And just like that the calendar says it is Friday, February 19th. We have less than 10 days left of the short but oh so loooong month of February. I have a weekend I'm really looking forward to with things on my calendar and a break in the cold weather so I will try and be outside a lot.What's top of mind: This is not a political blog, but I haven't avoided politics either, so readers will know while it was expected, I was still pissed about the acquittal for the 2nd Trump Impeachment. I can say though this last year has been a major civics lesson for all in the US, and my youngest has developed a passion for Constitutional law. One of her majors is already International Relations, but she has room for a minor. She is heavily considering law school after graduation. There of course is time and she may change her mind several times, but I want young people to have a fire in their belly-but be educated, knowledgeable, and investigative, not spoon fed sound bites and pandering.
Where I've been: I've been in one park entry path, out another, and back in yet a third, and around and around pup and I go. The one day we ventured to walk on the road was so stressful, I won't be doing that until the snow melts or is completely cleared side to side. In broad day time, drivers are just not looking for people walking, drive faster than they should on snow packed roads, creating opportunities to slip and slide into anyone walking.
Where I'm going: With the warm weekend predicted, I am leaving my neighborhood and hope to head to a few walking jaunts I like-downtown, by the river (if they have cleared the path), the county park outside of town, and a nature center. As I mentioned yesterday, since I have had a cold, I'll stay outside only, and away from people, even with a mask on. Oh, and today, until just a few minutes ago, I had to work at my daughters as our Internet crapped out.
What I'm watching: I didn't watch any movies those past weekend, but I streamed the last few episodes of Death in Paradise, and met the new UK Inspector. If you watch, what do you think of the evolving leads? On a UK TV Facebook group, many people said they didn't like the new detective, but I actually like his quirks. He reminds me of the first Ben Miller character, but not so cantankerous.
What I'm reading: I'm not sure when I can pick them up as I am a few people into the cue on several but I have seven books to pick up from the library. One is the book club book, Such a Fun Age, but if that doesn't get to me by March 2nd, I'll have to order or download an e-version so I can read it before our meet-up on March 5th. I also checked out another fiction book, two vegan cookbooks, and three retirement planning books. The retirement planning are ore about planning retirement lifestyle, less about money.
What I'm listening to: I'm so excited on Sunday to listen to DD2's streaming fall concert. Last year about this time we took the four hour drive to eat lunch with her, before she was on set-up duty, then watch the concert, and visit with her a bit afterwards, before turning around and heading home. I wish I was seeing it in person but a live stream is better than nothing.
What I'm eating: A lot of the same meals, but I did a good wander in some cookbooks and will try a couple new things next week. The chili from the freezer sure was nice to have on Wednesday night-just as good if not better than the first time. Cozy foods have been my go to this past week-portions of soup from the freezer, toast with peanut butter, and lots of fruit.
Who I'm paying attention to: I like the new Press Secretary. She doesn't get riled, but keeps an even keel when responding to questions where clearly some are trying to trip her up. In honesty, I don't think anyone is being any harder on her than reporters were on the previous administrations representatives, but they would get so hostile back, and McEneny with her rifling through papers to find the sound bites she wanted instead of responding to the actual question was beyond annoying. I don't know if there will be a good SNL character with her though-remember Melissa McCarthy as Sean Spicer? Hilarious. Do I think the new administration is walking on water and fixing all the problems? No, not at all and mistakes and errors in judgement have already surfaced, but I feel calmer. I feel like adults are trying to resolve not cover up problems.
What I'm planning: Well with watching the travel shows, I am planning on paper some good future trips. Stanley Tucci has me thinking Italy and the men in kilts have me thinking Scotland. Oh, and with Fat Tuesday ending Mardi Gras, I've NOLA on my mind. I am sketching out a driving trip, maybe for this fall, down the Mississippi to New Orleans. What's the weather like in November in the deep south? Likely planning vacations for some day will show up regularly.
My cold is easing up-fortunately I never got achy, or headachy, or lost taste or smell-just the sneezing and snot head, so pretty sure it was not flu or the dreaded C. I will still avoid, even masked, people face to face at least to the 10 day mark of when the cold seemed to start on February 11th, so at least through Sunday. I would hope others would take the same precaution with my and my family's health if they had any symptoms, even if they felt well. I'll put off a brewery stop, but likely will get out downtown for a change of scenery with the dog. He loves a car ride so it'll make his weekend That's my W's for the week. Play along and share the What's of your life.
It's great that your youngest is taking an interest in constitutional law. Even if she decides it's not a career for her, we need many more educated citizens. And yes, it is nice to finally have adults in this administration! I also like the new UK inspector on DinP, he's more like the first and he was my favorite. I hope you and pup enjoy the warmer weather. Celie
ReplyDeleteI want her to learn to research and understand and not just follow political sound bites-from any party. DI Parker is like DI Poole in many ways, but is different in that he made the decision to push himsle fout of his comfort zone, which should be some good shows in the future.
DeletePlanning - we're hoping to go to Napa for a night in April, if my parents are able to get their second vaccine before then. I'd LOVE a bit of time away with M.
ReplyDeleteWatching - I watched The Mentalist, and Eat, Pray, Love (have seen it before)
Eating - whatever Hello Fresh & Blue Apron deliver. What a treat! Oh, and leftover Chinese food from Sam's birthday.
I still have not seen Eat, Pray, Love-not sure why.MAybe a weekend watch. I hope your get away will work out. I am longing for something different-even for a day or two. IT was almost a treat working at my daughters yesterday when the Internet was down at home.
