Wandering

 

The trail system in Forest Park, well, let's just say that I've seen systems that were much less confusing. 

A paper map could have helped. Although, I suppose these days a lot of people prefer apps like AllTrails. Not being one of those, I spend a lot of time these days just wondering as I wander. :-)

Meaning?

 

A house along one of the trails in Forest Park. Interesting display of flags. Meaning?

Palazzo in the Park

 

Ticks

As this trail is something of a local secret, I'm keeping the exact location to myself. If that wasn't enough to reduce traffic, I'm thinking this sign might also. In addition to the ticks, there is quite a lot of poison ivy along the trail.

Steamed Milk

 

THE major discovery during my trip--steamed milk in my morning oatmeal at the Tandem Bagel Company. Why, oh why, did it take me so long to discover this fantastic new dimension to my morning ritual?! My great thanks to the manager on duty at Tandem for instructing me on how to do this at home!

Residence Inn

 

Created to provide accommodations for more long-term stays, this Residence Inn in East Windsor nonetheless served my needs. Arrived late, of course, due to terrible traffic farther south. But what a relief to get off the road even for a short stay overnight. The complimentary breakfast was a selling point. So many places abandoned that idea, I think, during and after Covid. 

RIC

RIC yesterday on what was reportedly the busiest day for flying this year in the United States.

Virginia Primary Election

It may come as a surprise to some, but Virginians right now are in the midst of another election. Yep! Early voting for Republican and Democratic candidates running in this fall's midterms began last week. More information is available at the Virginia Department of Elections website. Not sure where to vote? Find out here.

Pecan

 

Tree Services

There is an unusual amount of care being taken to prune and/or take down trees here. I suppose a lot of this activity is to prepare for all the 250th activities planned for later this month and next. 

Work in Progress

Virginia Referendum

I don't think yesterday's referendum in Virginia was as much a victory for the country as a whole as it may have been for Democrats. Yes, gerrymandering is bad. But so, too, is totalitarianism. A democracy can still function with gerrymandering.  Poorly, to be sure. It cannot when ruled by a tyrant. 

Drive-By

Vote Yes

I think it is important that voters understand the limits this referendum proposal would set for redrawing congressional districts. I’ve added the italicized bits to emphasize what I believe are the sensible limits. Yes, it’s partisan gerrymandering, but only for a limited time and, importantly, in response to the same GOP gerrymandering in other states.

"The proposed amendment would give the General Assembly the authority to redraw one or more of Virginia's congressional districts before 2031 in limited circumstances. In the event that another state redraws its own congressional districts before 2031, without being ordered by a court to do so, the General Assembly would then be able to redraw Virginia's congressional districts. The General Assembly's power to do so would continue until October 31, 2030, and the Virginia Redistricting Commission would reassume the responsibility of drawing the congressional districts in 2031.

The proposed district map has been approved by the General Assembly and would take effect only if the constitutional amendment is approved by the voters.

A "yes" vote would allow the General Assembly to redraw Virginia's congressional districts, since other states have done so, in addition to giving effect to the proposed district map in time for the 2026 Congressional elections, and return the responsibility of drawing the congressional districts in 2031 to the Virginia Redistricting Commission." -- Virginia Department of Elections

Kool-Aid

 

Yass

Resist, Persist, Fight for Justice

ALT+RIGHT+DEL

Speak Up, Speak Out

No Kings protest in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Organize

Organize: to form into a coherent unity or functioning whole : INTEGRATE.