Stargate Atlantis. Only plan for today is to take a long walk, since I didn’t walk yesterday. Cold front is here, so that will be this afternoon. Oh, and send out an e-mail for the Ride. And thank yesterday’s donations.
Good morning, 50 and cloudy in Bellingham. tRump angst visited me in the night again, so I’m feeling both tired and grumpy. Seems personally invasive when the odious one invades my sleep:(
I spent most of yesterday at my desk so that’s off the list and today should be more fun. Michelle Obama’s book, Becoming, keeps tempting me but I’m trying to save it for next week. We started going to Orcas Island in the 1970’s when the kids were babies. We rented an old farm house for a week or two every summer so packing a box of books for a week on the island seems very familiar. Now I’ve got more than a weeks worth on my Kindle…times do change!
Time to find some coffee. Best wishes to all.
Good morning, Meesefolk; 19 when I got up, with a high of 23 today. The sun is trying to peek out, but I don’t think it’s going to win this time. Weather widget doesn’t show a sunny day until next Monday but also doesn’t show any snow. I can’t remember the last time we had a winter with so little snow at this point. I hope this doesn’t mean we’re going to get our full complement in April!
I see Individual 1 is apparently amping up his talk of a national emergency, which just goes to show how inept he is. If I were on his “team,” I’d be sweetening the pot with all sorts of Dem wanna-haves, if for no other reason than to be able to turn the tables and make this a Dem shutdown if they are turned down. Instead, he seems to be readying to choose the path that is highly unlikely to stand up under judicial scrutiny; even with how he’s stacked the courts, he’s made enough public statements to show even the most partisan judge that this is 100% political. But in the meantime, people are being hurt and will die. Our parks need to be closed completely to prevent further damage. Tax returns, counted on by our poorest, could be delayed. All because the Egomaniac-in-Chief didn’t know how to take the win when it was offered to him.
Despite all of that, good day to and for all!