Pat Taub
Mask Wars in Portland, Maine
I was sickened to read in today’s Portland Press Herald that the vociferous mask wars have heated up in my hometown of Portland, Maine. This week the City Council passed a resolution requiring masks in all public places. The councilman, Andrew Zarro, who sponsored the ordinance has received death threats, forcing him to temporarily close his business, Little Woodfords coffee house. If you live in the Portland area and want to support Zarro and/or make a donation go to: https://www.littlewoodfords.com/
Don’t Look Up
Recently I watched the film everyone’s talking about, Don’t Look Up, a gripping satire on government’s refusal to take climate change seriously. A co-writer for the script is David Sirota, a leading Washington pundit, who nails the indifferent, shallow political establishment. An all star cast, featuring Leonard DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence and Meryl Streep as a Trumpian president. I hope this film supercharges the climate change movement.
Ann Patchett
I’m about halfway through These Precious Days, Ann Patchett’s newest book. It’s a collection of essays where she reminisces about family, friends, marriage and writing. Her honest, personable style feels like a friend is talking to you. I’m thoroughly enjoying these essays, which are inspiring me to get back to my family memoir in progress.
My Will
This week I signed the papers on my updated will and Living Will with directives stating no measures are to be taken to prolong my life when I am in a terminal condition. As part of my will, I want to explore green burials, where one is buried in a biodegradable shroud in a wooded area. When I mentioned this to my kids, their response was, “Why not a Viking funeral where we dump your body in a lake?” Ah, the joys of being in a family of wise guys.
A Green Burial
Snow Day
It’s snowing like crazy in Portland, which portends a snow day or two. I stocked up on groceries yesterday, leaving me prepared. I have a fire in my fireplace and lots of books that will enhance my nesting.
Snow scene from my living room window.
