Left Meets Right

I'm facing a political struggle.  I'm fairly vocal about my political beliefs and don't have a whole lot of issue arguing with others who are vocal about their own (different) political opinions.  In fact, I think it's good fun.

....however...

Now we've moved to the political hotspot of our nation, and while Virginia turned blue during the election (thank goodness), most of my old friends and a few family members are quite conservative.  To a fault.  If I'm diving into the Pacific, they are backstroking in the Atlantic.  Back in Michigan, I had little problem sparring with various friends who had differing political beliefs (although there were only a few, as most folks I knew there were quite liberal). 

But being here is different.  And this political climate is different.  Conservatives, Republicans, Tea Party-ers...they actually seem to HATE our President rather than just disagree with him.  There is an animosity, a vitriole that I never saw exhibited toward Clinton.  And it gets my hackles up.  So I get fired up and want to debate.  Especially when I see really poorly-thought-out, misleading and misinformed posts by people on Facebook.  Normally I engage, but these days I've been holding back.  As Adam has put it, "You live here now.  You have to find a way to get along with everyone, which probably means putting your political dialogue by the wayside." That's not exactly normal for me--keeping my thoughts to myself (hahaha)--but I suspect he might be right.

So, for now, I'm keeping mum, keeping calm.  But this leftie is still steaming inside.

It's Been So Long I Almost Forgot My Password

Not really, but I was nervous for a minute there.

Not that I expect that anyone really reads this blog, but my humble apologies for keeping my non-existent audience waiting for the past month and change.   We packed up our Michigan selves and made the twelve-plus hour trip to parts southeast-ward, finally settling in our new abode in Virginia, my old stomping ground from 15+ years ago.  As Adam has finally gotten me to admit, I have mixed feelings about this move...happiness to have our family back together under one, permanent roof; and to be close to both sets of relatives; and to have moved somewhere thriving with possibilities for all of us...sadness to be away from friends, community and employment I had in Michigan.

You give, you take.

But things are good here for the most part.  We have great wildlife in our backyard--a red fox, an amazing songbird community, a Northern Harrier, and (supposedly, though we haven't seen them yet) eagles and deer. Great viewing for this unemployed wildlife biologist!

B is overjoyed to have her dad back in her life on a daily basis, and the feeling is mutual.  Now she's gotten so used to him being around (and being a short walk from his office) that she gets annoyed when he doesn't come home for lunch.  I'm grateful life has suddenly gotten so easy for her, considering how much she's dealt with the last few years.

I'm typing now while Ads is trying to sleep, so I'll sign off for now and write more tomorrow.  Tomorrow we get our Christmas tree so perhaps I'll have some pix to post.

Back before another month passes by...