An upper respiratory ick is currently making the rounds through our local school systems. I caught it. Not surprising, considering I’ve been in contact with many different kids between therapy dog visits and private sewing lessons over the past two weeks. I’ll hazard a guess that I’ve been suffering from a nasty cold virus (and I can trace it back to the source). I’ve been congested and tired, but have experienced none of the extreme exhaustion that typically accompanies the flu or COVID. Today was the first day I felt more like myself – I even put on makeup before leaving to early vote and grocery shop.

Being sick this week definitely wan’t in my plans. Finishing up 3 charity quilts to turn in at this week’s guild meeting were on my agenda, as this is the final opportunity to turn in charity projects for 2025. That didn’t happen. I’m just grateful that I had enough energy to reorganize parts of my sewing space that were really bothering me.

Next week, our bathroom construction project begins, so I’ll be spending 7-10 days at home while the contractor and his crew work their magic This will provide plenty of opportunity to quilt and cross-stitch!

Other sorts of things going around…is it just me, or does there seem to be a palpable sense of unease due to fallout from the federal government shut-down? Forget all the usual doomscrolling on social media. Local food pantries and charity groups have been posting all over the place about where to get food once EBT cards are deactivated. My local Publix and Aldi stores were packed for an early Thursday afternoon. Could part of this be explained by those wanting to use up any remaining EBT funds before the end of October? Or possibly by those doing their weekly grocery shopping a little early due to reports of potential mischief being planned for this weekend to protest the the loss of certain government benefits? Who knows?

Regardless of your political views, the first rule legislators should understand is you don’t mess with kids or paychecks. 1) Many recipients of SNAP benefits are kids and no child deserves to go hungry. Most of my 22 years as a school librarian were spent working spent in high poverty schools. I kept extra snacks and drinks in the library just for the kids who came in late to library class and missed breakfast. 2) People should not be expected to work and not get paid (military and essential employees). Perhaps our legislators should be required to forfeit their paychecks and benefits while the government is shut down?

How can you help? Donate to your local food pantry. Give grocery store gift cards anonymously to those who’ve been impacted by the loss of benefits or a paycheck. Reach out to elderly friends and relatives with modest SS benefits and no other sources of income. They may receive SNAP benefits and are usually too proud to ask for help.

Finally, contact your House and Senate representatives. Implore them to act like grown-ups and do the job they were sent to Washington to do.