I connected with my Asian neighbor down the street, saw her leaving the house to get her mail as I was driving by, so I pulled over. Communicating was difficult, as she speaks very little English. I pointed to where I live so she knew who I was and she understood. Then I said I would help her, food, shopping. She looked confused. I said ICE. And then she understood. She pointed in a circle and said much family, and shook her head, looking sad/concerned. I understood it to mean she had family nearby. I pointed to myself, then extended my hands toward her in a cupped giving gesture and the lightbulb went off. Oh! Thank you! she said.Then she gave me a hug!! I told her my name, she told me hers. Just before she turned to go back to her house she asked, "You Catholic?" No, I replied. (But I was raised Catholic lol!) We parted with smiles. I'm so glad I tried.

Son, wife and grandson came over yesterday to bring a birthday gift. It was a really nice visit. Grandson is 1.5yo and a real flirt. While I enjoy my entire family getting together for things like Thanksgiving, I treasure these intimate gatherings more, where I can really talk with them and catch up on what is really going on in their lives.

A scheduled pro-ICE march yesterday, arranged by a "peaceful" Jan 6 insurrectionist convicted of beating a police officer with a bat (and then pardoned by the demented one, because beatings are peaceful, as we continue to witness with ICE) was a complete fizzle. Only a few dozen had the courage to come out from behind their keyboards and show up, compared to the 1000 counter-protesters who showed up and lobbed water balloons at them. (Ingenious! Considering the temp was 10F. Wet and cold don't mix well.) Just goes to show that these 'tough guys' are nothing but a bunch of wussies.

I have connected with a few people from this area online, offering support to each other. What is so incredible is that despite what is going on, there remains this underlying duty to remain hopeful and to protect our neighbors.

Made honey ground beef soup for the week. I'm having turkey chili.

This is what Minnesotans do: