Mary Nelson

Retiree • Happily married • Avid reader • Amateur digital painter • Arts enthusiast • Sourdough baker • Family genealogist • Dog lover • Bird watcher • Occasional politics • Two-time #cancer survivor • Long-ago educator and consultant

Occasionally very enthusiastic booster of visual arts.

#DefendDemocracy #WomensRights  #books #MastoArt #genealogy  #sourdough
Location: Illinois, USA

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/7379639-mary-nelson
Portfolio: https://portfolio.pixelfed.social/marynelson8
Pixelfed Profile: https://pixelfed.social/i/web/profile/499238574176526556
Pixelfed on Mastodon: Mary Nelson (npub1tjz…4uxu)/with_replies">https://mstdn.social/Mary Nelson (npub1tjz…4uxu)/with_replies

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npub1nl3lvwwg8c22azn7g3mvcv3473d0lvw4fcqw8prt959ft6p4pw6scsywu7

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[email protected]

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relay.damus.io

nos.lol

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npub1nl3lvwwg8c22azn7g3mvcv3473d0lvw4fcqw8prt959ft6p4pw6scsywu7

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Published at

2026-11-08T12:29:21Z

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Last Notes

2026-10-31 16:21:07 GMT

Happy Halloween, Mastodon friends!
#Halloween
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/117/536/431/945/773/822/original/2af32b5f0aaa0409.jpeg

2026-09-14 19:37:23 GMT

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So sorry for your loss. I know what you mean, having lost several beloved family members. Others simply wish to help, while at the same time feeling somewhat helpless. We all grieve in individual ways, and sometimes what we need isn't what others have to offer or what we can manage at the time.
Sending you {hugs} from afar. 🤗

2026-07-12 17:29:38 GMT

#SilentSunday #BadlandsNationalPark #SouthDakota
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/116/908/177/603/964/139/original/0955e4f1deafc2f9.jpeg

2026-06-26 00:54:02 GMT

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Hoping all goes well tomorrow for your husband. I will be thinking of you both. 🤞

2026-06-07 20:16:46 GMT

Moab, Utah USA
Photo by ©Mary Nelson, 2026
#SilentSunday #Photography #Utah
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/116/710/652/418/624/911/original/274df8ecfd1b1914.jpeg

2026-05-31 17:11:47 GMT

#SilentSunday #USA #BearsEars #Utah
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/116/670/292/188/694/777/original/693e0a50997d2dad.jpeg

2026-05-28 00:16:47 GMT

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Always wishing and praying for the best for your husband, every time he has medical tests or issues. Hoping everything goes well.

2026-03-17 16:17:27 GMT

A fair amount of Irish in my heritage, mostly in the maternal line, especially through my Irish grandmother who could mimic her mother's brogue, which I recall readily from my early childhood.
Here's a four-leaf clover I painted when I was first learning to paint. May it bring you the best of luck on this St. Patrick's Day!
#StPatricksDay
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/116/245/407/723/388/239/original/ef13e93d4e713e3c.jpeg

2026-02-11 16:49:13 GMT

Someone called those mentioned in the Epstein files "the Epstein class".
Seems fitting, doesn't it?
#USpol #USpolitics #Epstein #EpsteinFiles

2026-01-25 18:45:07 GMT

Let's be clear about one thing:
Killing people exercising their Constitutional rights to peacefully protest and to observe, and even film, ICE activities is not "law enforcement".
It is state-sponsored terrorism. It's ignoring the foundational documents of our government ensuring individual rights.
And trying to blame victims shows how averse to accountability this administration has become.
#USpol #USpolitics #Trump #TrumpAdministration #ICE

2025-12-25 20:26:22 GMT

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May you and yours have a lovely time together, whenever and wherever you celebrate love and joy.
Happy holidays from one of your Mastodon friends!

