Sunday Salon, First Sunday of Advent 2020

Bingley (dog) and Fred (cat) are enjoying the 2020 Christmas decorations. There is something about Christmas trees that have always made our pets want to hang out in the living room.

Weather: It was nearly freezing this morning but now it is sunny and clear. Beautiful.

Family News:

• Thanksgiving: Thursday we gathered with our direct family, seven all together if you count Jamie who is 2 months old. We attempted to recreate the whole greater family traditions in terms of food choices but few of the foods tasted as good as those eaten in years past when we gathered with parents, siblings, cousins, and a pile of kids. But we were very thankful to be together with our own children and grandchildren. The coronavirus was a shadow over our dinner but one that passed over our house, leaving us to celebrate our health and togetherness.
• Zoom Thanksgiving: At 1 PM PST my whole family gathered for a chat. We were located in four states, two countries, and three time zones but it was so wonderful to see everyone. Technology can really enhance our lives in surprising ways.
• Right now, Sunday afternoon, Don is outside putting up our Christmas house lights. It is the last of the decorating for the holidays this year. Yesterday we put up our tree and some of our other special decorations. We figured there was no point in going crazy on the decorations since it is doubtful that anyone will see them except us. We also avoided putting out special, breakable decorations because of the two large kittens who are visiting us this year. The favorite nativity set made out of homemade play-dough by my sister is too precious and fragile to risk being knocked over by a cat or two. And my miniature angels collection seemed vulnerable so it stayed boxed up until next year. So far the cats haven't tried climbing the tree which we worried about so we may be in luck on that score. 
• Right now I am listening to a new favorite Christmas album, 'Simply Christmas' by Leslie Odom Jr. It is a nice combination of old favorites and songs I've never heard before. I try to listen to holiday music every chance I get from the first day of advent until New Year's Day. Do you have any other good suggestions I should check out?
• Yesterday my daughter posted this photo of our grandson playing with his Nativity set with this hilarious caption: "Starting to get in the Christmas spirit
  ... shortly after this picture was taken baby Jesus was bitten by a T-Rex..."

  

  
  
• Today I was the guest preacher on Zoom Church as our pastor is on vacation. My topic was about the need for fellowship even if we can't be together in the traditional sense of the word. I recorded the sermon on Tuesday but started getting nervous about it on Friday, even though it was already recorded. Ha!

  

  George posing near our bedazzled Norfolk Island pine in the Family Room.
  

   
  

• Books: another week where I did not finish a book or even make very much progress on the ones I'm working on. I did start Anxious People by Fredrick Backman last night. I love his writing. I had to set aside Cemetery Boys because it was too spooky for me. I liked the writing however so if you can do horror, look for it.  I am still hopeful to finish the audiobook for The Blind Assassin before the library checkout expires. This week. Maybe this week!
  

Good News---

• Political:
•  Biden is still winning even though the Trump campaign is refusing to give up the fight. But they are losing at every turn. If you want to read more, the link in the tweet opens up the website for Democracy Docket which explains where things are in the open fourteen cases and the results of the others. I found the site confusing but maybe you can understand legalese better than me.
  

  📅Day 24
  ⏰50 Post-Election Cases.
  🇺🇸 7 Total States.
  ⚖️14 Active Cases.
  🏅38 Victories.https://t.co/XBkKKEmG2Q

  — Marc E. Elias (@marceelias) November 27, 2020

• The Georgia State Election Board passed two new rules ahead of the Senate runoffs: The first extends the use of secure, monitored, drop boxes available 24/7. The second requires counties to begin processing absentee ballots 8 days before Election Day, January 5, 2021.
• Biden has started naming his cabinet members. (WaPo) In an introduction ceremony this week each of the nominees were given a chance to speak. In her remarks, Linda Thomas-Greenfield said, "Diplomacy is back." What a sigh of relief.
  
  
  
  
• Nonpolitical: 
• Researchers at the University of Alberta think they may have found a cure for diabetes. Great news! (CTV) 
• Rev. Graham vs Rev. Barber. Their messages sound very different. (4 min. long.) Watch here. .
  
• "I'm Not Sure I Want To Call Myself a Christian Anymore." Is an excellent and thought-provoking article written by my niece's husband. I recommend you delve in and see if you don't agree. (Bobby Powers)
• A Letter to the Editor written by my mother, age 91, last week. In it she reflects on what she is tankful for and how we should all be grateful for our humanity. (Eugene Register-Guard)
  

On the lighter side:

1. It does feel like a nice cleansing bath is happening now, doesn't it?

 

2. I feel so sorry for my teacher friends and relatives. It does seem like they have an undoable job.We feel your pain.

3.  The Hamilton Trump Parody---"I'll Be Back". Very funny. Have a listen by clicking the link. (YouTube)

4. Trump: "I won by a lot." Everyone else: "Um, no you didn't."

5.

6. Football fans will understand this...

7.  I'll end on this note.

One more cat photo:

George in my messy doll cupboard.

 

I'm thankful for you, my blog readers. Please leave me a comment. I'd love to hear from you.

-Anne