Peaceful Protests Followed By Riots, Arrests

That title sums up what happened in my city over the weekend. I know of one vigil planned for today. Heart wrenching doesn't begin to cover the depth or range of feelings I'm experiencing as a bystander and the maelstrom sparked by the death of George Floyd and the hideous behavior by some of those sworn to protect and serve, will not end there. Of that I am certain. A city-wide curfew has been instituted. The most poignant photo I've seen is of a kid, masked, holding a sign which reads, "Stop Killing Us."

While the original protests were peaceful and escorted by law enforcement without riot gear, some who were there have since claimed the riots which followed to be largely the work of infiltrators. Coming amid a pandemic, more lives may yet be lost. The fact that people feel compelled to gather at this time is a reflection of anger over the racism that has been endemic to this country since its origins. 

Our governor has activated the Florida National Guard who today remain in several cities, including my own.

It seems surreal.

Raining

We've finally had the harbinger of our rainy season this week, a couple of evenings of lightening and rattling windows as buckets poured down. The latest of these is only now subsiding. 

It has been a miserable week out in the world with regard to current events. I wonder sometimes why the human lust for power, attention, dominance and the need for control--and all of the isms which arise from that never abate. I am exhausted and heartsick simply hearing the news. Despite my relative lack of social media and a reluctance to write about things over which others fulminate endlessly, I can safely and simply say that any residual respect I may have harbored for this country is about gone. Perhaps being inside has finally taken its toll...

Aside from the emotional toll of the week,  life inside has been fairly mundane. Lukas and I play, nap, cuddle, eat, listen to music, try out new podcasts, tidy, read, do the laundry, sing in the shower and meditate, with and without Zoom. Yoga and weights, stretches and the heating pad, though not as thorough or practiced as a massage therapists hands, are helping keep my pain level down.

I've hit the genealogist's proverbial brick wall with a second great grandfather. Long dead, he was no-one's favorite father, uncle, brother or son. His daughters and ex-wife, who divorced him when to do so brought scandal down on a woman's head, dropped his last name. One of his daughters went so far as to describe herself as the daughter of her father-in-law on census forms, presumably out of respect for the man.

La cuisine has been the scene of several attempts at casseroles this week, most notably a baked rice, chicken and broccoli dish. I did a good job and it was so good that company would enjoy it. If ever I can entertain again, I'll give it a whirl.

Thanks for all the kind words on my previous post.