2025-12-05 15:16:18 GMT

Trump claimed they were going after "the worst of the worst" in their immigration raids. But these targeted sweeps against specific cities and states have caught citizens and mostly non-criminal immigrants, terrorizing the nation.
"Most Immigrants Arrested in City Crackdowns Have No Criminal Record"
#GiftLink #USpol #USpolitics #Immigration #ICE
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/12/04/us/ice-arrests-criminal-records-data.html?unlocked_article_code=1.6U8.ikvt.WXqUM96zfYY3&smid=url-share
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/115/667/600/976/148/798/original/dc072205a42ebbc3.png

2025-11-12 05:03:18 GMT

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Here’s one of the photos I captured, from our patio in central Illinois. #northernlights #aurora
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/115/534/966/918/629/153/original/82dc470960b1c2eb.jpeg

2025-11-12 05:03:17 GMT

Great showing of the Northern Lights tonight, Mastodon! We could see them from our patio here in central Illinois, too!

2025-10-22 14:52:29 GMT

"Largest study of its kind shows AI assistants misrepresent news content 45% of the time – regardless of language or territory"
"New research coordinated by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and led by the BBC has found that AI assistants – already a daily information gateway for millions of people – routinely misrepresent news content no matter which language, territory, or AI platform is tested."
#AI #Distortions #News
https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2025/new-ebu-research-ai-assistants-news-content
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/115/418/376/402/587/952/original/5b647b424894fcba.png

2025-10-11 15:07:42 GMT

New ruling in Chicago prohibits ICE agents and others from concealing their identities; they must wear identification. Also prohibits them from using riot-control weapons against peaceful protestors and journalists.
"ICE Agents In Chicago Area Who Aren’t Undercover Must Wear Badges Or IDs, Federal Judge Rules"
#USpol #USpolitics #Chicago #ICE #DHS
https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/10/10/ice-agents-in-chicago-area-who-arent-undercover-must-wear-badges-or-ids-federal-judge-rules/

2025-10-09 14:33:42 GMT

Good morning, Mastodon!
Welcome to Autumn!
Woke up to 44°F (6.7°C) outdoors. Indoors it was 65°F (18.3°C). A bit chilly, so I lingered under the blankets a little longer.
Fortunately mums are fine outdoors in lower temps.
Enjoying some nice hot coffee to start the day. Hope you have a good one!
#Weather #Autumn #Flowers #Chrysanthemum #Bloomscrolling
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/115/344/679/103/254/963/original/ba981010ae1b97a0.jpeg

2025-10-04 13:32:18 GMT

Very disturbing reports of ICE's treatment of people, including journalists, expressing their First Amendment rights in a Chicago suburb, near an ICE detention center.
"Body slamming, teargas and pepper balls: viral videos show Ice using extreme force in Chicago"
"A facility in Broadview, a mostly Black suburb, has become the site of escalation and ‘targeted attacks’ on protesters"
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/04/ice-chicago-extreme-force-protesters-journalists
#USpol #USpolitics #Chicago #ICE
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/04/ice-chicago-extreme-force-protesters-journalists

2025-09-12 14:03:50 GMT

Recent mixed-media painting by me, called The Blue Pitcher.
Image appears a little degraded here, so you can also view it on my Pixelfed site, if you like.
https://pixelfed.social/p/marynelson8/872115864133393573
#MastoArt #MixedMedia #Flowers #Bloomscrolling
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/115/191/683/860/778/171/original/a9f0f50e24ad55a9.jpeg

2025-09-10 13:00:32 GMT

"National Guard documents reveal candor, ‘shame’ over D.C. deployment"
#GiftLink #USpol #USpolitics #NationalGuard
https://wapo.st/45Yk0vl
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/115/180/123/076/023/153/original/e9ce6a22a682b3c7.png

