I have no words.

July 13, 2024, 10:23 pm

There was an assassination attempt on former President Trump today. He only got grazed on his ear, but one rally attendee was killed, and another is in serious condition. The attempted assassin is also dead. No ideas about motive yet, but it doesn't matter. Trump will be seen as a hero. He just got the election handed to him. I am terrified about what will happen in November. I haven't been this afraid since 9/11. Project 2025 is evil, and unless Democrats and Independents vote for Biden, it will become a reality.

It is going to get ugly. I'm afraid there will be an attempt on President Biden in retaliation.

The front page for tomorrow's Washington Post. Yep, conservatives are already blaming Democrats. They can get fucked.

↧

I guess the rule is four now?

July 14, 2024, 11:04 pm

≫ Next: Today SUCKS.

≪ Previous: I have no words.

Four celebrity deaths in a week. Shelley Duvall, Dr. Ruth, Richard Simmons, and now Shannen Doherty. RIP, and in Dr. Ruth's case, may her memory be a blessing.

I loved Beverly Hills 90210 when I was in college. I'm actually pretty sad about Shannen Doherty, even though I knew it was coming. She was just 53, a few months older than me. Shelley Duvall was in one of my favorite movies when I was a kid, Popeye! She was a perfect Olive Oyl. Then she produced the wonderful Fairy Tale Theater. I loved Richard Simmons' show. It certainly got people moving! He was also the guest star on probably the funniest episode of Whose Line is it Anyway. I can't really say much about Dr. Ruth, because in the heyday of her radio show in the 80s, I was just a kid. LOL.

Edited to add: Make that five. James B. Sikking from Hill Street Blues and Star Trek III: The Search for Spock has died at 90. Didn't know he was that old!

Still in shock about yesterday's events. I'm still trying to process it all.

I have a terrible cold right now. I'm having a hard time sleeping. I've missed church two Sundays in a row. I went to a Fred Nats game last week with Katie. I'll post about that later. I'm probably rambling now. Colds do that to me.

↧

Today SUCKS.

July 18, 2024, 1:38 pm

≫ Next: He's out.

≪ Previous: I guess the rule is four now?

Bob Newhart has died at 94. A good run, but still sad. One of the greats of comedy. Sadly, younger generations only knew him as Papa in Elf.

↧

He's out.

July 21, 2024, 11:49 am

≫ Next: Delayed baseball photos.

≪ Previous: Today SUCKS.

Joe Biden has dropped out of the 2024 race, and has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the new Democratic candidate. I think she can beat Trump, but this is still going to be a trying time. I hope she picks a good VP.

↧

Delayed baseball photos.

July 21, 2024, 12:00 pm

≫ Next: The 2024 Democratic ticket.

≪ Previous: He's out.

Katie was installed as her Rotary Club's President last week. For some reason, the ceremony was held at Fred Nats Park! We had a box suite. For a small, minor league ballpark, it was really nice. And the Fred Nats won both games in a double header.

President Katie, Katie and Gus the mascot, the park at dusk, peanuts and Cracker Jack!

I finally ordered Cinderella, because I had an enormous AG reward. I'll probably get her a week after my birthday.

I still haven't gotten over my cold. I'm exhausted and still sniffling. I'm not as miserable as I was, though. Summer colds suck.

↧

The 2024 Democratic ticket.

August 9, 2024, 9:07 pm

≫ Next: Birthday goodies.

≪ Previous: Delayed baseball photos.

Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota governor Tim Walz as her running mate. A good, solid choice that will probably help with Midwest voters.

I was hoping for Senator Mark Kelly, but I think this is a better pick.

Now get out there and vote!

↧

Birthday goodies.

August 9, 2024, 9:18 pm

≫ Next: Another birthday girl.

≪ Previous: The 2024 Democratic ticket.

Another year, another birthday lunch at Can Can in Richmond. I had a kind of Disney and American Girl birthday- Disney Parks cookbooks, Princess Tiana and her outfits, and yet another Disney Loungefly backpack.

