Susan Sto-helit. Because in this world, after everyone panics,

Mine. 69 and feeling every second of it. The fam are being very good to me, there will be takeout pho for lunch. But I'm tired and depressed and I don't know why*. Anyhoo I decided that's what I really wanted to do today is stay home and potter. I'll bake brownies later. Or maybe tomorrow. We already have a lot of cookies including the fancy holiday JoJos. But right now I'm going to go sort the box of travel-related ephemera and see if there's anything I need before I place an order with
https://www.silvercrowcreations.com/ tomorrow.

My horoscope:

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You can populate your mind with thoughts that help and delight you, though inevitably less-desirable ideas will get in there too. These intrusions are like internet pop-up ads, easily removed by clicking on the little "x."

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (Dec. 8). Your grace and poise make others feel at ease, but your unwavering support and encouragement are to credit for what happens in you corner; the whole group will rise as you build on each other's successes. More highlights: a special soulful connection, a run of stellar performances and the lucrative conclusion of a three-year project. Gemini and Libra adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 2, 22, 4, 8 and 10.

+I know part of why, but I can't do anything about it and I don't know why my dad's dying on my birthday in 2009 still upsets me. Guilt that I didn't try harder, I guess.

Norma Rae, the best grey girl, is three years old today!

Yesterday was our 38th anniversary. Somehow, Paul's still putting up with me.

Another Birthday! Paul's! Paul is, um, err, uh, 70. Which makes me... Never mind. Anyway, Happy Birthday, Dear Husband!

It's the First of October, which means that it's the start of Birthday Season around here.

Today is Katherine's 29th birthday, Happy Birthday Kitty!

Here's the festive display for the winter holidays. ( Photo follows )

Happy Birthday, Paul!

Here's a happy thing; Shadow curled up in the sun this morning. I just had to share the happy with everyone I know. ( Photo follows )

I did a batch of cards to commemorate the annual Ritual Sacrifice With Pie, aka Thanksgiving. ( Photos follow )

The last October celebration: Aged Mum is 92 today! She was born in Los Angeles and grew up here. She told me once that she and her siblings used to take the Red Car from their home in LA to the beach.

Paul and I are heading up there shortly with cake, a balloon, presents, and some groceries.

ETA: Well, we visited my mom. She was a bit out of it, but she liked her presents (a copy of I Am Maru and two pairs of Halloween socks with cats and a box of See's candy) and the cake and the aloe vera in a pumpkin flowerpot and the mylar birthday balloon. Caregiver M said AM sleeps most of the time and she isn't eating much. We agreed that if mum wants to eat cake and chocolates, she should. I told mum that it's her birthday so she can have cake and candy for all her meals if she wants.

But she reminds me of Patches in her last months. I'm afraid she's just shutting down. Yes, it's how she says she wants to go, in her own bed, but dammit.