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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– Page One of Comments is HERE!
– Page Two of Comments is HERE!
Good morning, meeses! Wednesday …
It is 18 degrees in Madison with an expected daytime high of 36. Snow is in the forecast with 1 to 2 inches expected by Thursday morning.
The old white guy who built his political career as the mayor of a white city in a white state next to the white state of New Hampshire won their primary! And the young white guy who claims a political career as the mayor of a tiny white college town came in second!! This is so shocking I am glad I was sitting down when I saw the results!! The good news is that Not Bernie beat Bernie and neither of the top two candidates have a snowball’s chance in hell of winning the Black vote – without which you cannot win a national election. So file this under “New Hampshire being neighborly and WHITE” and move to the next set of primaries.
I hope it was not lost in the “news” of the primary that Bill Barr interceded on behalf of a henchman of Donald Trump to change a sentencing recommendation. All four of the prosecutors resigned from the case and at least one quit the “Justice” Department. Susan Collins furrowed her brow!! The judge can ignore the sentencing recommendation from both the original prosecution team and Barr – I hope she goes with the original recommendation to show that she will not be complicit in ratfking the federal courts to placate the newly installed monarchy.
See all y’all later!
Jan, it is nothing short of APPALLING! The rule of law is being abandoned. He’s out of control! What’s it going to take, a Night of the Generals to overturn him?
I’ve never been more afraid for this republic. Even when Dubya was on the throne I had faith in the government—after all, we have “erections” every four years for president. But now I really wonder whether this country is going to turn into Soviet Russia.
Wednesday Meese
35 going up to 43 here in the Catskills
Puerto Rico
My Goddess, southern states are ruled by hates! That poor man! I wish all the goddamn southern states the worst of evils. I’m feeling really anxious and p.o.’d this morning.
Good Wednesday morning—or is it?—Moosekind. It’s hard to feel hopeful when the rule of law is being overturned everywhere we look. Anyway, it’s 39 F. and cloudy here in Ashburn, with evening showers expected. The high will be 49 F. today.
What with errands, doing the taxes, and the poor little sick dog on top of the national awfulness, one doesn’t know where to look. This is one of the days when I wish we still had two vehicles. Dearly Beloved wants to take Monty back to the vet. He’s not reacting at all well to the pain medication, so we’re going to cut it. Dearly has been up since 3 a.m., dealing with Monty’s intestinal and alimentary reactions.
Feeling VERY fed up with panditry, white males, and Stalin-in-the-White-House this morning. Sorry to be such a Debbie Downer today. It might be a good idea if I just read other Meese offerings and refrain from commenting for a few days.
Wishing a good day to all at the Pond.
{{{Diana}}} – Healing Energy to your household, including Monty Beagle. I understand being fed up/upset but please at least check in so we know you’re (relatively) OK. moar {{{HUGS}}}
Whew, yesterday was crazy. I went to the gym — I’m so proud. Came home, saw that I’m going through my tea faster than I thought this week, so I put some more on, made my overnight oats — and it was already 7:30. So I just had some hummus for dinner, just enough food that my stomach wouldn’t hate my vitamins. Got a little put out watching the election returns, the 10,000th political obit of Joe Biden. I’m voting Tuesday, will be looking for polls of African Americans for guidance. Both of the candidates I cared about are out, now it’s all pragmatism (Biden, Klobuchar or Pete). listening to Big Girls Are Best to get my going on this cold, rainy morning.
{{{anotherdemocrat}}} – good for you, making it to the gym. I managed to do 25 minutes on the treadmill yesterday so that was good. Holding the Good Thought we both manage to get our exercising in today. moar {{{HUGS}}}
It’s 35 and raining in Fay., AR – might make it to 42. The PV system is on but generating in single-digit watts so call it just barely on. At least we are getting actual water with the clouds today. Apparently all day. The cat/s – one or both of the Twins – has/have figured out how to open the window to the porch. I’m either going to have to do a better job of weather-proofing the porch (it’s already enclosed and all the windows are shut but the “storm door” leaks like a sieve) or start locking the window. Thank heavens the porch windows are too heavy for him to move.
