you are welcome with us for chaos and community.

I love that phrase so much. Perfect. Someone paint it on some reclaimed wood and hang it up at the threshold to the b.org commune! With appropriate attribution, of course, as we do.

msbelle, thank you, and if I had more advanced warning, I would have accepted your offer. But I already committed to showing up at work on Friday, and Amtrak is mostly sold out (and crazy expensive).

Ok, well keep in mind for December. I’m thinking of a 25th snacks only type of thing and board games, maybe puzzles. We don’t really do presents and have no traditions anymore.

Sorry for all the stressful event, Cash.

This weekend I got my flu and covid vaccinations, did a load of laundry, did a bunch of vacuuming, replaced the front struts on our Honda Civic, went grocery shopping, and did the usual cooking. The vaccines made me run a fever most of the weekend so I got pretty tired out.

Not going anywhere for Thanksgiving but have a turkey breast now defrosting in the fridge. Planning to roast it on the grill. Plans for Christmas got scuttled as well. We're trying to buttress our savings with the prospect of broad tariffs, mass deportations, and big cuts in government spending looming. None of those are likely to be good for the economy.

I have my doubts about big cuts to government spending, that's always a lot easier to say than to do, but Trump seems pretty determined on the tariffs and deportations. Not that it still couldn't fizzle out, but I am concerned.

Hugs to those with stressful holidays.

I also love the (good) chaos of a loving community.

My friend runs an LGBTQ support non-profit nearby and I am researching starting one in our county for young adults, teens and families.

The only thing I think I can control is how much I try to protect and support vulnerable people in the coming years.

msbelle, I totally empathize with Mac. No weight-bearing is INSANELY annoying and boring and makes everything twice as hard to do. I have definitely gotten some humbling experience with mobility.

With cost cutting and worrying, We are focused on experience and safety and sanity. flea, good for you for keeping your boundaries.

David, are you familiar with the Sandwiches of History YouTube channel?

flea, good for you for keeping your boundaries

Yes! I was thinking that and it didn't make it to the keyboard.

Sadly, I'm feeling like "screw Thanksgiving...Let's have Festivus instead." Not feeling blessed or thankful. So dumb that my mom, who doesn't Cook with a capital C is making a big dumb turkey for three people that eat together always. But she's happy that she learned how, so, there I'll be, faking it again.. still not as bad as sitting in a state meeting while some idiot who never heard of irony is all "so, Erika, tell me what you hate," and I think "This. Right here,"(Possibly you.) ETA: Yeah, Jen. Can relate.

Yes! I was thinking that and it didn't make it to the keyboard.

Thirded.