Busy day, no pictures to show for it, online meetings this morning and evening, well they're political, also fun, why not. We tend to veer from ground game political reports to skin care and hair styling. The people heavily into the latter are -- men! That's part of the fun for this old lady who cuts her own hair and considers a shower and nail trim perfectly adequate beauty routines.
The knitting group, nothing new to show you, lively like-minded political discussion, also immigrants, the law, Children of the American Revolution, men at work, genealogy, Postcards to Voters, Indian aunties, and more.
One thing that came up at a recent meeting was a friend asking if I'd voted for Kim for Senate, knowing he's dead to me since his treachery to Biden. Then I had to explain it's a secret ballot, and that was a question I don't answer. Ever.
There are good reasons why it's secret. I may choose to say who I voted for but that's not a question to ask. Good thing no-one ever caught me with one of those exit polls. They'd have had a sharp, bullet-pointed lecture on why you don't ask! It's a matter of civic safety from pressure, and if you know your history you know better.
I think I'll never lose my fire for civic justice. It's the fruit of being a working class lady from a trades union background, from a beleaguered part of the world.
One of the best, also fastest meetings I ever had was back in public broadcasting days, when I was in a three way negotiation, national education chief of a large trade union, a university wanting to create a tv course needing union buy in and funding, and me, the broadcaster. Two hours booked. We met in Philly.
The higher ed people were very nervous about meeting with the union guy, and as soon as he and I met, we knew we could work. It was like dealing with my dad and his union friends.
We were done, basic agreement set, handshakes, in 20 minutes, now let's get some lunch. The higher ed people were swiveling like spectators at a tennis match, but happy to find it was done, minimum speech making! All very cordial, too. Business as done by busy people on the clock. This is not the norm in my experience of the world of academia, different rhythm.
Happy day, everyone! Tend to your knitting, or not. Did you ever do chicken scratch?
And, speaking of future planning
I've never heard of "chicken scratch embroidery" but it looks great!
ReplyDeleteIt's fun, to jazz up a bit of gingham.
DeleteMeetings drive me cuckoo. Most could be avoided or at least shortened with a bit of planning and good will.
ReplyDeleteThese pods are great fun, and we get stuff done with minimal grandstanding.
DeleteYour "chicken scratch" looks great. I once aspired to work in academia until my experience there...
ReplyDeleteYes, it seems civilized and thoughtful from the outside..
DeleteI like that chicken scratch embroidery.
ReplyDeleteIt's supposed to be great fun to do. I'm guessing good for young learners.
DeleteToo true about academia. Staff were once trusted to make decisions, but then all the checking and back-covering procedures came in. Restrict everyone to make sure the idiots and shirkers can't do any damage.
ReplyDeleteWife bought a Fair Isle knitting kit - pattern and wool - because you don't have to buy a whole ball for small quantities. After 3 letters to the provider (who dyes it) she managed to get the right amounts. Of course, they don't quite match.
That sounds like an adventure before she even began!
DeleteWhat a life you have led! You've done so many things and continue to do so, being engaged and active on many levels. And now I have the song whose lyrics go, "So look for the Union label, if you're buying a coat, dress, or blouse..."
ReplyDeleteDo you remember that?
I have not ever even SEEN chicken scratch embroidery as far as I. know but it reminds me a little bit of smocking which we did in Home Ec when I was a girl.
I can join in that song!! I'm surprised you haven't seen chicken scratch, often an intro to embroidery. It's nice. Some of the stitches do come up in smocking, yes.
DeleteChicken scratch embroidery is beautiful. Interesting name!
ReplyDeleteI think the stitches are like chicken footprints.
DeleteNope, not only have I never done it, I've never heard of chicken scratch embroidery. I briefly considered a life in academia. Then I came to my senses. Such a diverse life you have and continue to live.
ReplyDeleteIt looks as if I'm the only person around here who's encountered chicken scratch. Yes, I don't think academia would have been your happy place.
DeleteI was always taught that it's impolite to ask anyone who they voted for. Like you, I might volunteer it under certain circumstances, but I wouldn't want to be asked in a social situation.
ReplyDeleteNot just me then.
ReplyDeleteI've done chicken scratch back in the day - I remember making aprons for Christmas gifts when I was probably in my late teens.
ReplyDeleteI'm in full agreement that it's so wrong to ask how people vote because I feel it's none of their business. Having said that, I'm getting more vocal about who I will NOT vote for. It was interesting (at least to us) that there was a discussion on the news recently about how people are now fearful to put election signs on their lawns for fear of backlash from militants. It's awful what our country has come to. Mind you, I never believed in putting up signs anyway but I firmly believe you should have a right without fear of being persecuted.
Yes, there are contentious arguments about everything political. My HOA has a policy against all signs, political or otherwise probably saves a bit of strife.
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