2025-09-07 17:52:55 GMT

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Exactly. Our governor seems to be quite ready for this contest of wills, and encouraged people to go out and show their opposition to having troops on Illinois streets.
Pilsen (a Chicago neighborhood) held its Mexican Independence Day celebration in spite of Trump's threats. And thousands marched past Trump Tower in downtown, expressing their irritation at Trump's threats of "war".
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/chicago-protesters-defiant-face-trumps-deportation-threats-2025-09-06/

2025-08-26 15:45:41 GMT

Today I'm creating bread dough from a new recipe.
Doing this is one of the silly everyday things that lifts my spirits, just trying something a little new (and very down-to-earth) to see how it goes.
Hoping you have small ordinary tasks and pleasures in your life today as well.
#Today

2025-08-22 04:04:00 GMT

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Your posts often lift my spirits, just as your photos of these gorgeous dahlias have today. I have days like those you describe, when reading the news raises my blood pressure or just so greatly saddens me that I must step away. On those days I make or view art, watch the wildlife in our backyard, bake, or otherwise find a constructive thing to do. And I have lists here to filter the feed. All of that seems to help—temporarily. Hugs to you and Summer.

2025-08-13 02:38:22 GMT

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Thanks for the update and photo, especially when you’re hurting. You didn’t have to uplift us, but you did. I hope your back feels better soon. 🤞🏻

2025-07-29 02:32:20 GMT

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Lovely!
We visit many types of natural preserves in part because we enjoy the quiet and appreciate the value of ensuring wildlife habitats. There are more varied birds in reserved areas, too—a treat for me, the very amateur birder.
Always enjoy your photos. ❤️

2025-07-25 23:04:16 GMT

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Grateful for you and all you share. Grateful that we have this platform. Hugs to you and Summer. ❤️

2025-07-23 03:07:54 GMT

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Your determination to do what you believe is best and then share it here publicly inspires so many, as shown by the comments. My heart goes out to you and your daughter. Hoping the name change goes smoothly and quickly. 💕

2025-07-06 19:46:24 GMT

Spring Bluebird
Mixed-media painting (acrylic and watercolor)
by Mary Nelson, 2025
#MastoArt #Painting #Bloomscrolling #Art #Birds
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/114/807/999/644/906/349/original/1e58d7c667094bb9.jpeg

2025-07-06 18:13:30 GMT

Another recent mixed-media painting by me.
#MastoArt #Painting #Bloomscrolling
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/114/807/635/175/611/423/original/fdc8c7e17ac47740.jpeg

2025-07-06 17:44:18 GMT

Have been painting a bit recently, in mixed media. I'll post a few on this timeline.
The portfolio is at my pixelfed account:
https://pixelfed.social/marynelson8
#MastoArt #Painting #Bloomscrolling
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/114/807/521/089/452/201/original/8bf296e4545df517.jpeg

2025-05-13 14:08:12 GMT

Taxpayers will foot the bill for the upgrades to this "free gift".
"Trump’s free plane is not so free"
"The Boeing aircraft that Qatar may give the president would require a pricy and complicated overhaul to serve as Air Force One."
#USpol #USpolitics #Trump
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/12/trump-qatar-air-force-one-taxpayer-costs-00342299
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/114/500/909/913/435/795/original/3fc4565e09254510.png

2025-04-16 17:20:07 GMT

"Karoline Leavitt Crashes When Asked if Trump Is Abusing His Power
Donald Trump’s own words are coming back to bite him."
#USpol #USpolitics #Trump #AbuseofPower
https://newrepublic.com/post/194032/donald-trump-press-secretary-abuse-power-taylor-krebs
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/114/348/779/896/762/695/original/ba8a79e56b230a49.png

2025-04-15 21:20:05 GMT

Short thread.
If you have not read what the U.S. government demanded that Harvard do, by all means, scan this document.
I found these demands objectionable, even outrageous, and I have no affiliation with Harvard. 1/2
#USpol #USpolitics #Harvard #TrumpAdministration
https://www.harvard.edu/research-funding/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2025/04/Letter-Sent-to-Harvard-2025-04-11.pdf

2025-04-07 21:33:58 GMT

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Yep, had an employee stock issue myself, also due to the company's sale.
Another rule I've followed, and for most people it takes a little time, loss, and learning: "Don't invest in what you don't understand." In the case of the company stock, it was part of compensation, so I didn't think a lot about it at the time, until a loss. Live and learn...and negotiate better.

