I had hardly gotten back from Panama when I got right back into the political scene - Liberal Ladies of the Lowcountry holiday cocktail party, a protest at Sanford's office and a fund raiser for his opponent - all of that happening the week I returned. The Sanford protest was against the tax bill, which they eventually, heartlessly passed. It was a cold, rainy day, but we had a good turnout, mostly old codgers like me. We also got encouraging responses from some of the passers-by. This was also the day that Chris and I were having lunch together to celebrate her birthday. The official date was weeks back, but they were away and then I was away so this was our first chance to celebrate - and we threw in the protest for good measure. We mentioned that this was how bazaar life has become in the "Resistance".....we can't even celebrate a birthday without throwing in a protest along the way! We did have a delicious lunch at the Beaufort Bread Company and it felt good to sit down, warm up and catch-up! 
It was after all this that I finally decided to get serious about Christmas, though I have to confess to not being in the mood. But, once I got busy, it began to feel like Christmas - trees up, mantles dressed, stockings hung, and so on. I do really enjoying the decorations once they're up, but the thought of actually doing it is daunting. You've seen most of this before. It's just combined slightly differently this year. I took the photos so that I could show them to my hospice ladies. It gives us something to talk about. After that, I turned them into a slideshow, this time using Powerpoint, which is much more sophisticated than earlier versions.
Even during the holidays, life continues as usual - feeding the feral cats, visiting hospice ladies, Drinking Liberally, gatherings with friends, etc. Yesterday Melodee and I had a nice afternoon in Savannah. We started with a delicious lunch at Fox and Fig, a new vegan restaurant that we heard about at Vegfest some months back. It was hopping and the food was very good, including the chocolate brownie sundae!! From there we went to the Savannah College of Art and Design Museum. Several artists were exhibited and I especially liked E Bruce Phillips, Jr and Jacob Lawrence, as well as one female artist (whose name I can't remember) whose exhibit included two political statements with which I could really identify. It was my first time there, but I will definitely visit again. Our tickets also admitted us to the Guo Pei exhibit down the street. The larger exhibit is in Atlanta and this one only included 6-8 designs. The outfits are far-out, but the detail and workmanship were amazing. I thought you might like to see them.
RANT: We are experiencing the coldest winter since I've been here. All things are relative, but this is no longer funny. One day next week the HIGH is supposed to be 40F!! I can't even coax Rosie out in the morning, and I don't blame her. When I get her harness and walk to the door, she runs back to the bedroom and gets under the cover! Really! I don't have the heart to force the issue.
GOODBYE 2017: In some ways 2017 went like a shot and, in other ways, it seemed like it would never end!! It's fair to say that it has been a year like no other. It has also been a year of contrasts for me - being overloaded with political activity/negativity, but also having some wonderful trips, acquiring new friends (and missing others!), and having some heartwarming experiences. It has certainly made me appreciate my friends more than ever! Several of us have given some thought to ways we can constructively close 2017 and release the negativity, while at the same time remaining focused and productive in 2018, without becoming overwhelmed with political issues. I'm still giving this some thought and I think this is where friends come in: we have to support one another! If your year hasn't been this chaotic, count your blessings. My hope is that 2018 will be kinder to us all.
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