I don’t begrudge anybody having happiness on Thanksgiving just because this is just another day for me, except that my morning hangout, Waterfalls Cafe, is closed today, and I’m more aware few hundred celebrants will be gathering in our two dining rooms.
As for Trump and the “ism” he is dooming us to for the next four years, I do have attitude. As for attitude I don’t need a special day to remind me that I live in a safe enclave here in a senior community in progressive Portland (Oregon). I don’t need a special day to remind me that I am fortunate at age 72 to be physically healthy and have my wits about me. Every day I see fellow residents who struggle with a decline in health, or the death of a spouse.
I sit here on this rainy day and watch my persistent furry-tailed rodent trying to get hulled sunflower seeds from my squirrel proof feeders, and with equal futility listen to the dogs whining as they run around because they can’t get out to chase the critter. My mind is on things I can write about. For example about how nobody needs clarification when a pundit discusses the people Trump is appointing, nobody needs an explanation when they say “at least it will put some adults in the room.” We all know that Trump is a superannuated adolescent with a severe impulse control deficit. And that these are the least of his psychological problems and other disqualifying characteristics for being president.
My Thanksgiving will be like every other day. Even if I was in the mood to socialize I’d stay at home. My treat-free (eschewing pastries, pizza, bread, and French fires) diet is going well and I don’t want to be tempted by this: Willamette View Thanksgiving Buffet: Carved Roast Turkey, Baked Ham, Stuffed Butternut Squash, Mashed Potatoes, Giblet Gravy, Cornbread Sausage Stuffing, Chad's Stuffing, Maple Baked Yams, Green Bean Caserole, Glazed Carrots, Steamed Brussels Sprouts, Cranberry Relish, Salads, Pumpkin Pie.
I’m going to have my usual light lunch and some leftover chicken and vegetables for supper.
Meanwhile, I’m subjected to brainless television commentary about how to avoid tension and conflict if you are eating with Trumpian relatives.
Give me a break. How stupid do they think the viewers on MSNBC are. (See story and video here.) I wonder if Fox has so-called experts on telling their viewers how to avoid confrontations with liberal guests.
Everybody I know personally, admittedly not a lot of people, wants to put politics aside for just this one day. However it is reassuring and inspiring to scroll down the recent stories sidebar on Daily Kos to see that I have kindred spirits who find that sharing their outrage against Trumpism provides a useful outlets.
So, for the majority of those who probably have read this far: