The new administration continues to scythe through democratic laws, regulations, and norms. Some of Musk's inanity has hit too close for comfort, but after a scary 24 hours, they recanted. Now it's up to the courts. I'm having to rely on old Facebook networks plus the new Bluesky and Signal. I've got a Proton VPN set up. It feels like were one step away from living in 1950's USSR or 1930's Germany.
This week's political conniptions with the federal budget were particularly frustrating. The CR passed because a handful of Democrats sided with the Republicans to vote for cloture. The disappointment is palpable. We find bits of hope in the occasional judicial ruling against TCF, Musk, and Doge.
Thankfully, there's the Garden and the kitchen, which seems weird to be normal. Winter is loosening its hold and flowers are beginning to bloom or push out a bit of greenery. The Nature's Notebook crew gets out every Monday and takes our phenology observations. We nearly blew away the other day. Sheila and I have gotten the herbarium straightened out for the new season and soon will start pressing a new batch of specimens for the summer students. Then there was the staff appreciation luncheon. Roast asparagus with lemon and parmesan was my contribution, while Caro donated some of her puzzle-piece pins for the door prizes.
So far tariffs haven't driven up the prices of groceries too much nor have they made imported foods impossible to find. That'll probably become evident in the next few weeks. Frankly, a good loaf of bread doesn't take much beyond flour, water, salt, and yeast. Butter, milk, eggs, plus some spices and nuts go a long way to taking bread to the next level. English crumpets, Irish soda bread, French baguettes, and Italian focaccia have been featured lately.
At the same time, it's spring in New Mexico. That means crazy temperature swings and high winds. Allergies are out there: juniper pollen for me, pine and grass for Caro.
Bonsai is a refuge. The club is busy preparing for the Mothers Day Show. Today I repotted my Taxus from last summer's Obon demonstration, a Bougainvillea, and Corby's little gift Punica. Still, I lost the Thundercloud to pine wilt, but at least came home to the tiniest of green buds showing on the 38-year old Ginkgo. I've had that with me since I lived in the old house on 14th Street.
The backyard is showing signs of life. Caro and Baldo have cleaned up the beds and mulched things. Grape hyacinth, Vinca, and daffodils are blooming with lilac close behind. Fluffy the feral cat continues to use the kitty heater under the patio table. Somehow it has weathered all the storms, partly because we've had so little precipitation. We're thinking about starting a sort of Victory Garden in Jane's backyard, partly to help her out with food costs and partly in anticipation of shortages as Trump's sinks the economy.
Evening television these days is mostly British shows. Waiting for the new season of Monty Don's Gardeners' World to begin and getting used to the new detective in Death in Paradise.
At least we've gotten through the switch to Daylight Saving Time. That same day we drove up to Chamita to celebrate (4 days late) Ty's birthday. Beautiful weather and a good time chatting with everyone. Ty and I set up some cheap Christmas lights to try to keep the blossoms on his 3 apricot trees from freezing. We'll see how that goes.
Our friend Debbie has been dealing with some skin cancer problems. Fortunately, her dermatologist has been able to remove them, but healing takes time. She has one more surgery.
We're fast coming up on St. Patrick's Day. Friends Deb Martin and Nat Smith have invited us over for green beer and an afternoon of gaming. Caro will take Marlene to lunch if all goes well. Last time, Marlene took a fall and they had to eat at her home.
I think that brings things up to date. Here's a Hibiscus for the photo-icon.
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