I awoke late today.  It is Saturday. The Women's 2nd March is happening and there  is a government shutdown, referred to as the "Trump Shutdown."  I watched the Senate this morning come to this decision. It was late by the time it was all over with, 1 AM. Mitch McConnell blamed the Democrats, saying they were basically out of their minds to allow a shutdown to occur because of not getting what they wanted regarding immigration.  This is how they voted:  http://www.cnn.com/2018/01/20/politics/senate-vote-government-shutdown/index.html

 This time last year, Levi was alive.  He wasn't interested in the Women's March but was impressed with the numbers of anti-Trump supporters. He hated him so much. Maybe this is one of the reasons I have felt panic thus far this morning.  It is a anniversary of so many important events that have been out of my control. 

The dogs want to so much go for a walk.  I would do that but it is difficult to get them all out. For one thing the crowding at the door to be the first ones out. It becomes too much of an ordeal and I end up not beginning. Maybe it will happen today. 

The books wait as well for attention. I did call the UNCA library and they have not yet called me back. I wish  had the space to go ahead and open a book store.  It is a full library of books. They need a good home with readers who can understand and appreciate the importance of their words. They are almost living entities to me. 

I haven't heard back from Henry.  I did contact him more about Levi's death. I put this off for a while.  They were close so many years ago. Then something happened and there was separation. 

Of that foursome... Tom and Levi are now dead.  Of the men in the Men's movement,  James Hillman is dead and Chaz from William and Mary...Virginia, that I know about.   Thoughts that Chaz may have intentionally killed himself by running at high speed off a road. 

Leah is in Detroit and this is a photo of her in the tub of friends she is staying  with.  I love the Persian, licking drops of water coming out of the faucet.  Reminds me of Cyrus.  And the beautiful black kitty of beloved Malcolm.

Off to the afternoon I go.  We will see what comes up or what goes out or what comes in. 

Leah invited me to the Toy Boat 10 Minute Movies last Saturday. She was in two.  One was the old Haley Mills movie, Parent Trap and one was A League of Their Own. They were both wonderful.  She is quite an actor.  So is sweet Claire and the rest of the gang. It was funny, funny... Leah is on her way soon to Pittsburg to visit Christine, then onto Detroit and then to New Mexico.  Paws crossed!  

I'm beginning to worry about supporting my animal welfare and refugee charities when I'm on Social Security.  I think I must begin to embrace the idea that I will be working until my last breath. I can't afford to live on  $2,000 a month and take care of 8 dogs, plus pay a mortgage.  Leah has invited me to move to Western MA when she is finished traveling.  That would be wonderful.  Something to look forward too.  This was on the Federal Building in San Francisco last night! 

Cold HORSES

Keep passing the pasture behind the fire department.  There are 3 horses there and 2 donkeys. I've been worried about them in this cold. /There is only a aluminum stand with a roof it is open on all 4 sides.  No walls.  I called and ask one of the fireman if I would be able to donate horse blankets to whoever owned the horses... thinking that surely the person who kept them in a pasture like this has little money.  The volunteer at the fired department said "yes,  I think that would be greatly appreciated."  I bought 4 horse blankets and they cost 499/00. I went by the fire department and talked to the Captain.  He told me the owner was the chairman of their board and he had thought he would have taken the horses elsewhere to winter by now.  I told him I had 4 blankets and if the owner wanted to call me I would donate them as it is so cold and will be colder.  He took my name and number. I really do not have this kind of money... but the horses look so cold to me during the day.
I hope I hear from him. If nothing else I will lecture him and ask why he has left them in the cold for so long. Now that I'm an old woman.. I can do things like that.