Month: November 2025

Transgender Day of Remembrance

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Today is the day that we remember those victims of transphobia, hate, and violence. One day, may the terror and horror they face be eliminated.

The week leading up to today was Trans Visibility Awareness Week, and it’s important to recognize that trans people are in the world and of the world.

Especially this year, when trans people are at higher risk because of our government, and others across the globe, we need to remember those that gave their lives, those that are both out and closeted, and respect their choices.

I would also like to remind people that while LGBT+ youth are at the highest risk for abuse and violence (both from strangers and from domestic abuse/violence), trans youth have even higher rates of homelessness, assault, and suicide. Pay attention to the words you use and what you may post on social media. That clever quip may not be that clever. Take away the stigma and let us all use anti-stigma identifying and inclusive language.

My pronouns are she/her. Yours are?

This missive encompasses many issues, so I’d like to end with the reminder that today is for the commemoration of the trans dead. Please remember them – all of them, especially trans youth and trans people of color who have lost their lives to too much hate and too soon.

Election Connection – Senators, Stand Your Ground, Stand Our Ground

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Note: This didn’t even get a chance to age poorly.
I hate this timeline.

We are one week beyond the historic Election Day. We reached Presidential year numbers in voters and we made our position clear:

Do NOT give in. Do NOT cave.

Anything the Republicans say – we know from experience is a lie.

They’ve made these promises and commitments before. They will say anything. And then they will laugh at us, and take the credit for ending the shutdown. They know we are the better people and that we trust our better angels. They have NO better angels. I don’t care if John Thune used to be a decent person. (I actually question that.) He is part of the Trump Administration – rubber-stamping ALL of Trump’s crazy and illegal executive orders, not standing in the way of Trump’s murder of foreign nationals in the Caribbean, not putting a stop to the illegal and extrajudicial ICE tactics as they tear gas children on Halloween in Illinois, and commit perjury in court.

They will say and do anything and then when we let them kick the can down the road, they block the road and “forget” their “promise to address the needs of the people.” Their people are the rich, the wealthy, and the connected.

They will never return to the table if we let them walk away from this.

And why should they?

They’re Lucy and Charlie Brown with the football, and they know it.

And just yesterday, Trump pardoned Rudy Giuliani and many of the other election deniers. What happens to the compensation they were supposed to pay? What happens to the jail time? What happens in the next election?

We are on the brink of the failure of democracy.

Senators would do well to stand their ground. No ACA extension through all of 2026; NO VOTES to end the shutdown.

Stand firm.

We, the people are with you.

Are you with us?

Friday Food – Holiday Time

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All the fast food places have dropped their holiday favorites and what they deem as “new” favorites. I’ve tried a couple; the rest I’m waiting until I’m in more of the holiday spirit.

Leftover Halloween Candy. It was a rainy night so we have more candy than usual. Halloween is almost the only time during the year that I eat the peanut/peanut butter candies. I have enjoyed the ghoulish green Snickers.

What candy do you have leftover?

(c)2025
(c)2025

From Dunkin’ Donuts, these are the Wicket Munchkins. You can get 10 of these in a cute tin for $9.99, but I just went for the bag. They were very good. The munchkins are a different consistency than regular glazed munchkins – more like the Halloween ones, but vanilla glazed with green and pink sprinkles. I have to admit I love a good crossover, and Wicked with DD munchkins are really a perfect combo.

On the right is the new Berry Sangria Refresher. This one came with a base of green tea, which I really enjoyed. The day before I had it with lemonade and that was too tart for me. It was lovely, but I’m going to wait for Starbucks to bring back their Blackberry Sage drink – that was my favorite.

In addition to the usuals (Snowman cookie, Polar Bear cake pop, Sugar Plum danish, and Cranberry Bliss Bar), Starbucks has added a Cinnamon Pull-Apart, which was quite good. Sticky and sweet, but enjoyable. I’d get it again.

Bonus: Red Cup Day at Starbucks is Thursday, November 13! Buy one of their holiday drinks and get a free reusable red cup! My daughter and I do this every year!

November Inspired

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(c)2025

These leaves, the first before I voted, and the second, after stuck with me throughout the day. I ignored pundits. I ignored mainstream media. I ignored social media. And in the end, for the most part the inspiration held.

Blue.

Blue.

Blue.

From Pennsylvania to Mississippi to Georgia, even to Florida.

In 364 days, change is coming, and there is nothing the corrupt, the sychophant, the traitorous, the racist can do about it.

We will take back our democracy.

Tomorrow, I’ll share with you some of those people doing the work for democracy, for our future, and for our children.

See you tomorrow.