2025-04-07 19:58:38 GMT

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Retiree here. (Not a financial advisor.) Your post is good advice.
The simple rule of thumb is "Don't gamble with money you cannot afford to lose."
It's hard to stay steady when you see losses. (I once lost 50% of my retirement fund in the so-called "dot com bust".)
But timing the market is too hard for most (if not all) investors. If you look at the history of the stock market, this tortoise and hare analogy rules: "Slow and steady wins the race."

2025-04-07 04:06:40 GMT

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Hoping your shoulder is not seriously injured. Broke mine last September. No fun at all. Thinking of you.

2025-03-03 16:37:03 GMT

"Poll: Majorities say state of the union is not strong, and Trump is rushing change"
#USpol #USpolitics #Trump
https://www.npr.org/2025/03/03/nx-s1-5312033/trump-poll-doge-economy-favorability
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/114/099/472/463/916/084/original/c7bab129bea21c70.png

2025-03-01 19:14:15 GMT

If you want someone to work for you, you don't threaten them, stand over their shoulder watching their every move, require professional people to report on their work to someone who has no clue what they do for a living, or fire them because you can't appreciate their value.
And then you don't beg them to come back after they've just been fired, because you found out they do essential work.
Would you work for our government under those circumstances?
#USpol #USpolitics #TrumpAdministration

2025-02-15 18:09:35 GMT

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One of our favorite rooms in that mansion. We linger at its entrance every time we visit. Thanks for posting your photo!

2025-02-02 18:45:22 GMT

Strong criticism of Trump by the New York Times' Editorial Board yesterday, concluding with:
"Mr. Trump is indeed testing Washington and the American people to see how far he can go in accumulating authority and in marginalizing anyone in a position to question his actions. It is a test the Constitution cannot afford to lose."
"Trump’s Test of the Constitution"
#GiftLink #USpol #USpolitics #Trump
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/01/opinion/trump-fired-accountability.html?unlocked_article_code=1.t04.5SIB.JsWs-syElNXD&smid=url-share

2025-02-02 02:02:27 GMT

Musk's access to Treasury computers and payment systems is unprecedented. He is not a government employee, has not gone through any security reviews, and yet was allowed an unrestricted review of Treasury information.
Appalling. Where is the oversight by Congress?
Here's an excerpt from Sen. Wyden's (Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member) demand to know what is going on. More at link:
#USpol #USpolitics #ElonMusk
https://www.finance.senate.gov/chairmans-news/wyden-demands-answers-following-report-of-musk-personnel-seeking-access-to-highly-sensitive-us-treasury-payments-system
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/113/931/821/518/120/115/original/befbe79ce5a9fc87.png

2025-01-29 02:40:26 GMT

"They want to destroy the federal government," Gov. Tim Walz on #Maddow tonight, responding to this week's events in Trump's administration.
That is:
- Freezing government funding
- Threatening to fire the entire federal workforce
- Firing NLRB and EEOC staff
- Firing 12 Inspectors General
These are attacks on the Constitutional order. Most of us did not vote for the dismantling of the entire government.
Support legal defense funds if you are able.
#USpol #USpolitics #TrumpDictatorship

2025-01-22 17:02:12 GMT

What's going on with Mastodon's web interface?
For example, I saw this response post in my feed, and then, when I clicked on it, I could not see the original post that was being responded to.
Why do we have to click a link to go to the mastodon.social home page in order to see the original post?
Can you tell me why this change happened? What exactly is the purpose?
Annoying, to say the least.
@npub1s20…twmm @npub1vl7…f6g0 [@FediTips](https://social.growyourown.services/@FediTips )
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/113/873/077/823/475/718/original/c758ed89e584fbb6.png

