Looking back, who could have seen it coming? In comparison, the previous year — 2019 — was so innocent, so uncomplicated.
That was the year of the great road trip which, despite its inauspicious start
and subsequent incarceration
with ensuing jail break
took them to such interesting places, like the Monterey Aquarium
and Tahoe
and the Winchester Mystery House
and involved them in wholesome pursuits, such as hiking
and camping
(lots of camping)
and tea parties
and fashion shows.
There was literally no problem that couldn’t be solved by a quick query to the local agony column.
In contrast, 2020
was, well... Oy.
Don’t get me wrong, there had been gathering storm clouds in 2019. The impeachment proceedings were in progress, and there were pooties among the witnesses.
But 2020 brought us the twin miseries of a global pandemic and an increasingly maniacal administration seemingly hell bent on destroying the whole democracy thing.
It was enough to get to anybody. Its effects were even evident in the normally perky imagery of the Friday Night Open Thread, transforming this cozy scene
into this nightmare lost-at-sea scenario.
Fortunately, the community convinced the diarist to pull herself together and rectify the situation. (Kicking and slapping may have been involved.)
The PWB gang tried to assuage their growing anxiety with tried-and-true methods like stress eating
which, as the pandemic came on, quickly evolved into panic shopping.
There were lock downs, and everyone had to learn how to protect themselves against the virus.
But they gradually got the hang of it. They organized ZOOM meetings…
And once they had figured out their “pod”, they were even able to do some safe traveling. (Well, maybe this particular outing isn’t the best example. Misunderstandings arose, and it ultimately came to be known as the “Covid Cannibal Cruise”. You kind of had to be there.)
Anyway, they were even able to pick up some outdoor gig work around the 4th of July, reporting to a mysterious park service employee.
But once the election got going, and they fully grasped the importance of this moment in history...
...they were able to channel their pent up energy appropriately.
Portland happened, and they were there.
There were all sorts of campaign stunts
(some with serendipitous results)
and there were rallies
that strove for cultural relevance.
They worked the swing states.
And they were very sophisticated about campaign advertising, using the magic of green screen to work around the restrictions placed on them by the pandemic.
When debate night came, their candidate was ready.
And even though the Pootie Party lost the election, they joyously celebrated the winning candidate
and offered their unqualified support.
I guess that about covers it, except for the occasional fever dream…
By now, each of us have concluded our solitary, socially distant festivities…
… and are squarely facing the new year. We know that the first half to three quarters will be no walk in the park.
But we’re good, we can make it; we have each other.
Meanwhile, in Washington—there’ll be some new cats in town.
Today’s diary
Today’s community links
And for Andy fans: The Big Book of Andy — Now With More Aliens
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