Our primaries are on 3/3 and early voting starts next week. I’ll probably vote on the 19th or 20th – Social Security deposits on the 19th so I’ll be borrowing the car back to get cash either then or on Thursday (20th) because those are Senior Discounts at the Co-op. I’ve got all my down-ballot choices ready to roll. I’m not even sure I’ll vote at the top. Harris isn’t on the ballot but Castro is so I could do a “protest” vote but I probably won’t. Between the college-kid berners and the Rs fat-rucking the primary I’ll probably vote for Joe. I don’t want Joe but he is probably the least of all the evils on the ballot and still in the race. It’s kinda moot because I don’t think anybody left can actually beat twitler. I’m not worried about elections going away. They’re controlled at the state level and operated at the county level. There are just too many down-ballot things on the ballot. People believing otherwise have fallen for the birchers’ propaganda about the executive office. (And heck. the U.S.S.R. had elections. They just controlled who won. We’re most of the way there – but not quite.) We shall see what we shall see.
So many of my friends, already dealing with serious issues, will be hurt even more by an R win – doesn’t matter which R – some of them hurt enough to kill them. So prayers/invocations/Channeling of Healing/Helping Energy to everybody. Bright the day, Meeses. {{{HUGS}}}
Good morning, 38 and foggy in Bellingham. The world outside my window is quiet and grey today. I’ve got a few errands I need to do before nap time so I’d best wake up and get going or the family won’t have Valentine cars from me. I get weary of doing holiday cards, but they appreciate receiving them in the mail. So much of our communication is digital now it’s a treat to see a hand written note. I go to the bookstore, buy the cards, and then write them at the bookstore cafe. It’s tradation!
Yesterday was tRump exhausting. He seems more like a evil drug addled cartoon character every day…..a GOT zombie like figure an my tv screen. I have to hope voters across this country areas tired of him as I am.
Best wishes to all on this foggy nap ready day.
Good morning, meeses! Thursday …
It is 10 degrees in Madison (feels like -6) with an expected daytime high of 9. Snow ending soon, we probably got at least 3 inches but it is blowing and drifting so it is difficult to say at this point. Bone-chilling cold is moving in with tonight’s overnight at -13 degrees and “feeling like” -27 for anyone foolish enough to be walking around outside in the wee hours.
Democrats are not in disarray. The ADHD news media with their horserace mentality want an instant scratch-off winner and can’t even wait for the results from the next 6 weeks of voting. For one thing, the delegate leader right now is Mayo Pete and he has peaked – his best two states were Iowa and New Hampshire where whiteness is the key demographic. For another thing, Bernie won New Hampshire and almost won Iowa last time he ran and he did not get the nomination. He won’t get it this time, either.
I was scheduled to fly this morning but the weather did not look very good and my connections so iffy that I decided it was worth the money to pay the change fee and move it to later in the day. So now I have about a 3 hour reprieve and need to get a few projects done that will be easier do do here rather than on a tiny laptop in a hotel room.
See all y’all later!
Safe travels Jan. Hope the weather cooperates and your connections are easy.
Safe travels & stay as warm as you can. Hope your trip is successful. {{{HUGS}}}
Thursday Meese, 42 and raining. Crappy weather to head into NYC – where I have two speaking events. Won’t get home till around midnight.
Safe travels and have fun at the speaking events. {{{HUGS}}}
Cold, but the rain is gone & we’ll have a sunny day. Not that we didn’t need the rain, but Texans get cranky when there’s several days without sun. My candidate’s commercial is out. You can just barely see me, when he says “he’s torn families apart” — bottom left of the screen (I forget how much shorter I am than everyone — so, really, bottom left)
It’s a good ad. I think I caught you but it was so quick… I hope he makes it. Actually I’ve more hope he makes it than I do of our Dem candidate (Celeste Williams) up here in AR-3. {{{anotherdemocrat}}}
I included a tweet from my congressional candidate in my check in, and it says my comment is awaiting moderation. : (
Anyway – hi! Cold morning by Texas standards but the sun is finally coming out.
Isn’t the sun wonderful? {{{anotherdemocrat}}}
Sorry about the pending comment! As often happens with Tweets, the comment exceeded the number of links allowed. WordPress thought you were a Russian spammer and I was not around to tell it otherwise!! I released it – hope it is still relevant.
I thought people might like it, since I’m (just barely) in it
Good Thor’s Day morning, Moosekind. It is 46 F. at the moment on this cold, rainy morning. It was raining heavily at a quarter past 5 when I took Monty out to the courtyard. He’s still very subdued, the poor little thing, and has never even tried to walk up the soft, furry stairs we bought. Dearly is going to take them back to PetSmart.
