The busy-ness continues

My volunteer work is, at times, all-consuming. I honestly don't remember how I used to spend my free time. When I have free time now, I can always find something to work on related to, of all things, politics.

I didn't used to be like this. While I've always thought government was of, by and for the people, it's hitting us hard here in West Virginia to realize that, really, it isn't. It's more like of, by and for the lobbyists. Or of, by and for the big donors. Or of, by and for the Koch Brothers.

Because really? The Koch Brothers and their shadow groups bought and paid for the current crop of Republican politicians (and I use that word in the most derogatory manner possible) sitting in the state capitol. And Republican politicians have no interest in making the lives of working families any better.

Most state legislatures are in session for only a couple months. Here in WV it's 60 days, and it can be extended and there are interim sessions throughout the year. But the bulk of the bills are passed (or not) in January and February.

But wait! This isn't a political blog, and you probably don't care much about West Virginia's woes. So. Moving on.

I began knitting a sweater, but I've only managed to get 1.5 inches of the lower edge of the back of it done in the last two weeks. I really need to rip it out and put this yarn away and find something that will work up a little more quickly. Because I want a new sweater sooner, rather than later. I feel like I've wasted a couple weeks, but really I haven't because I've only spent a couple hours, total, on that 1.5 inches.

My spring flowers are starting to peek up above the dirt already. I noticed the tulips yesterday, and then got to looking around and found snowdrops and daffodils. Those tulips – when I planted them they were pink, but now they're red and yellow and I don't like them at all. But I can't bear to dig them up when they're just showing up in the spring. So I dig them up when they're done blooming but CLEARLY I don't do a very good job because here they are again, this spring, ready to burst into their gaudy red-and-yellow glory. When I wanted pink.

I'm making great progress on my 100 miles per month plan. Even with three fewer days this month, and a couple travel days, I think I'm going to get there. I'm so grateful I'm able to walk this month at my age. I see many, many – far too many – women my age and younger who can't. So today I'm very thankful for legs and lungs and a heart that carries me into my days of busy-ness.