Capitol Trail

The Virginia Capitol Trail, as its name suggests, is a multi-use trail connecting the former capitol of Virginia, Williamsburg, with the current capitol, Richmond, a distance of some 50 miles one-way.

Falling Leaves

Seems like there's always a difference between what we call meteorological fall and, well, let's just say when it actually begins to look and feel like fall. This week . . . it's definitely beginning to look and feel like fall. 

Linking again today with Skywatch Friday.

The Swamp

As I recall, it was DJT who promised to "drain the swamp" some eight years ago when he ran for president the first time. Now, as the Washington Post put it this past October, "he swims in it." According to the article, the Duck said, “I had no idea the swamp was that dirty, that disgusting and that deep.” 

Well, Donald, now you know. 

Pesky Weed

Thistles have long been thought of by farmers as pesky weeds. So I suppose that in many ways, I must seem like a thistle to those who voted for Trump on November 5. I don't believe we need a new Department of Government Efficiency, which sounds a whole lot to me like Dickens' famed Office of Circumlocution. I don't believe we need to fire all the generals at the head of our military who happen to have notions contrary to those of--well, let's be nice!--the Duck. I don't believe it will necessarily reduce my taxes or increase my personal sense of well-being by deporting "millions of people." I don't believe RFK, Jr. is going to save us from the next pandemic by firing hundreds of federal health employees. 

But I will tell you what I do believe. First and foremost, I believe it's important to be honest. I'm tired of Trump's lies and the lies of his co-conspirators. I believe in the value of personal integrity. Someone who cannot control his own worst impulses or his tongue does not deserve to be president of the United States. And, among other things, I believe in humility, the truth that none of us--no, not even the Duck--is perfect.

Just some thoughts from a thistle.