almost end of February of no snow

Thursday evening a breath of snow, a shaker on leaves and branches. The forecast is for very cold first week of March, which will be change from this mostly warm February. I have, however, begun the slow deliberate cleaning out of papers in my library - an activity I usually hold for snow days. I have filled two woods stoves full which warmed a couple of mornings.
I wanted to include an amazing lucky photo from the motion camera: hawk caught in flight.
I traveled with Tara to Roanoke bus station to meet the 1508,  carrying one family of four asylum seekers from Mexico. Two tiny beautiful children, a six year old girl (about the size of a 3 yr old) and a 2 year old boy (also petit) hugging his small lovely mom and a father. There have been only 4 bus runs so far this February. A stark contrast to last year. Criminal what Trump has caused. And today the results of the Nevada caucuses are trickling in, Sanders is doing great. I would like to see a Sanders/Stacey Abrams ticket in November. 

Thirty Years

The latest data on the state of the climate suggests that we have but 30 more years on Earth, humans will be extinct. Part of me, the part that has become horribly cynical by almost 3 years of Trump's reign, thinks that humans no longer deserve to be residents of this 3rd planet from the sun. 
I feel as if a suck star is gobbling the spirit of mankind. There is a swell of hate and greed licking the hearts of too many leaders. What has happened to us that we who know the fierce danger of a warming globe, find our voices muted. Find ourselves angry but impotent. What's wrong with me????

It will take such a huge wish and such a bright child to wake the frozen leaders. It will take all mankind picking up their trash
it will take the death of plastic
it will take 1/2 the world's land uncultivated
it will take innovation, wind mills and solar collectors
it will take commitment of all nations
and our love for Earth First

Ah, holiday time - protest time!

glossing over

I'm tired of what I tend to write here - neglecting to touch on any unsavory subject. It is partially explained by a fairly idillic life. Low stress, exacerbated by my own perusal of too many articles on FB about Herr Frumph and his minions. I can get pretty worked up by one article on global warming. Let alone the assaults on Planned Parenthood. So I make a call to my shut down, shut off, useless Tea-tard Representative, Morgan the Missing. I even call my two Democratic Senators, just to grow the head count. And today I called Lt. Gov. Northam asking him to reject two planned huge pipe lines in Southwestern Va. I wasn't able to say that I wouldn't vote for him, because I know I will do anything to stop Ed Gillespie from becoming Gov. But I did say how upset I am that he is not coming out against the pipe lines. 
I guess I fail to spend much time on my blog because I feel impotent. I feel tired of resisting. I'm glad that there are young ones becoming active! I drove all the way into Bissett Park yesterday afternoon to participate in the Chain, Chain, chain event thrown by Indivisible NRV protesting the latest Senate Health Care (not-care) Bill. I had a cow head in the car along with a new sign (Health Care is a Sacred Cow). But I turned around and came home when I failed to connect with family and I just felt suddenly alone and sad. I don't know why. Not really like me. I was glad to hear that my son and family did go and that it was well attended and fun. I felt silly. I think I have missed my vitamin D! I don't know. 
So I delight in my garden, in a walk to the river in spite of this still irksome plantar fasciitis, in playing with my super fine grandkids. I'm so lucky. I've got to get out of my comfort zone and do more for the environment, women, etc etc...YES.
right now I'll go close my chickens..

Cow heads debut in demonstration

Cowalition for Justice demonstrated today with the Coalition for Justice in downtown Christiansburg, in front of Morgan Griffith's office. Baldwin transformed mr MUD into the Donald. A big gust of wind blew "Trust Me" off of the stick! It was a fun afternoon - with dinner afterwards. 

Visit from grad school buddy!

What fun, what easy slip into talk, talk that poured from me as from the mouth of those who live alone - and I kept thinking I was talking too much and too loud, but it seemed ok. Old friends, Neal certainly is familiar with my passionate tirades. Talking of times at UVA, poetry evenings at Alan's house when a visiting poet was in town, Neal remembering times I have forgot. It was a wonderful not even 24 hours and I will send him some of my work. I miss that time in my life when friends would drop by for dinner or I might go for coffee with Kearney. 
I worked in the garden after Neal left, planting more peas - throwing weeds to the chickens. It is a warm delightful day; mr lee and I went all the way to the swim hole, flushing two pairs of ducks too fair away to recognize. I should say I walked slowly, my plantar faciitis acting up again. I can't seem to take it easier! 