2025-01-21 16:05:04 GMT

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Congratulations! 🎉

2025-01-16 19:52:06 GMT

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Yep. I've been there for a while. @npub1tjz…4uxu

2025-01-14 19:25:57 GMT

Hi, #PortfolioDay. I'm a digital art and photo hobbyist, primarily interested in landscapes, still life, and florals. (And birds, not pictured here.)
Here's some of my work.
You can find more at @npub1tjz…4uxu
#MastoArt #DigitalArt #Photography
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/113/828/290/519/517/440/original/e5bb5907122862fb.jpeg
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/113/828/308/001/278/395/original/01727cb4c1a3c795.jpeg
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/113/828/323/124/463/883/original/43776fbf6234d99f.jpeg
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/113/828/330/847/900/215/original/46b1abc71a44900e.jpeg

2025-01-14 17:53:28 GMT

I really miss the days of the "inverted triangle" in journalism. Also the 5 Ws+H.
Seems like it sometimes takes writers a very long time to reveal facts + underlying points.
We don't have infinite time to slog thru personalized openings, justifications for writing a piece, or any other detail that prevents the reader from understanding exactly what the author means to get at, up front.
I'm old. My time here is short. Tell it to me straight. Thanks.
#journalism #journalists

2025-01-02 21:19:21 GMT

We enjoyed a "holiday lights" night walk through a park in central Illinois the other day, featuring lighted trees, shrubs, and park statuary and sculpture. Here are a couple of my un-retouched photos.
#HolidayLights
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/113/760/829/255/169/314/original/05520d8adfde2664.jpeg
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/113/760/833/075/847/926/original/1f8aad484242365f.jpeg

2024-12-20 17:33:32 GMT

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I blame the country's move toward oligarchy on the SCOTUS decision for Citizens United, which gave the wealthy the loudest influence in American politics. It was poorly decided and has brought us to the corrupt point of billionaires' capability to purchase political power and, indirectly, politicians themselves. At some point Americans must recognize that wealth in and of itself doesn't confer wisdom and effectiveness toward good governance.
#USpol #USpolitics #CitizensUnited

2024-12-20 17:29:00 GMT

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His money could buy the entire government. But that's not the framework the Constitution provides.
As Lawrence sagely pointed out yesterday, Musk is an immigrant who did not learn civics, as American school children must.
He seems to think that the framework of our government should yield to those with the most money, ignoring entirely the idea of representative democratic republic, the most fundamental of our government's principles.
Musk believes in oligarchy.

2024-12-20 17:19:35 GMT

Musk holds no elected position, nor will he in the Trump administration.
His commentary regarding Congress' funding of the government is the opinion of one man, one who could use his vast wealth to primary our representatives.
He must think that his wealth amplifies his voice louder than the law, and thus he should rule as royalty, impetuously commanding, with the expectation of capitulation by the elected.
Congress must not cave to him. The US has no kings.
#USpol #Uspolitics #ElonMusk

2024-10-16 18:56:01 GMT

Fact check: Trump makes at least 19 false claims in one-hour Fox town hall with women
"Trump’s falsehoods included repeat lies on the subjects of abortion, immigration, inflation and national security. Here is a fact check."
#USpol #USpolitics #Election2024 #Trump
https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/16/politics/fact-check-trump-false-claims-fox-townhall/index.html

2024-10-08 16:32:43 GMT

Paul Krugman: "All the Good Economic News Vindicates Bidenomics"
#GiftLink #Economy #Bidenomics #USpol #USpolitics
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/07/opinion/biden-trump-harris-economy.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Qk4.SbFa.g-KiZwbDIpqH&smid=url-share

