Marie at 1 Write Way

Five Things on January 26, 2025

Wide angled view of our back porch and yard, covered in snow.

Nature
We rarely spend time on the east side of our house. Only a chain-linked fence separates us from our neighbors there, and they are on a higher elevation so we have no privacy if we are all out at the same time. Maybe not a problem; just an excuse. Still, we miss the wonder of our Camilla bushes when we neglect that side. One bush in particular gave a wonderful view of the cycle of Life, from one new bud to a spent bloom.

Dark green ovate leaves. Yellowish Camilla bud in the center.
Bright green ovate leaves with tight pink petals poking out of a Camilla bud.
Bright green ovate leaves with tight pink petals extending from a Camilla bud.
Pink Camilla flower in full bloom against green leaves.
Pale pink and yellow Camilla blossom, shriveling up.

Snow
To my utter shock, we had a couple of inches of snow in Tallahassee last week. Far less than other places (like New Orleans and Pensacola), but enough to surprise me. I’ve lived here since June 1990, and I can count on one hand the number of times it has snowed in Tallahassee. Usually we just have flurries and the snow melts as soon as it hits the ground. But this year was exceptional.

Wide angled view of our back porch and yard, covered in snow.
A panoramic view of our deck and back yard on early Wednesday morning.
View of yard with snow and some leafy green plants.
A view across our front yard.
Pink Camilla blossom with frost,

As of this writing, we still have a bit of snow, or perhaps I should call it slush.

Writing
Oh, I wish I could say I had started working on my novels, but alas, no. Instead I’ve been writing letters.

Two addressed and stamped envelopes.

I may well be pissing in the wind, but given our current state of affairs, I have to do something … even if it’s just pissing in the wind. I am not limiting myself to only “my” Congressional Senators and Representative who are loyal to you-know-who. My attitude is that each Senator and Representative in Congress who is voting on bills that affect ALL Americans should listen to all Americans. I am being mindful to give praise when it’s due (hence the letters in the photo are to thank certain Florida Representatives for certain votes). But, yeah, when I see that a Democratic Senator voted for Kristi Noem, they’re going to hear from me.

So … letters and postcards for now. No novels.

Knitting
Since I can knit or stitch while watching TV, I am doing that. No photos as yet. The shawl is finished but not yet blocked (i.e., washed). I signed up for a month-long knit-a-long which will start January 31. We are to knit a cardigan! One of my least favorite projects … lol. I’m hoping I can use up some of the stash that is threatening to break through my cedar chest. And maybe having a couple of Zoom sessions with a knitting expert will make the process less daunting.

Cats
Thanks to the colder-than-normal temperatures the last few weeks, Raji has officially become a SnuggleBunny!

Orange kitty curled up on a man's lap.
Raji getting close and personal with Greg while he watches TV.

I doubt that he will continue with this behavior as temperatures warm but we’re enjoying this closeness while we can. Wendy often sleeps with me, but she doesn’t cuddle. No, she just curls up in the middle of the bed and expects me to work around her.

Thank you for reading! Tell me truly: Am I pissing in the wind?

Marie A Bailey

, , , , , , , , ,

32 responses to “Five Things on January 26, 2025”

  3. If you’re able to work into your letters that going along with the reprehensible policies and reprehensible people will cost these spineless weasels votes and future campaign donations, then, no, I don’t think you’re pissing into the wind.

    Liked by 2 people

  4. You are the second person today who has told me they are writing letters as an act of participation. Either to those they want to praise (Bishop Budde, for example) or to give them an opposing opinion. I think it’s an excellent idea! (And the snow!!! Surreal!!!)

    Liked by 1 person

    • Yes, the snow is surreal! And you definitely got more than your share in New Orleans. I sent a thank-you card to Bishop Budde as well. I prefer to write positive, encouraging words. It’s better for my mental health 🙂

      Like

  5. I love the nature shots, but cuddly Raji is my favorite. Our kitties love to cuddle with each other, but they are not really lap cats (yet). They like to be near us, but not on us, though sometimes I will wake to find one between my legs.

    Good for you with the letters! Who knows what might help?

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Thank you, Marie, for doing something, I’ve been avoiding the news and feeling some guilt about my head-in-the-sand attitude but it’s what I need to do at the moment to avoid literally blowing a gasket. I did read a very hopeful post on Robert Reich’s Substack. I hope it’s okay to share it here. If not, I apologize and hope you’ll please delete and let me know. https://robertreich.substack.com/p/trump-will-overplay-his-hand-be-ready

    Liked by 1 person

    • Eileen, you just did something by sharing the link! We generally avoid the news as well, but posts such as this one from Reich’s Substack are an engagement, in my humble opinion. And I’m sharing it with some friends so thank you!

      Like

  8. Beautiful photos!

    I heard about the snow in the South. Wow!

    While you haven’t gotten to your novels, you’ve done some important writing. Thanks for sending your letters.

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Raji the SnuggleBunny! I remember when you first got him, he’s looking good and has come a long way. As for pissing into the wind, maybe yes, maybe no. If nothing else it is taking action and that’s better than being passive.

    Liked by 3 people

    • Thank you, Ally! We’re thrilled that Raji has become so comfortable with us. You’re right about taking action versus being passive. And taking action can be done in so many different ways. Mine just happens to be writing letters 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you, Janis! I don’t know if makes a difference but someone pointed out that since you can donate to campaigns in other states, they should listen to you even if you can’t vote for them. I need to make that point in future letters 🙂

      Like

  11. Your slice of ‘doing’ is immensely important and I’m appreciative of you stepping up to doing this. The idea of writing to reps in other states is a fantastic ‘aha’ moment and is soundly based. Brava!
    I have to think Raji is pleased with your efforts as well – rogue kitty with a past and all of that! :-)

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Are you pissing in the wind? I don’t think that it matters if you are. You are expressing your views and that is supposed to be what this government is about. You do what you do and express yourself!

    Raji is adorable. So cute toes!

    Liked by 1 person

    • Thank you, Zazzy! According to some people (not here on my blog), writing is less than useless. So I’m starting to make phone calls, but, gee, it’s tiring just trying to keep up. Thank goodness for Raji and Wendy. They keep me grounded.

      Like