Passport Woes And Protest Snows

I kind of knew something was not going to go well with my passport. Informed Delivery let me know it was at my Post Office and would be delivered on the 14th. It did not arrive, and the app showed that it was sent to Petersburg, NY which is about 15 miles away. Then later on,  it was sent on to Springfield MA! I took myself over to the post office as soon as it opened on the 15th to try to get some answers. I was told it was misrouted (no kidding!) and would probably be here the 19th due to the Monday holiday. The postal worker took one look at my face and said she'd be working Monday, and if it arrived she'd call me so I could pick it up. That is now the plan, but I have very little faith in the USPS.

I drove to the garden center from the Post Office and bought some orchids 
to soothe my frustrated nerves.

Two to three inches of snow with sleet and rain on top left a disappointing mess outside this Sunday morning. I took a swipe at it with my shovel before my back said "Oh definitely no!", and got out the mighty little snow blower. It took care of that heavy, wet, and icy mess in 10 minutes. 

In the meantime I made plans with some friends to take part in the Not My President's Day protest rally at the Albany Capitol on Monday. I'm even making a sign that will stand up to the high winds that are in the forecast. Since the election I have been casting about for something I can do and have not come up with much. I just decided that doing nothing is not an option for me. So I am making phone calls, joining local groups, and taking part in protests, at least until something more tangible/effective arises.

I'm glad I keep lots of construction odds and ends in the basement. This plywood
and 1 x 2 were perfect. And more paint was used up. We are under a high wind
warning so full winter hiking gear will be my outfit.

I took a walk in the neighborhood during a lull in the winds that have been blowing and making outdoor activity dismal. It's wonderful to see birds flitting about and chirping in this frozen landscape to let me know there is still life out there. I did notice tiny buds set up on tree branches, deer walking in the woods, and this hawk waiting for a meal. 

One of my favorite walking spots was closed this week due to a presumably rabid coyote attacking a man and his dog. Just another thing to consider when I'm out and about!

Will little birds or mice be on the menu?

I thought all the ducks had flown on my first pass by the lake, but this lone
mallard stopped by. It's turning into a nice long ice fishing season for those
who find that a fun activity.

The protest rally was well attended considering the high wind alert and the snow. We marched around the Capitol building twice, listened to several politicians and community organizers, and made our selves heard. I'm not sure by whom, but it felt better than nothing. We made the local news, and appeared for a second on NBC national news. 


I'm glad I put some effort into my sign - this photo was in the local paper today.
22 degrees F and high winds.

My sign was a thing of beauty apparently. One guy even asked if he could have it because
 he like it so much. I declined as I may be doing some more protesting.


Have I mentioned how much I don't enjoy driving in snow?

I stopped for groceries on the way home and am now enjoying tea and a cinnamon scone. No word on the passport either. Informed Delivery indicates it will arrive here tomorrow. 



Comments

  1. MargaretFebruary 18, 2025 at 1:13 PM

    The snow needs to go away! I should have protested in Olympia and feel bad that I didn't. Your sign is perfect! That passport situation would be SO frustrating!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Maureen MFebruary 18, 2025 at 2:58 PM

    My passport finally arrived! But they did not return my original (required) divorce decree. Oh well, I can always get one from the county if the need should ever arise.

    ReplyDelete

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