Preparations A few hours ago, I separated a pot of anthuriums and made two pots. Yesterday, I picked my remaining little red Thai peppers. I dehydrated them in the oven and now they are ready for spicy winter meals. I also separated my chives into three pots. It’s high time as they have been pot-bound for a year or two. I love chives because, while keeping a low profile and causing no problems, they produce healthy bits of green for salads and soups throughout the year. A week or so ago, I repotted my bay plant and brought it inside for the winter. I am not sure whether or not I will bring the rosemary in for the winter. Our weather forecast is for another warm winter. Besides, through the years, I haven’t noticed that my rosemary plants have enjoyed being inside. Thyme, Italian oregano, and mint are happy where they are, whatever weather comes.

anthurium

Yesterday, when Tom and I went to the grocery store, I stocked up a bit.  A few more rolls of toilet paper and paper towels and an extra jar of peanut butter, nothing much. Later on at the drugstore, I picked up vitamins on the the “buy one, get another at 50% off” deal and, as is my habit, I snagged two bags of Starbucks French roast coffee on sale. I received our allotment of free Covid tests several weeks ago. I ordered a new pair of jogging shoes (I mostly walk) that should arrive tomorrow. I also have cleaned two drawers and my closet is next on the list.

I am preparing. I always enjoy preparing for the dark months of winter.  I sometimes wonder if this strong need is in my DNA from my German and Scottish ancestors. This year is different, though, I think my preparations help keep me from worrying too much about next week’s election.

More preparations for the election:

• I voted at the Ellen M. Bozman Government Center on September 23, 2024.
• I recently paid my yearly dues for Common Cause and ACLU.
• I sent five small donations to the Democratic Party.
• With my friend Donna, I saw a timely production of Romeo and Juliet at the Folger Theatre.
• With Tom and other volunteers, I planted native trees at the Allie S. Freed Park in Arlington, Virginia.
• In the last few weeks, Tom and I have visited the National Gallery, the Hirshhorn Museum, the National Museum of the American Indian, and several Smithsonian gardens.
• In October, I flew to Salt Lake City to talk with dear friends again (See Roads).
• I keep reading, most recently Camino Ghosts by John Grisham and Nature’s Temples: A Natural History of Old-Growth Forests by Joan Maloof.
• I walk in the beautiful fall.

Romeo and Juliet, Folger Theatre

asters, Red Butte Garden and Arboretum Salt Lake City, Utah

Camino Ghosts and Nature’s Temple

When I was walking in the neighborhood yesterday, instead of Yeats or Wordsworth or Shakespeare, in my  head, I heard the words from Small Faces from “Itchycoo Park“: “It’s all too beautiful.” I am a child of my generation. What I really think, though, is that it is all so beautiful. Troubled and complicated as it is, I don’t want our American democracy to end at the hands of a racist, sexist, narcissistic fascist and his collaborators.  November 5, 2024 is Election Day and also my 75th birthday. I have been pretty lucky in this life so far; I am hoping the luck of our country holds firm and strong on Tuesday.

Some photos that make me feel calmer and more hopeful before Election Day:

black walnut, Ft. C.F. Smith, Arlington, Virginia

upper path, Theodore Roosevelt Island

Widforss Trail, North Rim, Grand Canyon

Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore

Shenandoah National Park

pearl crescent on white snakeroot

Bear Lake State Park, Idaho

The Needles, Canyonlands National Park

Union Bay, Lake Superior