Thank you for going in to detail, brenda, that is so fun to read!

It is wonderful to be living vicariously through the traveling Buffistas! I appreciate all the details!

I left DH with the 6 women visiting. They are quite self-sufficient. My sister arrived at 11:30 last night due to de-icing delays in Syracuse. We drove across Alligator Alley and got to Bonita Springs on the Gulf of MEXICO at 1 something this morning. Much better to drive at night because traffic at this time of year is insane.

On a separate note I’m absolutely freaked the fuck out by what’s going on in the United States government right now.

Yep, right there with you.

I am freaked out with a side of paralyzed. I'm still not able to really consume any news except skimming a few newsletters. The worst part is not being at all surprised.

what kind of info do you want? I think it was organized by the owners of the indie bookstore in our neighborhood,

If you can get an organizer’s email, or something? That would help. I could get something like this organized here.

The Anti-Despair Resource Fair was more successful than anyone expected. There were literally hundreds of people over the course of 2+ hours. I cried a little when we walked up and saw the huge crowd outside and the line waiting to get in. The space where it was held isn't a community center like a gym or large event space; it's just an old house used by the community garden group and the bike co-op (pretty much the most Northside thing ever) — there was room inside for about 7 or 8 groups to have tables, and then 6 or 7 more outside where the community gardens are; fortunately the weather was great for an indoor/outdoor event. There were also some people without tables walking around with handouts about their programs. Seeing the sheer number of people there was the first thing in 2 weeks that made me feel like maybe we aren't completely, utterly fucked.

The rad prizes from the raffle were gift certificates of varying amounts to the local indie bookstore (first prize: $100 gift certificate!). AFAIK, I didn't win a rad prize (they said they would do the drawing yesterday evening and text the winners, and, alas, I didn't get a text), but I can live with that.

The groups there included Planned Parenthood, immigrant dignity groups, the homeless coalition, a Palestine advocacy group, queer advocacy groups, an affordable housing group, a single-payer healthcare advocacy group, and neighborhood mutual aid groups. The focus was mostly on helping the people in greatest need/danger right now, rather than any kind of direct political action (because there are already groups for that).

Anyway, Cashmere, the event was so packed and so busy that I didn't get a chance to talk to the organizers. But I'll check this week to see if I can get you an email so you can talk to them.

London sounds great, Brenda. When I was there with my family in 2023 we used the boat taxi as a cheaper-than-a-tour-boat way to see a lot of the city very fast.

(I am also heartened by tales of safely landed planes, because, well.)

Apparently the Mexico tariffs are delayed by a month. Someone finally remembered to tell Trump where winter produce and car parts come from, I guess.

The Musk budget takeover shit is terrifying, though. It's so blatantly illegal and obviously work is being done within the agencies to resist, but none of it seems to be effective. I just want him arrested and kicked out of DC!

The Musk budget takeover shit is terrifying, though.

Can we ask the Canadian Armed Forces to come kick some ass? I'm only about 25% kidding.

I asked very nicely if there might be something a little more open since I’m here for a full week. Once I clarified that my concern was more the light than the view (see above re alleys) the manager came back with a list of five rooms he had yet to assign since it was right before official check in time and walked me around to each one so I could pick. So now happily ensconced in a second floor room with windows on two sides and much more natural light.

Pays to ask nicely. And delightfully, a much happier room.

Thank you for going in to detail, brenda, that is so fun to read!

Yes, thank you.

Can we ask the Canadian Armed Forces to come kick some ass? I'm only about 25% kidding.

I don't need a full scale invasion, I just want to watch Musk dragged out of the country by Mounties.

That's terrific, Tep!

(I am also heartened by tales of safely landed planes, because, well.)

Yes, for sure