It is terrifying and I don't think the situation will be less so after the election. In fact, it could be dire. I'm hoping not, but T. has no ethics, common sense or kindness. Who knows what kind of action he'll rile up? The virus is raging again and I am very angry about that. My kids are far away and I want to see them. I want to spend the holidays with my family. I want to go out to restaurants. But I'm being careful so others can be selfish assholes.

Many didn't believe that T. could win in 2016, but I did, mainly due to the enthusiasm I was seeing from my FB conservative friends. Then when I realized that even the west coast electoral votes couldn't change the outcome, I texted a few people in despair. My then boyfriend responded, "Don't worry, it's going to be fine! It won't be that bad." But it has been FAR FAR worse than even I imagined. :( I'm hoping for a decisive blue victory, in the gubernatorial race also. (I worry about the strong support for Culp in my area) Fall sure is a strange season, weather wise. We seem to get a little bit of everything! I love the Japanese gardens; John took me there, and then we had lunch at Cactus. Hope to get back to those outings in 2021. Quinn is adorable!! That beaming smile!

*like (plural subject) hehe Grammar nerd.

My ballot is supposed to be in the mail today; I don't remember ever waiting for it with such anticipation (and fear). I will be voting straight blue for the same reasons that you explained. There are no(or few) rogue Republican politicians these days(who will go against Trump), thus I don't trust ANY of them to do the right or ethical thing. Sadly. I know I've voted for Kim Wyman in the past, but not this year. How fun to have the family there! I'm hoping to visit back East in the next few months, weather permitting. As you know, you are not alone in your funk, which is a mild word for the despair and rage I've been feeling. Your cats, like any cat, likes to show who is boss. Hint: it's not you.

The arrogant looks on their faces at that debate made me want to scream my lungs out. I am missing my grandson right now and would love to fly back...but of course, it's difficult to do. :( I am working my way through the Ruth Galloway series. Perhaps I need to give Tana French another try. I'm glad you get to see the family soon. Sigh.

I. AM. TERRIFIED.

I am gutted and terrified by her death and what the future holds for our grandsons (and children) unless we can get ahold of this runaway train. Happy Birthday to Quinn--what a sweetheart he is! So full of joy and excitement. (and sugar)Three wasn't a fun age around my house; hope Sandra and Nate have it easier. :)

What an idyllic weekend! Joyful times with family (and a little one!)--there is nothing better. It was perfect weather for a boat ride, and Quinn seems to love it. I think my little guy is going to have a similar personality to yours; he is SUCH a talker, even at only 3 months.

It has been a weird summer; we're all waiting for normality to come back and finding our own ways to make the best of our time and the glorious weather. The highlight for me was being back in New York meeting my grandson; now life seems gray in spite of the sunny days. Glad you have the Quinn (and Nate and Sandra) visit to look forward to! That's a lot of meat, wow! What did you read in BC?

It sounds like mostly great news--Nikki is better, and you get to see your family! That sunset is incredible. I've started Book #1 in the Ruth Galloway series and am liking it a lot so far. Thanks for the tip!

I know exactly who that is, and the mask is no surprise. She probably has a collection of unique ones. :) The last thing people need with a loved one in the hospital is to be given the run around. What a frustrating and enraging experience!!

That's an amazing agate! I love the joy on Quinn's face and his excitement about everything. Kids are incredible. I'm hoping to share those moments with my little guy. (if I can just get them back to the West Coast)

That is a great blog quote! But I am shaking my head while pulling out my hair. How can so many be so ignorant and easily fooled? Yuck on the gnats! I'm hoping to keep our Book Club going, but some won't do Zoom, some don't want to meet in person, so it's going to be tough. At least you read a good book this time, so you didn't have to force yourself to finish a loser for BC, then not get together to discuss it. Is the woman who can't work her technology the same one who read the wrong book and forgot about BC? Because...is she OK?

Although I never met him, Craig liked or commented on several of my Facebook posts and seemed like a great guy. Loss, especially of younger folks, is utterly devastating. The fact that it was very sudden shakes us up even more. I'm so sorry! Quinn is such a handsome little guy and he beams with happiness.

I love these photos! You live in such an idyllic spot and the weather cooperated beautifully. It looks like everyone had a wonderful time! Seeing people and maintaining relationships is so hard these days. It troubles and discourages me.

I'm glad to have Inslee, although he's taking flak for his measured, scientifically based decisions. What has happened to this country and the reasonable people that I used to assume were here? Are we in the minority? (or just quieter?) I am distraught about how much this mess is going to affect all of us and our lives. And IT DIDN'T HAVE TO. Love that photo of John with Wylie.

Netflix and Amazon Prime. I haven't had the TV on yet--my next thing to figure out!

I'm so very relieved that Wylie showed up back where she belongs. You both must have been heartsick. I love that photo of the cats, even though they're not as friendly as they appear in the picture. I haven't been able to get into very many series lately and I don't know why. I need the distraction of TV but my mind wanders too much.

So sad about the loss of Bailey--even at her age, it's hard to let go. I love these photos of happier/healthier times! Monin's makes my beloved Dark Chocolate sauce for my mochas. High quality stuff. Hi to Helen--you both look great, so happy. Now that I'm getting to see my grandson in person, I don't know how I'll ever leave! :(

OH, I love this post so much and not just because you shared that meme. It's unbelievable how these crazies(and their lunatic "ideas") have become mainstream. It's also terrifying. Yikes about Nikki. I wouldn't enjoy finding dead animals in the house or outside. Mari would love to get her claws into the birds that frequent our yard. She used to be a great hunter(according to Alison) when she was an indoor/outdoor cat.

I agree with Karen--what great activities Nate and Sandra do with him. Teaching him how to fish is so wonderful. Does that window washer come into Pierce County? I could sure use his services!!

Excuse my language, but that is just plain shitty! (and unfair to your whole family) I know that the Navy can do what it wants, but why renege on something that means so much to families? Grrr. I wonder if they're having more cases and just not saying. Quinn is such a beautiful little guy with animation and joy in his face. Hope you get to see him in the NEAR FUTURE.

who is the old friend because I'm suspecting I might know her? My blog reader is down which is annoying since I don't keep an exactly up to date blogroll. I'm jealous of you being able to post wonderful photos of Quinn because I'm in trouble (I think) for some of the ones I've posted of my grandson. I think Ashley wants many fewer of them. I haven't posted a single one on Facebook, but I thought my blog would be OK. :( I'll have to check out those books. I'm running out of reading since I'm burning through books at the moment.

Sorry, I took the photos of my grandson down. He is definitely beautiful and his pjs are adorable. I'm very fortunate to be his grandma. Not sure about any more public photos. I can email you some though. :)

He is adorable, and looks so grown up exploring the beach. I could have done so many cleaning and organizing projects, but my heart isn't in it. I too have buried myself in books. WHEN will people see that this virus is coming back with a vengeance? WHAT will it take? I'm beyond angry and depressed.