Hard Labor Xmas 2018

In 2018 I had been working hard labor for two months.

Like an inmate cracking rocks.

Every night I returned to the small house of the Greenwich estate and downed three aspirins with a little vodka. My body was as weak as Superman encased in a igloo of kryptonite instead of his comfy Fortress of Solitude and I wished I could spent the day in bed, except I have a horde to feed and I wake in the morning telling myself, "This doesn't look anything like Christmas."

Tomorrow I return to New York.

Today.

A holiday party.

Dance and drink alone in the cold New England night.

I'll be better tomorrow.

Burning California

Autumn fires are scorching Ventura County and Malibu. Firefighters are overwhelmed by the wind-driven blazes and residents flee their houses with a car filled with family and possessions. Nothing can stop these conflagrations from burning communities to the ground. A friend's house was in the path of the Butte County fire. They have no idea if they have a home anymore. There is no relief in sight. Good-bye paradise.

The Last Snow - 2018

No More Government

Less than five hours remain of January 19, 2018 and the federal government will cease to operate unless the Democrats and GOP can agree on a budget. Donald Trump canceled his trip to Mar-O-Lago to meet with Senator Charles Schumer without any resolution of several issues such as the Dreamer visas for 800,000 undocumented children and health care for over nine million children.

40% of federal workers will be furloughed, parks will be shut, and phones will be answered by machines as always.

Social Security and food stamps will still be sent out.

It's a showdown.

And neither side wants to blink.