Lovely dessert from Can Can, and the little flower stand right outside the restaurant.

Flowers from church, and a Carvel cake.

It was a very nice birthday. And when I got home from lunch, my Cinderella was waiting for me!

Cinderella and Tiana.

Rapunzel is now available in the play line. When my August reward kicks in, I'll order her!

↧

Another birthday girl.

August 19, 2024, 10:32 pm

≫ Next: Not doing so great lately.

≪ Previous: Birthday goodies.

Katie's birthday was on Saturday, which was craft day at church. I took a cake and some ice cream, and we had a little party! We had her birthday dinner at Bollywood Masala. We haven't been in ages!

Cake, presents, and Maisie!

I've been watching day one of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. I'm feeling more hopeful than I have in years. President Biden truly passed the torch to Vice President Harris tonight. He loves being President, but loves our country more.

↧

Not doing so great lately.

August 25, 2024, 10:59 pm

≫ Next: Another princess!

≪ Previous: Another birthday girl.

I've had a bout with depression this summer that I just haven't been able to shake. I was feeling pretty bad during choir practice today. It was as if I didn't want to be there. I haven't done my nails in three weeks (other than necessary trimming), and haven't cross stitched in a month. It's almost time to decorate for fall/Halloween, and I haven't even started dressing the dolls. Ugh. I'm taking a short trip with my parents in two weeks. Maybe that will help a bit.

One thing that cheered me up last week- watching the Democratic National Convention. Great speeches, especially with Kamala Harris accepting the nomination. The state and territory roll call was fun to watch. And the balloon drop at the end:

Here's a random screenshot from Whose Line is it Anyway that made me laugh. Drew Carey and Ryan Stiles. Yes, he said that. It was an outtake!

And a clip of Ryan being mesmerized by a disco ball. He is so still with just his eyes slightly moving. It's almost unnerving.

At least some things can make me laugh.

↧

Another princess!

August 27, 2024, 12:46 pm

≫ Next: Phooey.

≪ Previous: Not doing so great lately.

Rapunzel arrived today. She's gorgeous. Her only real flaw is that her eyes aren't green like in the movie. Other Rapunzel owners are doing eye swaps, but I'm afraid of ruining her head. She's staying the way she came.

Rapunzel and all of my Disney Princesses.

Belle is rumored to be next in the play line. The two limited edition dolls are Elsa and Anna from Frozen. Passing on them, because I don't want to spend $600 for two dolls that will likely be released as play dolls in a year. But if Jasmine is still available around Christmas, that's what I want for a present!

↧

Phooey.

September 9, 2024, 12:50 am

≫ Next: Voted!

≪ Previous: Another princess!

No trip. Mom has shingles, and she's really sick. So we had to cancel our plans. She's more disappointed than I am.

We'll plan something else when she feels better in a few weeks.

2024 has really sucked. I haven't been on a real trip since Myrtle Beach two years ago.

↧

Voted!

September 23, 2024, 10:08 am

≫ Next: Piano Men.

≪ Previous: Phooey.

Absentee ballot, straight blue ticket.

I really didn't want to mess with in-person voting. There are a lot of nuts in my town. Trump supporters harassed people at my voting place in 2016 and 2020.

↧

Piano Men.

September 23, 2024, 10:24 am

≫ Next: Oktoberfest 2024.

≪ Previous: Voted!

Katie and I went to a "dueling pianos" concert last week. It was a lot of fun. The venue was nice, too. The Estate at White Hall Vineyard, where I'd never been. I'd love to go back for a wine tasting!

The performers took requests, and got a lot of hilarious ones. Someone requested "Dick in a Box", and they actually did it! Katie requested a song that I always misheard as a little kid, and gave them the lyrics I always said. They did it and everyone thought it was funny. I was really embarrassed! I'll have to get back at Katie someday...

Katie's friend took this photo of us.

