Isn't It About Time for Some Good Political News?
High winds have whipped the leaves from all the trees, except the oaks and weeping beech. The beech will eventually lose its leaves in a week or so, but oaks do not want to let go. They’re like parents who try to keep hold of their children no matter age they may be.
On politics: The elections Tuesday were the first good political news since last November. Every day, new horrors, unimaginable cruelties. He is destroying so much: the economy, the environment, the government, the safety of hard working and necessary immigrants, relationships with our allies, the White House itself, etc. etc. He is leading us into yet another senseless war. He kills without reasons or mercy. He is starving Americans so he can bail out a pal dictator. He loves dictators. He wants to cut Medicare and Social security the way he went after affordable health insurance. He is trying to take over our cities with his troops. He has sent his masked thugs into workplaces, homes, schools, courts. They’re his brownshirts. To see people waking up as with the No Kings Rallies and the elections is the first national news I enjoyed.
On friends: Fellow writer Indira turned 65 this week and had a big birthday bash. Dale is back from New Hampshire. He and his partner Stephen love Portsmouth. We enjoyed it the time we stayed there -- I had a nearby gig. I am beginning to plan for Thanksgiving. Recipes to make ourselves and what to farm out.
On the garden: Woody is gradually clearing and plowing composted manure into the three vegetable gardens. We are still harvesting parsnips, leeks, and many herbs; Swiss Chard and various lettuces. We are hoping to get much of it in before the first frost, which will most likely be this week, as the temperature is plummeting. The parsnips actually like frost and are sweeter afterward. But the leeks will get mushy. I‘ve been cooking them regularly and am planning to make leek and potato soup tonight. We are having a huge parsnip harvest, more than we’ve ever had. They’re gigantic, too! I have been researching more recipes for them. We used them in lamb stew a few days ago. I am going to try roasting them next.
On sports: I thought the Raiders did a good job last night, in spite of losing by a field goal in the 4th quarter. Every time they got near a touchdown, the referees would call the play back. So many penalties slow the game down and make it boring. I don’t think the Pats can beat the Bucs at Tampa, but It’s been a pleasure to see a competitive team for a change. I like Vrable. I think he’s the real thing as a coach.
On hope: It was a real boost emotionally to see the Democrats win and win big, especially the more liberal candidates. In spite of my own age, I do think it’s time for younger people to take over and fight the right. A lot of our politicians have been in office so long they expect things to go on civilly and within the confines of constitutionality and are having trouble responding to the blatant disregard for law and the equally blatant corruption and bribery and influence so openly for sale.