Post Cards plus - St Paddy's Day

Still nursing right foot with a case of plantar fasciitis which persists in spite of visits to chiropractor. Enjoyed making 3 post cards to mail on Ides of Trump to the White House, even though I seriously doubt DJT looks at the huge pile of mail. To bare being citizen under Trump, I have upped attendance at meetings besides the local democrats, joining Indivisible and Dialogue on Race. I think it helps to be with other resisters and activists, not unlike AA meetings to keep one on track. 
Before this recent bout of very cold weather with false alarm of possible snow, I took this picture down by the river. We are just coming out a frigid wind, difficult days for maintaining warmth - New England is digging out! The series of 20 degree mornings killed my day lilies. Hopefully not to the point to prevent blooms. Baldwin and Mindy's Japanese magnolia which was about to bloom, has sad brown flags where there were purple buds. I walked up to it with some homeopathic rescue remedy and agaracus (good for frost bite) in water to pour on the roots of the magnolia. Hopefully there are many more blooms that were not burned. 
I still make calls to congress folks, not as many since the Virginia General Assembly has gone home. Fortunate that both Senators are Democrats, I mostly call Missing Morgan. Listing reasons why the NEA is important. Ah. Now I can add more items such as the need for Meals on Wheels, jeez, really! Maddening that the US must pay roughly 183 million a year for secret service on Melania and son in NYC - this is more that the budget for most programs that Trump's budget seeks to cut. All to raise the budget for the military: bully President; bully Nation. Tweedledum (Twitterly dumb Trump).

Ides of February

Trying to diligently call/email/write letters to US Senators protesting our unnamed president's nominations for his cabinet. And locally calling delegate and senator concerning gerrymandering, gun control, birth control, coal ash...and other issues. And to the immediate local, emailing and phoning supervisors about Margaret Smith's abattoir (small slaughterhouse proposal for Riner area)! Sometimes the phone lines are tied up. Sometimes I tire of the world. Mr. Lee and I have been walking around red bud. Here is our Valentine.

John Lewis: "When You Pray, Move Your Feet!"

It appears that many have taken these words to heart! Spontaneous crowds (at many airports) formed protesting Trump's latest order to HAULT all Syrian refugees (and others from certain Muslim countries) from coming into US. As Trump moves to make good on many of his campaign promises, the shallow thought that has gone into his orders becomes obvious. He seems to have no ability to account for consequences

to others, nor does he seem to care. PBS debates when to call a lie and lie from the small pursed lips of Donald. 1984 becomes a best seller! And the Chinese year of the Fire Rooster begins. 

Impeach Trump, Convert Pence

There were signs that would have delighted my mom: "Super Callous Fascist Racist Extra Braggadocios!" Today, although I didn't get into my lovely bed until after 1AM, I have hung my apron along with another decorated one in my sight to alert me to put down my cleaver and pick up the phone - call my congressmen. Put down the wooden spoon and pick up the pen. Put off making the pot of beans, or batch of brownies, and send email. Send them every day as Michael Moore advised. 

Resistance is Fertile

More on the Women's March: 750,000 marched in LA, a score in Antartica, thousands thronged the Ann Richardson bridge in Austin (who must be so proud of her daughter Cecil who heads Planned Parenthood), 100's in Gulfport MS and thousands in New Orleans (or course, Mardi Gras opportunity). More and More, sends chills down my arms as I type, and by the tweet of it, Trump is pissed. Oh, petty little hands man. I liked a slogan which I saw in English and in Spanish: Respect Existence or Expect Resistance! 
Here we are again, with our safety rope which was a great hit with the crowd. It did keep us together until a slew of people separated Valen from us, sending Pat after her daughter through the throng. We didn't meet up again until the bus - 1,800 buses all parked at RFK stadium. We had wine waiting for us and cheese and crackers, nuts and apples. We were jubilant. Now to not lose this energy of compassionate awareness. Now to keep a finger on our legislators both state and federal. Now to keep all accountable. Now to register our discontent. Now to  not despair but to act. 

I Have a Vagenda

I am riding the High of the Women's March in DC (over 1/2 a million - 3 million world wide), a recharge to the activist bones, a dispelling of the angst of the day before inauguration, and hilarious fun with good good friends. "I have a Vagenda" was on a sign i missed but was fortunately captured in a blog someone referenced on FB. Some of the signs I did delight in were taking back the "Don't Tread on Me" slogan that the t-party has usurped on bright yellow license plates and flags with the twinning snakes; some women turned the snakes upside down and it looked like a uterus with fallopian tubes. The humor was contagious in all seriousness; we were squashed like sardines, especially intense in the Metro, underground and moving at a snail pace - yet a helpful caring friendly atmosphere. Oh, glorious, magnificent folks!

Preparing for the March on Jan 21st!

We will be marching for Elizabeth as her knees will keep her at home; the rest of us will be in DC on Saturday via a Rally bus.  Kathy Pink and Susan and I spent Monday painting aprons with appropriate messages to wear ( "Pussy grabs back," "Bad Trump," "Grope Protest," "Women Rights = Human Rights," "WTF"). Some of us may even don pink pussy hats! Hope we will help swell the numbers into the 100 thousands. The buses leave at 3:12 AM - maybe we will be able to sleep on the bus, though I wouldn't bet on it and we won't be home until after midnight. But, we have to do it!

Mr Lee with debris of the walk

Good long walk today to the swimming hole. Weather here close to what is forecast for the DC March on the 21st, 60 degrees and overcast. Perfect walking weather, I will plan to wear a light coat and my walking shoes. Spending the day brain storming slogan to wear painted onto an apron for the march - haven't come up with one yet, few days to sleep on project. I will wear my RESIST t-shirt and may just cover the apron with fists of different colors. 