It was a nice night out.

↧

Oktoberfest 2024.

September 30, 2024, 4:48 pm

≫ Next: Happy birthday, Mr. President!

≪ Previous: Piano Men.

This year was better than last year! The weather was perfect.

Rapunzel dressed up for the occasion.

Mom and Katie at the craft tent.

Shut up, liver, it's Oktoberfest! (I didn't actually drink any beer.)

The Lost Lederhosen returned.

A good day, but everyone was exhausted. It's a lot of hard work. At least I wasn't sick this year! One year ago today, I had emergency gallbladder removal surgery. Nothing like that this year!

↧

Happy birthday, Mr. President!

September 30, 2024, 9:14 pm

≫ Next: Three busy weekends.

≪ Previous: Oktoberfest 2024.

Jimmy Carter is 100 years old today. He's the first former President to reach this milestone.

In other news, the Mets are in the playoffs!

I can't believe it's October already.

↧

Three busy weekends.

October 20, 2024, 9:29 pm

≫ Next: Ugh, what now?

≪ Previous: Happy birthday, Mr. President!

I've spent a lot of time at Katie's house. I had to watch Maisie for two weekends in a row! The first weekend she had a Rotary Club workshop and a church retreat. A week later, she went to New York to see Sam and Devon. And this weekend, I stayed over to help her run her Rotary Club's Great Wine Out. That was fun.

The first weekend, Katie and I took Maisie to our church's Blessing of the Animals. Maisie had fun with the other dogs, but wasn't super well behaved when Padre Lee blessed her!

I got Harris/Walz shirts for my dolls. Ezri poses in one in front of Katie's sign.

The Great Wine Out was at the same vineyard as last year. The wine flights and grazing tables were about the same. Everything was delicious, and people had a great time.

The weekend ended on a sour note. Sam called and told Katie about his latest doctor's appointment. Apparently, he has COPD. He has had problems with his lungs since he was born. We're not sure what kind of treatment he'll get, but the meds they gave him are starting to make him feel better. There's no cure for COPD, but it's treatable.

In between the dog sitting weekends, we celebrated Mom's birthday by taking her to see Beautiful, the Carole King Musical. It was fantastic.

No World Series for the Mets this year. They made it to the National League Championship Playoffs, but just couldn't beat the L.A. Dodgers. Oh, well.

sad Mr. Met (2).png

↧

Ugh, what now?

October 24, 2024, 10:54 pm

≫ Next: One day more...

≪ Previous: Three busy weekends.

Katie and I both saw our eye doctors this week. We both have pre-glaucoma. Sisters really do share everything. Which reminds me, it's time to schedule my yearly follow-up with my oncologist. Katie and I are both still cancer free, and I hope it stays that way.

Every night, I have to take prescription eye drops. They sting a bit. Some of the possible side effects include temporary or permanent changes to the iris color, and extra, longer eyelashes. I've always had extra eyelashes! When I was a toddler, I had way too many lashes. My pediatrician had to pull some out! I'm glad I have no memory of that.

↧

One day more...

November 4, 2024, 12:03 pm

≫ Next: I want to die.

≪ Previous: Ugh, what now?

Tomorrow is election day. If you haven't already, get out and vote!

A collection of election related images...

Cross stitched pieces:

Dolls in Harris/Walz shirts:

And yes, Georgia is wearing "pearls" and Kendall is wearing "Chucks".

My Kamala Harris inspired T-shirt and button designed by Mary Engelbreit:

A meme based on her Saturday Night Live appearance last weekend:

And finally, my favorite photo ever of Whose Line is it Anyway's Jeff B. Davis- giving Trump Tower the double bird.

Time to take out the trash! I am cautiously optimistic about tomorrow.

↧

I want to die.

November 5, 2024, 9:37 pm

≫ Next: We failed.

≪ Previous: One day more...

