I woke up a week ago today — my 66th birthday — and one of the first things I saw (on social media) was that one of my friends had turned her profile picture black.

I immediately knew what that was about… and that I didn’t get the birthday present I’d been hoping for. I changed my profile picture, too, and don’t know when I’ll change it back. It could be four years.

I still haven’t responded to any of the birthday wishes sent my way — the one thing I always thought Facebook did best. I cringed every time I read Happy…

It was the worst birthday I’ve ever had.

I’m having a hard time looking anyone that I don’t know in the eye, knowing that (more than) half of them (around here) have voted for the garbage man. I’ve put my HARRIS FOR PRESIDENT button back on my purse strap again a few times, then taken it back off… just wanting a way to signal who I am. (I wouldn’t have taken it off except that I had to get a new purse after the strap on my old one broke!) I still have my HARRIS-WALZ sign in the yard (with flags) and it will remain until it’s the last sign standing.

There have been some bright spots…

A couple others appeared in recent days…

The “thank you” was written on a parcel that was delivered — it was tucked behind a planter on the porch so I’m not sure if it was before, on, or after Election Day! The envelope made my day… the sender asked for “strong woman” stamps at her post office, and it doesn’t get better than that!

I’ve been trying to keep busy/occupied. We cleaned the garage over the weekend — one of two vehicles is able to park inside now.

There will be room for the second as soon as I load up/drop off some stuff to donate. I had to scrape frost off the windshield this morning (for the first time this year), so that will happen soon!

We spent most of Sunday with Junah, including a movie date to see The Wild Robot (very good, by the way).

Ali came over on Monday afternoon and we dyed some clothing together.

It felt great to get that done! It’s been “on the list” for a VERY long time.

There hasn’t been much knitting… I’ve tried but I’m not concentrating or counting very well (so things aren’t turning out). It might be time to start seaming the blanket.

I’m finding a bright spot when/where I can.

We may have repotted the amaryllis bulbs a little late for Christmas blooms, but hey… I’ll take ’em anytime!

Hope you’re all hanging in there.