Yesterday the eye doctor said my eyes are OK but to increase the sterile drops to 4 times a day because of the dryness of fall and winter. She explained in horrid detail that the eye has three layers and what each consists of. Gods, I didn’t wanna hear it. I prefer not to have medical details for some things.
Have to go out this morning, ugh. At 11:30 the ladies in my hallway are having a “Girls’ Lunch” to celebrate the new kidney received by Satchmo the Chocolate Lab’s mom. She is delirious about being able to live a normal life after being ill for so long. We’re all very happy for her.
Hope everyone at the Pond will have a good day, and that princesspat will get her Valentines done. I used to buy paper valentines* but no longer do, except for Dearly. I want to stop by Trader Joe’s this morning to buy him a bottle of wine—they have one named “Dearly Beloved,” which I find hilarious.
*
For some years I sent paper valentines even to my kids, two of whom weren’t married at the time. I also bought little presents for them, thinking they needed cheering up because midwinter is so cold and dreary. Finally Elder Son remarked, “Mom, you’re a merchandiser’s dream,” so I stopped. I still like special days, though.
{{{Diana}}} Healing Energy to you and your household. I’m glad the only issue with your eyes was needing moisture. Such an easy and inexpensive thing to do. moar {{{HUGS}}}
Oh, man – I loved that my mom still did Easter & Valentines, even into my adulthood. I think the holiday is what you make it; it’s only crass & commercial if that’s how you do it. Truly heartfelt things are always good.
Good morning, 42 and still dark in Bellingham. Between naps and going to bed early my Valentines didn’t get in the mail yesterday so now they will be late. Diana, I think you’ve got it right and it’s time for me to rethink my gifty ways on special days, thanks!
A tree story ends well……‘They are my family’: Stolen bonsai trees mysteriously returned to Federal Way museum
Best wishes to all on what will be another cloudy day.
{{{princesspat}}} thank you for the tree story with the happy ending. I cried too. (I stopped gift giving years ago. “Buy” chickens or ducks from Heifer International instead. My niece, nephews, and later grandsons all loved chickens and ducks and since they couldn’t have them where they lived they were delighted that some little kid got them – and got eggs to eat as well.) moar {{{HUGS}}}
Welp, 24-feels-like-16 in Fay., AR and overcast. Again. But it is supposed to clear off this morning. I hope so. Some sunshine will help lift my mood as well as generate electricity. Much needed generation – of the 12 days so far in February only 5 of them have been over what I use in a day. And not enough over to make up for the days that haven’t been. The m-t-d is currently 67 KWHs – it would need to be at least 72 to cover what I use and 84 to be on track to reach 200 for the month. I can’t say “early days yet” but we’re still (just) under halfway through and the amount that is possible to generate in a day is growing. I need 180 a month to cover my use. We shall see what we shall see.
There is much evil in the world – all of it perpetrated by human beings. There is much beauty in the world – most of it from Nature. There is much kindness in this world – and I know (and love) some of the kindest people out there. So there is Light and there is Hope to go with the Work to bring that Hope into being. And that is the lifeline, the floating spar in the water, to hang onto and get us through this evil, evil time. We have to do the work, but we are not alone and there is support even if tenuous at times. Healing/Helping Energy to everybody. Bright the day, Meeses. {{{HUGS}}}
Good morning, meeses! Friday …
It is -6 in Madison (feels like -17) with an expected daytime high of 10. Sunny skies are in the forecast.
I was not able to travel – the winter storm sat on top of Chicago dumping snow and the flights I was booked on (and the ones I was switched to throughout the morning) were cancelled one by one. They booked me on a flight for this morning but after spending hours on the airline web site throughout the day but I could not extend my trip at the other end; that made it 20 hours of travel over a 36 hour period of time for 4 hours of meaningful visiting time so I cancelled. I am hoping my trip cancellation insurance covers the weather since the airline did get me on a flight, just not on the day I needed to travel. I guess I will find out! I am glad I did not take the early morning flight – it left Madison late and missed the connection and I would have been stuck at O’Hare (unable to travel) rather than at home. One of the downsides to living in a smallish city like Madison is that there are not many flights that don’t go through Chicago or Minneapolis or Detroit so we have to contend with not only our weather but the weather of our hub cities.
