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Checking in on a very quiet Sunday. Freezing rain was falling earlier in the day, so I was very happy to have no plans that required driving.

Love the hutch Liz. We painted ours black a few years ago, and I love how it looks. Because we have a lot of oak trim, like the stair rail, and DH will never, ever agree to paint it, I don't have any white painted furniture. But I do paint everything I can black. It just seems to go with the oak better. I love the beach/water vibe of your house and always look forward to seeing your new pieces.

There's a dog show in Minnesota this weekend and DH thought maybe Peps should consider it next year. I told him you were in Palm Springs. Palm Springs or Minneapolis in January. I don't think it is a hard choice, even if the weather there is not as nice as normal.

While it sounds like our ailing members are on the mend, sad that nobody is back to normal. Keep resting as much as you need.

Movie recommendation: The Life of Chuck. It's based on a novella by Stephen King, but it is not horror. There is an element of magic/sci fi, hard to explain really. I rarely watch movies twice, but this one is really beautiful in the end. Streaming on Hulu. No aliens Diane!

As our trip nears, one of my friends is sending me links for restaurants in Porto Alegre. So many fun places!! DH is on a Tommy Bahama kick, buying shirts of E-Bay. He's concerned he will eat himself right out of his shirts.Hopefully not, because he looks very nice in them.

The last of the Christmas food I put in the freezer is just about gone, so I decided I should make us something. I made Shepard's Pie, and it hit the spot on a cold, freezing rain kind of day.

Brazil's president spoke out against the invasion of Venezuela, and sent troops to their shared border. Awesome. To be clear, no one is a fan of Maduro and the majority of Venezuelans seem to be celebrating his removal. But it is troubling that they already proved they want a different government by voting for it in 2024 and there seems to be no concern about stepping aside and letting the choice of the citizens govern. Where I am going in Brazil is far from their shared border, which is in the northwest , and I going as far southeast as you can go and not be in Uruguay. DH, aviation enthusiast, did look up the route of our plane, and it seems to have changed it's normal course to stay as far away from Venezuelan airspace as it can.

Not sure how the weather will be tomorrow, but if the roads aren't too crazy, we will have our regular coffee date. I am getting my hair done Wednesday, and since I will be west of the Twin Cities, I will make a pass by my parent's house too. Sometime this week I need to get a pedicure : ) Lots of little things to take care of also. Tomorrow, the one week countdown begins.

Greetings all

The rain has paused for a bit. Not exactly sunny but oh well. I need to wash my hair and get out and about for a bit. Hopefully nothing is on fire in Arcata. The fire two days ago took out pretty much a whole city block and the entire town is in a dither. I have a friend who has a beautiful victorian house about a block from the site. She is fine. Part of the fire was next to a hardware store and other retail places and there is paint and solvents in the run off from extinguishing the fire so environmental alert. It is only a few blocks from the bay. Big mess and people lost their apartments.

Super deal on the hutch Liz. Looks like it will fit in beautifully with your decor. Glad you grabbed it.

Paula sorry your are still ailing. Agreed: delay your dinner until you can enjoy it. Sounds like you need to sit in a hot tub or steam room. Afrin nose spray works pretty well (from a person who has tried every cold remedy).

Once again Peps kicks dog show butt! Great wins! Those shows are no doubt highly competitive and I bet have huge entries. I told my brother to go but probably he won't. Anyway extra treats for all the winners. But you had to really hustle all day with 3 dogs and multiple classes - the more you win the more you have to work!

Maybe one more day of pot roast here then it is time to figure out groceries again. I must do fish more often. And must shop for the stove this week. Might have some sales.

Hey Bonnie welcome to the disheveled terrier club. My two really need brushing and bathing. At the moment they are outside listening to the tree frogs croak. Tis the season for croaking.

Diane S

Laishley Crab House!

Do keep that Anniversary card in your pocket for a time when you're feeling better..saving it for when the celebration can be best enjoyed.

141.4

Liz, that cabinet is stunning, and has me glancing speculatively at some of my own "brown" wood. Please post pics when you've set up...It's going to look gorgeous.

Devon, no doubt you and Airedale entourage are impressing all and about in a most delightful way. Swann, as he sits disheveled in his corner of the fireplace is your biggest fan and dreams constantly of a time when Prince Charming arrives at the door with diamond studded collar.....

yes, poor dog fits in well with the state of the house at this moment. My dissatisfaction with the overall scruffiness is a sign that I am finally feeling better. Tomorrow is my turnaround day for sure and looking forward to it.

The situation in Venezuela ( no- edit that to the here and now state of affairs in our very own country ) has me deeply disturbed. That the other two branches of government are seemingly complacent and/or incapable of standing up to this madness.....

"When I despair, I remember that the way of truth and love has always won. There may be tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it: always." - Mahatma Gandhi