#167: In And Out Of Context

 

Creeeeeeemmy

It's been a wild and wacky year ladies and gentlemen.  

January 2025 had us looking forward with trepidation. I just graduated college the month before and turned 50. A couple of momentous events, if I do say so myself. 

Skipping ahead to March, I started back at the park a little early, no doubt the fact I no longer had to go to classes made me somewhat more valuable to the state of SD, who could send me along to make sure things were ready and thus, they could focus on other things. 

And of course, my child moved in. The trip was fairly uneventful; I was astounded at the amount of stuff they'd managed to cram into their car, but upon further reflection, I'd brought 4 giant plastic tubs of stuff myself, most of which is in storage as we speak. 

The summer flew by fairly quickly, and apart of the occasional grumpy puss who doesn't like being told to put their dog on a leash, most visitors to the park were fairly pleasant. There were a few weddings and family reunions, but nothing exceedingly large. Whether this was because word got out about the size of the facilities, or just because, well, economy--- I have no idea. 

Our awesome volunteers promised to come back next summer, and with tears in our eyes, we sent them off into the sunset.... They're currently chilling by the west coast. I can't wait to see them again.

Bike week was also fairly low-key. I missed seeing some people who'd come past years, again, unsure if the economy had anything to do with it or well, maybe some of them just died? (a lot of them were old and/or not in the best of health)

Homeless Broccoli

The end of August brought my friend and I on the ultimate road trip. At least it was to me, after scrambling to get a passport card to head north... the Great White North. My only excursion out of the country previously was at age 7, when I got dragged along on a cruise to the Bahamas courtesy of the company dad worked for.  At that point passports were not necessary (or weren't required for the Bahamas, or for small children). This trip brought us to Toronto, a place much colder than Nassau. 

We had a blast, and met lots of folks. My friend brought back a flat of beer...no, he's not alcoholic. A lot of it will be shared with other people. 

I'd like to go next year, but it's scheduled during Bike Week here, so it's looking doubtful. Maybe 2027.

September and October was a blur. November passed fairly quickly as well, although Thanksgiving at the brewery was fun (although we call it "Friendsgiving" here!). I made deviled eggs again, and they all disappeared in short order. 

Winter has found me working a few hours a day at the local boutique. I spend my days refolding clothing that ya'll are too lazy to put it back the way it's supposed to be. I can't say I mind too much; I'm not having to deal with the cash register and only occasionally with the public at large, when someone asks me to go upstairs and find something in a different size. 

🖕

Christmas was a quiet affair. Roommate  volunteered to work at the brewery, for us losers who had no family to go to (or those of you who have family but need to get away from them for a while!)  and made Gnocchi soup. 

I took the damn tree down the day after. I was tired of looking at it. Everything is packed up and back in storage. The plant rack in front of my window is now back downstairs, so there's a little more room to move in my room. 

So here we are, New Year's Eve.  Tonight should be interesting. 

The Opera House is planning on a new year's party. It is to be "70s themed". I don't have much in the way of 70s clothing, but I will adapt what I can. No bellbottoms though. 

So what will 2026 bring? One can only guess.

There's been a distant rumbling going on the past year or so. 

I noticed a MAGA hat at the thrift store today. I hope this trend continues--out with the old! I can't help but wonder if this came from someone who got disillusioned by the current administration, or did Grampa die, and this is the result of the kids cleaning out the house? Nonetheless, I had to grin when I saw it. I expect to see more of this going forward. 

At any rate, here's hoping y'all have a safe and happy new year.... Don't do anything I wouldn't do (twice) 

And as a bonus, a somewhat belated Christmas present. Feel free to steal and send it along.

Aye,

Kraneia