Hey y’all. I know it’s been a bit since I’ve written my blog and I’m sorry. So much has happened, too much to put it all here but I’ll throw in some highlights and a promise that I’ll start posting more regularly again.
The Honeymoon
In Mid-June we drove down to Perdido Bay, Florida for a much-needed long weekend on the beach–lots of surf and sun and seafood and what’s that other “S” word? Oh yeah, sleep. It was divine. We’re hoping to make trips down there as often as is affordable.
The Garden
We started a lovely vegetable garden, and it had so much promise, but we had a long stretch of too much rain and not enough sun. We are harvesting tomatoes every few days but not much else we planted did well. Tennessee has placed beautiful flowers in the empty spots though so we can still enjoy it.
Other Yard Projects
We’ve done a huge clear-out of the lot, and by we, I mean Tennessee and the guys we hired: gutters cleaned, trees trimmed, bushes trimmed or removed, trash and debris hauled away, buildings and patios power washed, and our wedding arch installed in the fountain garden. A six-foot privacy fence has just been installed and will get a shiny new protective stain in the next few days.
Local Politics
I’ve had the chance to meet two amazing women. First was Gloria Johnson, who is running to unseat Marsha Blackburn for US Senate. She beat several others running against her for the chance in our August 1st Primary. This was my first Tennessee election, and I am so proud to have been able to participate.
The second woman I recently met and voted for was Missy Crutchfield, who ran unopposed in the Primary. She is working to unseat a MAGA Republican for State Senate in my district.
Both of these women are very inspiring and sensible, not left-wing radicals, who are trying to pull our state more toward the middle again. As my job puts restrictions on my political activities, I’m doing everything I legally can do to try and help them out. Apparently Tennessee used to be a blue state, and it would feel so much safer to live here if it could be again.
And since all politics is local, I am also very proud to have attended several online meetings: “White Women against MAGA” for Stand Up for Racial Justice (SURJ); the “Red States for Harris” initial launch meeting for the rapidly growing grassroots TikTok coalition I’ve joined; and “Organizing for Kamala” after her rally in Atlanta, where I got to hear her speak directly to us.
More to come as we get closer to November but I’m with Her! I got my chucks and pearls and I’ve worn them to show my support. I’m also loving her VP pick though not the disgusting vitriol questioning his military service, especially from other vets.
American Legion
And speaking of vets, I attended my first-ever American Legion meeting in June despite having been a member for 26 Years. I wasn’t sure of my reception given my previous experience with trying to attend a meeting when I first separated from the Air Force and given that this is a very small town in a red state, but mostly they were welcoming. It was fun being a part of the rivalry between services again.
I volunteered to help with the 4th of July booth, which was HOT but fun, and to be on the awards committee, which I’m anticipating.
I didn’t make it to the July meeting, but I’ve paid my dues, transferred my membership, ordered my shirt and cap, and I’ll be there for the August meeting. I’m curious to see if there will be any conversations about politics in light of what’s been in the press recently as regards to vets and their service.
Book Club
There’s so much more I could write about but that’s a lot already. So I’ll end on the book clubs–my local club has grown to 6 women now and I’m hoping for a few more before the end of the year. We’re getting a lot more publicity on FB and in the local paper thanks to the efforts of our local librarian. Fingers crossed.
Here are the books I’ve read since I last posted:
Book 46 – “Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches by Kate Scelsa
Book 47 – “Baskets and Beignets” by Jana Deleon
Books 48- 50 – “Let the Dead Sleep”, “Waking the Dead”, and “The Dead Play On” by Heather Graham
Book 51 – “When Women Were Dragons” by Kelly Barnhill
Book 52 – “Veridian Sterling Fakes It” by Jennifer Gooch Hummer
Book 53 – “The Women” by Kristin Hannah – Book Club Selection
Book 54 – “The Invisible Life of Addie Larue” by VE Schwab – Book Club Selection
Book 55 – “Scorched Grace” by Margot Douaihy – Book Club Selection
Books 56-58 – “Smoke Bitten”, “Soul Taken”, and “Winter Lost” by Patricia Briggs
Book 59 – “The Ministry of Time” by Kaliane Bradley
Book 60 – “The Comfort of Ghosts” by Jacqueline Winspear
Book 61 – “Making the Rounds” by Patricia Grayhall – Book Club Selection
Book 62 – “The Last Bookshop in London” by Madeline Martin
Book 63 – “Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend” by Emma R Alban – Book Club Selection
Book 64 – “Demon Copperhead” by Barbara Kingsolver – Book club Selection
Book 65 – “The Unwedding” by Ally Condie – Book Club Selection
I’m still on track to finish 100 by the end of the year, but I’ll have to get a least one more read before the end of the month to stay that way. It shouldn’t be a problem.
Take care my friends.
Baby Gay When You're Fat and Gray - All Grown Up 
I thought my summer was busy until I read about yours! Congratulations on getting souch accomplished while reading so much and working, too! I read 5 books, all by women authors, too😉. Now to watch the Democratic National Convention….
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