It seems like a century ago that Republican North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory fought to enact the hateful “bathroom bill.” Backlash from voters, businesses, sports leagues, academia, and tourism interests was swift and unequivocal. McCrory lost his next election to Democrat Roy Cooper, and that seat has remained BLUE ever since now that we’ve elected Democrat Josh Stein as our next governor. THAT’S how you fight for #transgender rights!

This local vigil held a few weeks into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine seems as though it happened many years ago… or never even happened at all. The agony of the Ukrainian people continues while we’re distracted with other concerns and it could take a tragic turn if our incoming administration cedes the struggle to Putin. #Politics #SlavaUkrainii

View from the recumbent bike at the fitness center provides some motivation to keep pedaling.

My husband’s friend who is battling late stage lung cancer is hanging in there but needs to gain some weight. When he lived nearby, we’d hand deliver these oatmeal cookies which were one of the few foods he found palatable while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. I loved baking these butter-rich oatmeal raisin walnut cookies for him. I’m psyched that he’s interested in having me bake some and mail them to him at his new location.

Why I still feel fossil fuel guilt when I’m churning out solar power from two sets of panels on my roof remains a mystery.

37 degrees this morning, so I turned on my propane fireplace for a while. Our local nuclear plant had issued a “beat the peak” alert expecting heavy usage. On the one hand, running my fireplace (and ceiling fan to circulate the warm air) helps them. On the other, I’m feeling fossil fuel guilt.

Good morning, friends… may you clear all of today’s obstacles with Olympian flair.

I can’t be the only person who worries about the people of #Ukraine being abandoned by America when the new administration takes over.

Matt Gaetz leaves sinking ship after concerns over incendiary report. #Politics

A periodic reminder from Mr. Tan Man that if you ain’t the lead dog, the view never changes.

“No, that can’t be right! He loves me! I took time off work and drove hundreds of miles and waited hours to attend his rallies! I spent every Social Security check buying his merchandise! I never left the house without my “Make America Great” hat and shirt! I voted for him every time! He said he’d make me rich and that he’d deport or destroy all the people I hate! He loves me, I just know it! #Politics

A look at the Pacific coast extreme weather event from Zoom Earth. Check out the link where you can explore weather there and elsewhere with endless interactive viewing options. https://zoom.earth/maps/wind-speed/

Remember to check for wildlife before stepping into your shower.

Please spare a kind thought for all the Biden administration appointees who will have to watch in horror as their replacements gleefully destroy their legacy in service of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. #Politics

Our presidential election outcome can be explained by the fact that millions of voters placed a higher value on harming “others” than benefiting themselves and their loved ones. #Politics

Remembering the time when Chuck Todd blocked me on Tw****r when I suggested that his long tenure at NBC and MSNBC was only due to the fact that he was in possession of Polaroids from office holiday parties.

As the days grow shorter and our fears loom larger, it’s helpful to step away from the stresses of the world and take a walk in nature. The stresses will still be there when you return, but your mindfulness will make you better equipped to deal with them. #SelfCare #MentalHealth

The #Project2025 plan to gut #SocialSecurity and #Medicare should terrify all Americans regardless of age. If you’re “young” and “healthy” and shrugging it off, please consider how you’d ever pay off your student debt, buy a home, start a business, put your kids through college, or save for retirement with your parents and in-laws dependent on YOU for their housing, medical care, and other expenses. A great nation doesn’t leave its elders to drown in destitution after a lifetime of hard work.

At the suggestion of my orthopedic surgeon, I’m working to get myself in good muscular shape before my total knee replacement scheduled for February. My personal trainer at the fitness center told me today that these efforts will make a significant difference in my recovery. Both these guys have endured serious injuries and surgeries and long rehab, something that convinces me that they’re speaking from experience rather than theory.

There’s still time to order an absolutely awesome pecan pie from Potter Country Store in Schulenburg Texas. I used to stop there on drives between Houston and San Antonio. The pie is a great “bring along” to a Thanksgiving meal (unless you’re dining with folks with nut allergies…) https://www.pottercountrystore.com/