I didn’t catch much news yesterday other than reading about the terrible acting job by Bill Barr pretending that he cares that his boss is destroying the rule of law in America. He welcomes it because it is in the service of his agenda which is to establish a religious autocracy in America, a country ruled by the warped merging of the bible with the Constitution. It is gross! We need to lash every Senator who voted to acquit tRump to this and to every new transgression committed by the rogue executive and sink them all.
The Culinary Union did not endorse anyone in the Nevada caucuses but apparently they took a swipe at Bernie Sanders and his out of control supporters. As someone pointed out, Sanders had 4 years to fix the problems in his ranks but chose not to. I suspect that he enjoys the cultlike devotion and the messiness of the REVOLUTION – sadly for him, people want adults running their government, not bullies and assholes. We have that now!
I am going to try to get back on-track after a couple of days of chaos. I have some pressing projects that are now even more pressing for having been set aside. I suspect that is why I woke up at 1:30 and was unable to get back to sleep.
See all y’all later!
Nevada:
Nevada
I want him to sink for a number of reasons. The Las Vegas Sun is right, a Sanders nomination guarantees a Trump second term. By the way, Sanders is only leading Trump in national polls because responders think that Sanders is an ordinary Democrat. He is actually not a Democrat and his ideas are so out of the mainstream that they only appeal to the left-of-the-left. National polls are garbage anyway but national polls that don’t go beyond name recognition and supposed party affiliation are dangerous.
We have a chance to turn Texas blue, unless Sanders is the nominee. He’d be a disaster here. Socialism, Sierra Blanca…. just so many things. All our candidates would have to run far away from him & his VP candidate. And we’d still lose.
Yes, his coattails will be radioactive. :(
Friday Meese,
I’m exhausted – got home midnight from NYC after leaving home 8 AM. Both speaking events were very well attended.
26 degrees here – and staying that way all day.
Puerto Rico
I am glad to see that WCK is still helping the people of Puerto Rico. What a nightmare for them!
Happy Valentines Day! I don’t care if it’s commercialized, a day to celebrate love is a good thing. I didn’t get to the gym yesterday, but I will today. No, really. And I’ll do lots of walking this weekend, putting out literature before early voting starts Tuesday. Unless there’s no one to partner with, then I’ll text.
So, romance. I love this song — there’s a story that when B played the original version for Ali, she made him take some verses out, they were too personal. As intimate as the released version is, I have to think… wow. Anyway, love the live versions where in the intro, he says he feels like he’s still that schoolboy trying to impress her. Song for Someone.
You let me in to a conversation
A conversation only we could make
You break and enter my imagination
Whatever’s in there it’s yours to take
Love is Love is Love – there is so much more to Love than the sickly sweet commercials (or the soft and not-so-soft porn passing for romantic love in our society). Agape and Philia to all the Meeses on this day dedicated to Love.
The sun is shining! It’s 18 but the sun is shining. It came out yesterday around lunch time and managed to generate 11.3 KWHs by sundown (most in a day since last October) bringing the m-t-d to 78 (or my usage for the month so far). Today hopefully will be even better since the sun is out already. That is a blessing and that is where I will leave things. In the hope the sun is indeed a sign of better things to come. Bright the day, Meeses. {{{HUGS}}}
Good morning, 42 and cloudy in Bellingham. Valentines are in the mail and/or ready for local delivery so now sentimental me can relax and try to enjoy the day.
Yesterday was fraught with desk work, unexpected computer confusion to unravel for Ron, and a snafu with our son’s medical insurance. Despite a clear record of payments made he received a letter saying his coverage would be cancelled today if payments aren’t made, yikes! He couldn’t resolve it on the website last night so will call today. From past experience that will result in a long wait and he needs to be at work. So I’ll help as best I can.
Best wishes to all.
Saturday Meese. 8 degrees here in Saugerties NY, going up to 32.
Puerto Rico
Good morning, meeses! Saturday …
It is 16 degrees in Madison with an expected daytime high of 32. Cloudy with isolated flurries today.
Same news, different day – Donald Trump is using “his” Justice Department to help his friends and hurt his enemies. People should not forget that this is not a trumpian thing – the Justice Department of George W. Bush was used the same way. It is a Republican thing going all the way back to Nixon. The difference now is a complicit Republican Senate whose memories are short but whose lack of integrity is epic. Taking back the Senate has to be priority 2 after electing a Democrat president.
The Weekly Democratic Party Address is by Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow talking about the Republican budget. All I have right now is the tweet but I hope to find a transcript later when I have time to pull together material for the Fighting Back post.
See all y’all later!