DeleteI love that your daughter is taking interest in constitutional law. I think this past year has had a huge impact on a lot of young people. I bet we will see a lot more younger politicians surfacing soon as well. I was so upset about the acquittal too. Of course I got that news when I got home from the wedding Saturday evening, and you know what the rest of my day was like! I really like the new press secretary too, what a difference. It is very nice and very comforting to have competent adults running things these days.
ReplyDeleteWhile she has a huge interest in international and global affairs, she needs to be gounde din our country's constitution as well. I was pissed but unsurprised. And the tools that now are trying to spin the day as anything but horrific make me want to puke.
DeleteI don't blame you for not walking on snow-packed roads. That could easily be a recipe for disaster. All the snow in my village has gone and we're in for a glorious spring weekend so I really want to get out walking too as I've slacked off a bit. As for Death in Paradise, I liked Ben Miller (he's actually quite cute when he's not dumbed-down à la Mr. Bean). I've seen a few of the Kris Marshall episodes and I think they did well to keep the main character going, although again I don't have the patience to sit through much TV. And I'm with you on Jen Psaki - a blessed relief after Barbie Doll!
ReplyDeleteI think Kayleigh McEnany is an intelligent woman-just put her smarts into spin, lies, and verbal gymnastics for a louse of a human being. I think Ben Miller has a masters in something very sciency-and may have been working on a doctorate-before leaving to work with Alexander Armstrong on their comedy show. I don't know-read that somewhere.
DeleteI'm glad your cold is better, Sam. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm planning a limo ride for my friend turning 50, for her and her husband to drive around to 4 spots where all of her friends will be (safely) gathered to wish her the best. It made me realize how much I've missed these big events and having something to look forward to! Just the planning has been such a nice and welcome distraction.
I just finished watching "Russian Doll" on Netflix - what a cool and tight little show! Well worth watching - lots of things to think about, existentially.
have a great weekend!
Is Russian Doll the one with the different takes on her death? I may have watched ealry in Covid stay at home. I've watched so many things they all blur together, but if so, I do remember liking the one I watched. Your friends party(s) sounds so fun. I know what you mean about the planning being a distraction-felt that way this summer for both my sisters 60th and MIL's 80th.
DeleteWhat I’m paying attention to-the weather, of course. It’s snowing again tonight, even though it wasn’t supposed to. It’s snowed the past 16 days straight and 27 out of the last 29. I’m so done. Next week looks like a break temps wise but rain snow mixes almost every day. What I’m listening to-my aching, cracking joints. Idk if it’s the weather, or stress, or some type of injury like my sciatica flaring up but I’m in pain. What I’m eating-pasta. Had it twice in the past week and bought more feta and tomatoes today. It’s such a hit with all of us. What I’m watching-tiktok. I’ve seen first person accounts of what’s going down in the south and my heart is breaking. It’s easy to get lost on there but you can learn a lot too. Where I’m going-same old, same old. Work, groceries. The Dollar Tree was disappointing, usually I can find some goodies but nothing interested me today. What I’m planning-March 27th will be two weeks after my dads second Covid shot and I’m planning on seeing him that weekend. I’ve seen him only twice since October and I miss him so much! I am only imagine how lonely he has been. A lot of words to describe absolutely nothing going on in my life lol. JoAnn
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for your dad and you being able to see him! I know my MIL thinks she is totally in the clear, but word has it thye can still get mild cases-and until my husband is vaccinated, I want maks and social distancing to still happen around her. He has a history of a mild stoke at 50 and heart disease, though has done very well for the most part managing his blood pressure.
DeleteYou also have a great weekend my friend, did you know that Law is becoming predominately Female in local and State offices? Women make better prosecutors and defenders.
ReplyDeleteIf she does pursue, I an see that she will liley work in public service of some sort. I can't see her being a criminal attorney. I work with a lot of attorney's!
DeleteHello Sam, I've been doing a monster blog catch up this morning. We have been following the impeachment trial. That is so great that your youngest has developed an interest in constitutional law. My mother-in-law worked as a solicitor and went on to teach law at college. She has some great case studies and always has an interesting story to tell.
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to visit New Orleans! I had the chance to visit back in 2002, but stupidly didn't. I've heard sad stories that a lot of residents left after 2005's disaster, never to return. Has it since recovered? Regarding a potential Scotland trip, I agree about men in kilts ;)
Take care, Lulu x
I've been to New Orleasn twic for work-June na dJuly an dnot pleasant at all outside, so between the stifling heat an dhumidty, and th eover air conditioned indoors for the meetings and work sessions, I didn't get to appreciate it much. Then, I was there just last MArch and so pleasant, but the stress of Covid was starting, my brother-in-law passed away unexpectedly devastating my sister, and the trip home was just eerie and uncomfortable. I want to go when the weather is pleasant, bu tnot mardi grad time. I think late fall would be a good time for a road trip anyway.
DeleteSam, the weather in the Deep South in November is generally pretty mild but it can be fickle. Early November is the best time since it is usually clear and lower humidity. One day you might need to be in shorts and flip flops and the next you might need socks and sweaters. It just depends on the year.
ReplyDeleteI think if you are planning a road trip to the south maybe we southern bloggers could plan a meet and greet somewhere along the way.
Meet-up in NOLA sounds great! I'm used tot he layered look-that's our summers here, where we can have heat waves, and then a cold flash in the same 24 hours! As I said to LuLu, I've been there three times for work, twice in heat so stifling I just could not appreciate anything, and then a year ago March as life was starting to be a whole new world for us all.
DeleteI like this, may I borrow it and give it a try?
ReplyDeletePlease do! It's just a different way to try and capture my week.
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