Hakeem Jeffries

Barbara of When I was 69 (now 80) posted a link to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries' speech to Congress in her post this week.  I had read portions of the speech but not heard it in entirety.  It is magnificent.  Check it out if you haven't heard it.

But at least read below his closing - a stunning use of alliteration.

 “We will never compromise our principles. House Democrats will always put American values over autocracy. Benevolence over bigotry. The Constitution over the cult. Democracy over demagogues. Economic opportunity over extremism. Freedom over fascism, Governing over gaslighting. Hopefulness over hatred. Inclusion over isolation, Justice over judicial overreach. Knowledge over kangaroo courts, Liberty over limitation. Maturity over Mar-a-Lago. Normalcy over negativity. Opportunity over obstruction, People over politics. Quality of life issues over QAnon. Reason over racism. Substance over slander. Triumph over tyranny. Understanding over ugliness. Voting rights over voter suppression. Working families over the well connected. Xenial* over xenophobia. Yes, we can over you can’t do it, and zealous representation over zero sum confrontation.”

*xenial means hospitality.

Roller Skating Rink

 Didn't realize that when we poured cement in our cellar in 2021 to eliminate the radon that it would one day be a roller rink.

But that's what it's used for now.  Granddaughters were coming over for during the holiday for a bit of time so I suggested they bring their roller skates.  They now keep the skates in the basement and come over to roller skate.

They've both become better skaters in the weeks since this started.

Last of the Christmas Photos

 Bitter cold here this morning.  I passed on joining the walk since it's only 6º as I write this.

Did have these photos from December to share.

This light show is installed every year at the La Salette Shrine in Enfield, NH.

The whole hillside is covered with lights but unlike other light shows where you drive or walk through this is just for viewing from afar.

It was still impressive.  The granddaughters loved it and the hot cocoa we had afterward.

Christmas done for another year.

Another Puzzle

 Here's the puzzle I finished Sunday as we watched Buffalo Bills beat the New England Patriots.  We were rooting for Buffalo.

I started this puzzle at the beginning of December.  I thought I'd have help at Christmas but it was only me for 99% of this 1000 piece puzzle.  First thing I did was sort out all the pieces that had the yellow of windows.  That helped me to get it started after finding most of the edge pieces.  Then I could sort by the building colors.  The toughest part was the snow and the bushes.  I almost gave up several times.

Next one is only 500 pieces.  I decided 1000 was just too much.

I guess I tend to do the little town scenes lately.