It's mid-year already! I am always surprised when we've "suddenly" arrived at the July 4th holiday - coming up on Monday. It's time to plan a cook-out and think about making blueberry pies. Here are a few updates:
- The Supreme Court is issuing a set of rulings showing its current conservative bent. A ruling against the EPA's regulation of power plan emissions does not bode well for addressing climate change (or the power of the EPA generally). Vacating Roe v. Wade will have significant consequences for women specifically, and their partners and families in states where legislatures are opposed to abortion rights. Your Grandnana spoke about many horrible outcomes with illegal abortions prior to RvW and fully supported Planned Parenthood, as do Steve and I. It's truly upsetting, though heartening to know that a majority of Americans are pro-Choice and that Congress can take action to legalize abortion.
- Jan. 6, 2021 Congressional hearings are in progress. It has become clear how just how hard President Trump tried to remain in office after losing the 2020 election. Given the increasing economic strain on low- and middle-income Americans over decades, it's not surprising that the status quo seems unacceptable to so many people. But it's still difficult to accept that a determined minority is no longer committed to democratic values.
- We are not done yet with our latest mouse situation (or is it an infestation, now that we are in the 8-10 range this spring)? Both kitties are doing their jobs, though Oren is more enthusiastic than Rambo. He growls when the mousey is in his mouth, and is not eager to "drop it!" when requested by co-habitating humans. I believe only one escaped the kitty brigade, but we hope it has since been caught. Rob, you have perfected your mouse-catching techniques and your specialty seems to be the "back of the closet" captures. We now keep a specific "mousy" tupperware container under the kitchen sink - handy for taking meeces out to the back yard. Oren spends time in the kitchen carefully watching the dishwasher area (near the kitty food bowls). Our neighbor Crystal told me a couple weeks ago that she discovered a visiting mouse on the kitchen counter watching her between her flower pots... so it's not just us!
- Alex, you are wrapping up week 2 at Azec. Other than getting a work iPhone (which you hate), all is well working in the HR Department. On your second day, you texted me that "Everyone is so positive and friendly. I really like it so far and there's going to be lots of opportunity for me to move up. I met the plan manager and he was telling me there's people who've worked 4 or 5 different careers in the company and that they prioritize internal hires above external. So I'm excited and I think there's a lot of potential." You celebrated your 8th anniversary with Taylor on May 3rd, then her 25th birthday last Saturday. And you've had some nice fishing time - today you send me these pics:
- Rob, you're now working a couple shifts per week as a busser and salad maker at Sabatini's in Exeter. Seems to be a good job, although it would be nice to work more often. We have been trying to figure out solutions for some foot pain, including shoes to fit you comfortably. And enjoying some time away, as you & I just visited Ontario to spend a few days with Uncle John, Aunt Fran and kids. Noel and Larson are doing well (14 and 10), and Bea (11 months) is sweet and exhausting. Below is a nice picture of us, with the Almonte waterfall behind us. Her favorite and only word she uses consistently is "this?" as she looks at someone/something. At this very moment, you are on the front porch talking with some Mormons who rang our doorbell (holy rollers, as Grandma used to say). I'm sure you are giving them a run for their money, as you are quite the intellectual and deep thinker. You just came in and are having a laugh, as you let them chat away (to delay pestering the neighbors).... They asked which of Jesus's acts was your favorite, and you told them it was beating up bankers (their reply, was "yeah, we like that too!"). They said you are a man of great faith! They gave you a Mormon bible and are coming back next week (July 7th at 3!). You plan to prepare carefully for the next discussion - and in advance will get some extra tips on Joseph Smith & LDS beliefs from Steve. We'll be sure to have some cold drinks on hand for this debate.
- As usual for this time of year, Steve has been busy with outdoor projects. He built a handsome planter for the deck. And over a hot weekend while Rob and I were away, he did most of the work to create a beautiful walkway from the deck steps over to the driveway, using pavers, landscape edging and gravel. With the hottest months approaching, it's time to relax more. We do appreciate all his efforts, we get compliments on our many flowers & blooming bushes which look Fantastic. And we will be celebrating our 7th wedding anniversary on July 3.
- I now have a fitbit. As you know, I am far from an early adopter of new technology. The real reason this happened is that Steve got it for me & mostly set it up. I'm getting used to having it on my wrist, and yes it does motivate me to be active. I really do love walking outdoors when it's not too hot and not too uphill. It helps that I still get to the gym with Laura Lewis Emmett most Thursday nights, where we do equal parts exercising and talking.
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