I am so disgusted with my country. I can't believe Trump could win again. My already bad mental health won't be able to take it if Harris loses. I feel like I have nothing to live for anyway. I don't know why I bother getting up in the morning. Everything has turned to crap, and I don't want to be here anymore.

I doubt anyone is reading this, but I am pretty much done. I give up. This world is so full of hate and evil.

ETA: It's over. Trump won. Fuck this country.

↧

We failed.

November 5, 2024, 11:34 pm

≫ Next: Article 0

≪ Previous: I want to die.

I'm sorry, Jimmy. We tried. You can rest now. Go be with Rosalynn.

↧

Article 0

November 6, 2024, 3:49 pm

≫ Next: Retail therapy.

≪ Previous: We failed.

I may have to accept the election results, but I don't have to like them. Trump may be the President, but he will never be *my* President.

And we are not going to storm the Capitol, either.

Bring on the 2026 midterms!

↧

Retail therapy.

November 11, 2024, 5:17 pm

≫ Next: Good Thanksgiving, bad Thanksgiving weekend.

≪ Previous: Article 0

I'm coping with the election results as best I can. I'm starting to dress up the dolls for the holidays. I've added some new non-AG girls to the family!

Disney ILY 4ever girls Shelby (blonde) and Ryan (brunette):

I was able to get a My Life As Grinch sleepover doll this year. Last year's sold out quickly and people resold them on eBay for ridiculous prices. I actually like this design better. I didn't get the blonde, so instead of Cindy Lou Who, she's Lindy Sue Who!

I didn't do much for Halloween, but I did have doll displays. Cinderella and a pumpkin, dolls on parade, Dolloween party:

My Halloween tree and an ornament Katie brought back from her New York trip (Sleepy Hollow):

AG has a great Janie and Jack holiday collection this year. I've probably bought half of the outfits! The matching sister dresses are coming soon.

This turned out to be a doll only post. Not much else is going on. Uncle John stopped by for a few days, but we couldn't do a lot of stuff because Mom and Dad's bathroom was being redone. No Shenandoah Drive or apple picking this year. I hope I can at least get to Williamsburg and maybe Busch Gardens for Christmas.

↧

Good Thanksgiving, bad Thanksgiving weekend.

December 2, 2024, 5:53 pm

≫ Next: Farewell, Mr. President.

≪ Previous: Retail therapy.

There were just five of us this year. Mom, Dad, Katie, me, and a friend from church. Plus Rory and Maisie! Cat and dog got along surprisingly well.

The decorated table, Maisie trying to get on the table, pies, and a doll's table!

Now the bad part- Saturday morning, Mom was throwing up and it looked like there was blood in it. She went to the ER and was kept there two nights for observation. They did an endoscopy and found that there had been a small amount of bleeding, but it had stopped. It was likely some irritation that caused it. She's home now, and feeling better, but very tired. She has an outpatient cardiac procedure this week, so she's trying to take it easy.

I've barely started decorating for Christmas. The dolls are all dressed, but the trees aren't up yet. I have so much to do.

↧

Farewell, Mr. President.

December 29, 2024, 1:32 pm

≫ Next: 2024, GTFO.

≪ Previous: Good Thanksgiving, bad Thanksgiving weekend.

Jimmy Carter has died at the age of 100. He wasn't the greatest president, but he was probably the most decent man to ever hold the office. He did great things after he left.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

↧

2024, GTFO.

December 31, 2024, 9:52 pm

≪ Previous: Farewell, Mr. President.

It really wasn't a good year. Everyone in my family had some kind of illness, especially my mom. I had another awful surgery. Then the election happened. Ugh. I hope 2025 will be better, but I have my doubts...

I haven't posted my Christmas photos yet. I was so behind on decorating because Mom was sick and in the hospital at the beginning of the month. It was a nice Christmas despite everything.

My newest AG doll, Charlotte, spent New Year's Eve with me while I dog sat Maisie.

Maisie pretty much slept through the evening, but gave me a New Year's kiss. :p

↧