Sweet life with little DRAMA!

 The changing of the guard in Washington has led many to admit they can sleep soundly now without worrying if someone might accidentally push the nuclear button, went to war with North Korea or Iran or whoever, and had not fired Fauci!

Of all the emotions that went through me this past week, relief was the number one emotion.  

Today I realized that this time last week we didn't know if the inauguration would go off without a hitch or a bomb or an assassination or who knows what.  

Thankfully none of those things happened on the sunny, snowy day other then the beautiful rituals that we have enjoyed for as long as we have been alive.

My first inauguration that I watched was Eisenhower!  We were living with my grandparents in Chicago while our new house was being built.  ALL of us, my grandfather, grandmother and I watched it in their little library/TV room.  Since I remembered that my grandfather was there I wonder if he was off work from RCA Victor because of the inauguration.  Usually he left home before I even got up in the morning and came home late.  Anyway, it is a memory of togetherness and pride in our country.

It felt good to watch and have a general idea of what was going to come in the rituals.  

Nothing prepared me for the Poet Laureate, Amanda Gorman.  She was like golden sunshine in her yellow coat and red Prada headband.  Then when her mouth opened and the most exquisite poem was told to us by her in her eloquent voice, I literally had tears in my eyes!  Wow, the gift of the day! Truly.

I have since seen an interview with Anderson Cooper and Amanda.  Her eloquence and her incredible intellect came though leaving Anderson almost speechless.  She is a Harvard graduate.  Not only was her poem beautiful but the lasting image of her self assured behavior was refreshing.

What a lovely day and evening.  One that will hopefully erase the horrible and shocking images of January 6th eventually.

It is also refreshing to see that actions are being taken to bring the covid crisis into the forefront with an attempt to get more equipment and vaccines.  Let's hope that happens quickly although it seems that it will take time.  If we have some sense of normalcy by next Fall, to me that will be success.  Sooner would be better but realistically it doesn't seem possible. I SO hope I am wrong.

On to other subjects!  The weather here has been extremely mild this winter.  Skies blue, temperatures usually in mid 40's at night with highs in the mid 70's to low 80's.  Ojala!  In another four weeks it is doubtful we will still have 40's at night as our spring begins usually by the end of February.

One of the milestones of this time of year is Candelaria.  Hundreds of plant vendors come from all over Mexico with every plant imaginable.  Gorgeous orchids, bromeliads, tulips, hyacinths, bourganvillas. The market is set up in a park setting and is usually here for two weeks.  Sadly NOT this year!  Oh my what a disappointment.  I understand because no events have happened since last March which would cause groups of people to congregate.  Sad but true.  

We are still in the "red" zone which means there are still many closures and people are not supposed to leave home except for essential activities.  Oy vey. Most are complying as we hear of friends and family members of friends dying.  It is very sobering.  In San Miguel we now have had 118 deaths with two more in the last day.  Shocking.

Turning inward to continue reading, talking on the phone to friends and family, gardening and cooking along with watching TV is the daily regime.  Oh and sitting in the garden in the beautiful sunny, warm weather.

Hopefully you are finding ways to move forward daily!  Sometimes it does feel like a slog.......

If I could be somewhere else, this is where I would like to be.  On this little bay in the tiny village of La Manzanilla on the Pacific Ocean.  Maybe next year!