Describe your most memorable vacation.
Sometimes a one-nighter in your own area can be fun. I haven’t spent much time in Boston since I left my job, so it’s good to be back in the city.
Happy Birthday to all Americans. We are 248 years old today. Long may we run. 🇺🇸
On what subject(s) are you an authority?
I’m not an authority on anything, but I have plenty of opinions.
In my opinion, President Biden should resign now and let VP Harris take over. His condition is not going to get better. It is old age and it never reverses. He should not have run for a second term, but he did, so now our only viable option is VP Harris. I’m optimistic that she will rise to the occasion and beat Trump, as she has shown tremendous leadership on the abortion issue of late.
Adam Sewer of The Atlantic said what I am thinking: Biden Must Resign.
I wish someone would play Biden the Hamilton soundtrack this weekend. The song “One Last Time” is so poignant. President Washington stepped down (at age 64) for the good of the country. I think President Biden (age 81!) should do the same, but what do I know?
What’s your definition of romantic?
This prompt is giving me flashbacks to my college art history survey: the darkened auditorium, the slides of painting, sculpture, and architecture from the Renaissance to the 20th century, the occasional nap. I got a B in that class. Not bad.
The Romantic Period in art (late 18th century to mid 19th century) was characterized by “a focus on emotion, individualism, and the sublime. Artists of this period often emphasized intense feelings, dramatic compositions, and the beauty and power of nature.”
Based on that definition, I’m going to have to say that the Grand Canyon is the most Romantic place I’ve ever been.
Pretty darn sublime, right?
How do you express your gratitude?
Usually saying “thank you” with sincerity is enough. Sending a handwritten note is always a good idea too.
In recent years, I’ve discovered some lovely options for personalized gifts on Etsy. My daughter first introduced me to it.
I got some cool monogrammed money clips for my son and my nephews, which they seem to love. I’ve purchased monogrammed leather luggage tags and I got my son a personalized leather tray for graduation, with his school’s seal. I ordered this necklace for a Cat Lady in my life.
Most recently, I ordered these all-natural handmade soaps with essential oils from a Canadian artisan on Etsy. I liked the soft, natural colors and the real wildflowers on the top of each bar. I used them as favors for people who attended my daughter’s baby shower. They were a hit. Guests enjoyed smelling all four varieties, then choosing their favorite. The personalized labels are a nice touch. (The back side of the label lists all the ingredients in each soap.)
What are you most worried about for the future?
I’m most worried about a second Trump term, which seems quite likely following last week’s debate in which Joe Biden’s advanced age and cognitive decline were on full display.
It is my hope that Biden comes to accept this and allows the Democratic Party to nominate someone younger—who can more vigorously rebut all of the convicted felon’s lies—in the coming weeks.
I believe that a second Trump term would mean the end of the United States as we’ve known it. Women’s rights, the Supreme Court, democracy, and the climate are my main concerns. I think I’ve actually given up on the United States ever controlling its gun violence problem.
On a much lighter note, I wore the pink side of my reversible skirt on Saturday. We had a joyous family celebration of my son’s college graduation and my granddaughter on the way. I cannot wait to meet her! 💗
What are your daily habits?
My daily habit for the last 8 years has been despising Donald Trump with every fiber of my being. I would vote for a corpse over him.
But last night’s debate was not good.
I agree with my old friend Mark Leibovich: It’s time for action.
Are there things you try to practice daily to live a more sustainable lifestyle?
We recycle, own an electric car, and stopped buying plastic water bottles. We don’t fly much or eat a lot of red meat. We had an energy audit of the house and added things like insulation and low-flow shower heads.
In the face of melting polar ice, rising seas, historic floods, and endless wild fires, it really doesn’t seem like enough.
What’s the most delicious thing you’ve ever eaten?
I really can’t think of anything better than a molten chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream. That first bite…🫠
If you were forced to wear one outfit over and over again, what would it be?
I bought a reversible skirt at a boutique last summer and I wear it a lot. I love that one garment gives you two different looks. Also, the waist is completely adjustable (from size 2-12), so no need to toss it, if I lose or gain weight. It goes with all different color T-shirts and is made of a very comfortable cotton.
The skirt is 100% cotton, made in India. The boutique owner, Sally, is delightful. She named her boutique Apsara after the supernatural female beings in Hindu mythology. She was inspired by a visit to the Angkor Wat Hindu-Buddhist temple complex in Cambodia.
So anyway, I’d want my one and only outfit to be reversible!
If you’re ever in downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire, check out Apsara at 130 Congress Street.
…but only when it’s on the rind.
Stay cool friends
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