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In an attempt to maintain some semblance of sanity, I have cut out my morning 2+ hours of CNN - it helps that the Hallmark channels are running Christmas movies non-stop right now. I still get my fill of news from online sources and the hour I allow in the evening. But thares not that 2 hour slog through the latest affront from Maga World. Every one of the orange man's picks for his cabinet has some sleazy history of sexual abuse or homophobic posts or something tht should disqualify them from ever holding office, but this is a different world now. Trump has refused/neglected/whatever to sign the standard ethics paperwork and thinkis his picks sould go through without vetting of any kind. I say (and I have plenty of company!!)*******This post was interrupted by a call from one of my nephews, telling me that my brother John had passed away after weeks in the hospital. It all started with heart valve replacement surgery and went downhill from there. He had a blood clot that caused a stroke. He was moved to a Boston hospital and then developed a UTI and pheumonia. Not sure what was the tipping point but all was complicated by his exposure to Agent Orange years ago when he was in the Navy. Seems now like a very prescient move of he and Jean to return to Massochusetts where 3 of their 4 children are located. David and I are making the round trip tomorrow for the graveside service. Worst day of the year for that - day before Thanksgiving - but it is what it is. Latest show was in Topsham and a success. Huge show by today's standards. The show scene has really changed - everyone thinks they can put on a show so there are shows everywhere every weekend. The general public does not distinguish between jurried and non-juried shows and the financial and time commitment that those of us who are members of a juried group face. It was obvious to me that many people have now gone to shopping for high quality crafts online and that is so disheartening to those of us who choose to sell face to face and take the time to get to know our customers. And that is why a group like UMC could not survive. The public and a certain percentage of crafts people are so fickle that one bad show and they are out of the game and looking for the next big thing. It takes years to find your niche.