2024-10-02 04:25:29 GMT

Candidates who are afraid of fact-checking are afraid of the truth…and afraid of being caught lying.
Today Vance complained to debate moderators that he was being fact-checked.
Today Trump refused an invitation to appear on 60 Minutes because he didn’t want to be fact-checked, according to his campaign.
Their intention is to lie and deceive.
Trump-Vance cannot be trusted. They don’t deserve our votes.
#USpol #USpolitics #Trump #Vance

2024-09-28 14:26:40 GMT

We've been talking about the devastation hurricanes & floods are doing to the lives of ordinary people, especially now that home insurance is nearly unaffordable.
What will those who have lost their homes and have nothing to rely upon do, going forward? The nation will continue to see larger numbers of people whose living situations have deteriorated, as #ClimateChange takes its toll.
To solve these problems, we must elect responsible custodians of our national welfare.
#USpol #USpolitics

2024-09-25 13:54:30 GMT

Rather surprised at the very limited press coverage of Trump's years as President--his achievements, missteps, and failures. For ex: foreign policy; trade; previous promises and whether he delivered; and so forth. Not just J6 + COVID. Amnesia ab. those years seems common.
He has a record 4 years long. Shouldn't it be reported and contrasted with his claims and promises today? Summarized by major newspapers.
Voters might like to read it before Nov. 5.
#USpol #USpolitics #Election2024 #Trump

2024-09-16 18:54:25 GMT

"... for only the second time in our magazine’s 179-year history, the editors of Scientific American are endorsing a candidate for president. That person is Kamala Harris." -- Scientific American editorial
#USpol #USpolitics #Election2024 #HarrisWalz2024
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/vote-for-kamala-harris-to-support-science-health-and-the-environment/

2024-09-10 18:58:28 GMT

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I was actually smirking while listening to Lawrence explain what a tariff is...to the NYT, b/c apparently their writers do not know what they are. (They are *not* taxes on foreign nations, as Trump repeatedly and falsely claims. "Tariffs are taxes on YOU."--Lawrence O'Donnell)
What a necessary critique Lawrence provided: "The New York Times hallucinated" its explanation of Trump's comments on child care.

2024-08-25 18:29:48 GMT

There is so much pollen in the air today that our indoor air purifier was working overtime. This morning I was coughing for a long time, my eyes were running like I was crying, and my nose was plugged.
And, in case you're wondering, yes, it's allergies (not illness).
Late summer (weed + grass pollen) and early autumn (crop harvesting) air quality always nearly disables me. Went grocery shopping and now I can barely think (or type, so forgive typos).
#ClimateChange will make it worse. 😢
https://media.mstdn.social/media_attachments/files/113/024/075/754/875/661/original/ed3dd997345b004d.png

2024-08-23 02:17:06 GMT

Former GOP Rep. Adam Kissinger said, "When democracy is threatened, we must all stand together to fight it. Vote for our values and vote for Kamala Harris."
#USpol #USPolitics #DNC2024

2024-07-27 13:35:42 GMT

A few woodland wildflowers for your Saturday morning.
#Bloomscrolling #flowers
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2024-06-25 21:04:29 GMT

Been having intermittent power outages here in central Illinois during our stormy day. Wind has been extremely strong and gusty. Ran outdoors to pull in the trash cans once I heard the neighbors' crashing down the street. One meteorologist called it a "wake low formation".
As another meteorologist puts it, it's no weather for small dogs to be outdoors. 😉
#weather #ilwx #CentralIllinois

2022-11-07 16:42:34 GMT

#introduction time.
Hello, friendly Mastodon!
I’m a retiree with a varied work bio, both public and private sector business + tech consulting, educator, former writer of proprietary tomes for hire, last employed in higher ed.
Wide interests in retirement but lately focused on #books, #writing, #DigitalArt, #WomensRights, and #Democracy.
Happy to be here and meet interesting people.