One year is ending, a new one begins

I have refrained from political talk for the most part here in this blog which has developed as a photo resting place with small asides and few reviews. Shallow I think. It seems futile to ruminate and whine. I have signed up for the Women's March in DC on the day after the inauguration of The Trump. I am looking forward to the trip, to the commitment to active hyper alertness in this time of Trump. I am especially anxious about threats to women's choice, to environmental protections and to social justice. 
I am thankful that I have the recent memories of Christmas with my family to bolster me. And hand warmers for my pockets. Friends to march with. And, I reminded myself today; the days are slowly becoming longer.

simple rant

I remind myself that I was frightened of Reagan's presidency, scared of nuclear war, wrote letters to the White House, agonized as a single mom with two sons that the draft might be reinstated. I then recall that we survived the Cuban missile crisis. I remember marching to end the Vietnam war; later joining the women's marches for reproductive rights. I know what Jim Crow looks like. The horror of now, with a Trump future, is that all, all of what we have fought to change is in jeopardy. It is as if the US is at the brink of moving backwards into a world of repression of women more similar to that of the Taliban. The loosening of EPA regulations can only spell doom, more pollution of air and water. So my friends and I are planning to join the women's march in DC on January 21st the day after the inauguration. It is absolutely necessary to keep vigilant, to keep speaking out, to defend the Earth and the dignity of all people, to show up. 

red bud and the balcony

This picture reminds me of our house in New Orleans - the flowering tree and the balcony. The red bud are outstanding this year, or so it appears to me. I am glad that Baldwin and all will be home in time to see the spring still happening, sorry that this week is forecast to be colder than many weeks in March. But then April is always a bit more crazy and teasing. 

I wrote an email to the board of supervisors urging them to investigate the open burning at the Radford arsenal. A meeting Saturday was informative and disturbing. The permit for the Arsenal's open burning is up for renewal this year. There is no NO transparency in dealing with the Dept of Defense it seems. For years the hazardous waste at the arsenal was dumped into a sink hole on the 7,000 acres. There is a relatively high incidence of thyroid cancer here about. In 1999 the arsenal was put on the EPA's superfund lists - but mysteriously disappeared from that roster. Makes one wonder about any town/city adjacent to an arsenal - and to think that Blacksburg is a "great place to retire!" Grrrrr.

wild goose shows me

This afternoon at the swimming hole, a wild goose flew off from his mate to settle in the shallow water lapping the eroded beach. He preened and extended his great wings. I watched until my small dog began to bark, and left not wanting to disturb.

Earlier in the day I went to a planned parenthood meeting at the UUC which was very informative with several young people joining our group. On the way out I noticed a freshman at Tech who had come, but obviously wasn't getting into a car so I asked if she needed a ride. i gave her a ride across campus, learning that she was from Charlottesville (parents both professors)and that she had double major (English and Physics). I said, "you must write poetry!" Right she said. I gave her one of my cards and said I'd feed her if she needed a brake from school. 
Lovely warm day! Tomorrow supposed to be warmer.

Ventoso - windy

Windy to the point of tornadoes; and, indeed, yesterday three touched down in central Virginia for the first time in recorded history in February. Fortunately, I have spotted no down trees in our walk to the river then up the road to the mail box. Cold; peepers have quieted (I hope snug in the heavy leaf mulch at the bottom of the pond). Cold until Sunday when a warming trend, 60's for 3 or 4 days. A score of gold finch are hanging out at the feeders and in the red bud - I wanted to get a picture, but couldn't get outside without the birds taking off. You can almost note the lumps in the limbs that are birds!

Super Tuesday primaries are this coming Tuesday, March 1st and I am still unsure of weather I will vote for Hillary or Bernie. I'd like to vote for both! I like what Bernie is saying, but I feel like Hillary is more pragmatic. I'm such a core feminist that my allegiance tends to Hillary. But I have strong socialist leanings, want universal health care and, certainly, free state college tuition. I like Bernie's authenticity. I am concerned that it appears people are as fearful of Bernie's social democracy talk as others' fear Trump's Nationalistic (anti immigrant) speeches.  i would like to see real change in the US; I would like to see the middle class thrive again. But nothing will happen if we elect one party and populate Congress with the other party.  A quandary. 

Monday post on Tuesday, because....

It was the abrupt news at the Friends of Planned Parenthood meeting that the B'burg clinic will close on March 31st that set me into a tizzy. I finally realized when talking with friend that what I most cared about was continuing to bring sex education to school children, raise money for indigent women who need an abortion, and insuring access to birth control. I am also concerned that chemical abortion will go with the clinic. I would like to insure access to transportation to Roanoke to those who need it. The reasons for termination were that the rent in B'burg was excessive, clients had dwindled to 50 a month and of those half were referred to Roanoke. 
It was a cold day outside also! Cold walk with doggies to the bottoms. Good news that the DR compound now has wi-fi!