It's been a tough year, but not as tough as the four years previous. Politically, we've stood down on the NW Abq Political Action Group. I do post to the FB page now and then. However, the gerrymandering mainly from the right makes me wonder about how 10 years of being a majority minority will go. That makes the urgency for passing voter rights and BBB all the more important. Now if Sinema and Manchen will get their asses in gear and vote for their party's survival, I'll be happy.
Climatologically, we're a long way from Okay. The Glasgow conference did little to boost morale on an international level. Similarly, some national moves left me unimpressed, even though I realize that we can't drive off the petroleum cliff all at once. Same goes for MLG's actions in NM that are pro-fossil fuel. Also, the Avangrid-PNM merger weighs heavily. I've written my PRC commissioner twice. We'll just have to see what comes of their decision (despite the Hearing Manager's scathing report).
Virologically, we're also a long way from Okay. Caro and I are boosted and several week's past. That gives us some level of comfort that our protection is as high as it can be. None-the-less, Covid numbers remain very high in the state. We continue to exercise caution, but the days of outdoor dining for public health are about to be ended due to the winter weather.
Socially, we've resumed Boys' Night of gaming to good success. D&D continues with occasional gaps, but we still keep whacking our way up the Sword Coast against the Cultists of Tiamat. While D&D is run on Roll20 and Discord, Zoom et al. is still being used for remote family, bonsai club, HOA, and Sandia meetings. We've seen Nirankar and Ty several times this past season for lunch. She is expecting in April, but it's doubtful that Kathleen's casita will be finished in time. Supply chain issues with, of all things, the windows, have added a lengthy delay to construction. The Vermont side of the family is doing well despite being a bit widespread: Anja is in California, David is in KC, and Peter in Boston.
Botanically speaking, things have gone well. Plant presses have been humming, both at home and at the Botanic Garden. I've met my volunteer hours many times over and enjoyed catching up with the people there. Plant labeling goes on apace. The engraver is running, although the template in Jon Stewart's files is a little wonky. IrisBG is getting installed and should be operational in early December. I look forward to that.
Horticulturally, the home garden's bed and pots have been put into fine fettle for winter thanks to the prolonged warm autumn. Indoors, we've got the sunroom under control with a new Bougainvillea and a fragrant Meyer's lemon. The bonsai are settling in to the cooler weather and the turtles have finally gone underground.
With regard to kitty health, Henry Cat continues to maintain his weight. I've gotten very good at dispensing his meds. Thank goodness for chicken-flavored oral prescriptions. We still miss Paddy terribly. I try to keep a green bean near his ashes in case his spirit feels playful. Le Sommelier Stella visits almost every morning and night. The series of photos of her around wine glasses has a legion of followers.
On the home front, the house is doing well with a minimum of maintenance. I certainly can't think of anyone besides Caro that I'd want to spend under lockdown. Our life of comfort and ease is due to her hard work, intelligence, and design sensibilities. Perhaps Kathy and Blake will succeed in getting their new place built over on Campbell, but the hurdles are many. Similarly, Athena hopes to escape NC, but the barriers are significant.
Me? I'll continue to bake crumpets, baguettes, and pizzelles, skills that I mastered during the pandemic. As for Thanksgiving, we're having takeout turkey dinners from Flying Star.
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