Well, here we go again – another new week.  How was everyone’s weekend?  Decently productive over here.  It was the second weekend of our “one day for family fun, one day for chores” scheme, and we ended up flipping the days because Saturday’s weather (even though grey and misting) was better than Sunday’s.  I’d been seriously considering going to the Women’s March on Washington – I was thinking I might push Peanut in the stroller – but decided against attending, mainly because I was a little anxious about the event.  To quote a work friend who also opted out, “It only takes one crazy with a gun.”  I also have another state Bar application in progress and I didn’t want to jeopardize that with any police entanglements.  So I reminded myself that I was there on Election Day and I did my part in pulling the lever for Hillary.  Of course, with 20-20 hindsight – knowing that the protests were peaceful, no violence and no police clashes – I wish I’d gone.  But instead, I took on a new pro bono case, made a statement of support for the National Park Service after they were banned from Twitter by the Trump Administration (I just threw up a little) (and so it begins) and lived to fight another day.  We spent Saturday at Great Falls, hiking the North River Trail into Riverbend Park, talking about how much we love our National Parks and how horrified we are about the news that they’ve been banned from Twitter.  (And I waved the Adirondack flag over the Falls, just for good measure – we love state parks, too!)  Sunday was devoted to grocery shopping, food prep, and completing our unpacking in the dining room – a productive day.

Reading.  Decently productive reading week, too – helped out by the fact that I left my phone in Nugget’s room overnight on Saturday, and so could not be distracted from my book (The Fate of the Tearling).  But that’s jumping ahead.  I finished March: Book 3 last Monday (astonishing and necessary), then read Becoming Nicole in less than 24 hours – I couldn’t put it down.  Finally, after avoiding it for two weeks, I then picked up The Fate of the Tearling.  I know that the Queen of the Tearling trilogy has tons of fans, and I don’t dislike it, per se, but I just don’t see what the fuss is about.  The third book, like the first two, was fine – although the ending was a massive WTF for me.  (Sorry if that’s a spoiler – it’s not meant as such.)  Now I’m just a few stories into Notwithstanding, a book of linked short stories from the author of Corelli’s Mandolin – so far, I’m enjoying it.  Next up, I think I’m finally going to tackle the new Jonathan Safran Foer – wish me luck.

Watching.  I might have to go back to my old format if I can’t mix it up more, but I can’t help it – I get on jags.  Steve and I are still working our way through Season 2 of Rock the Park.  We have decided that we are going to Denali to pet sled dog puppies, because CUTE!  I think we may have to stop watching, though.  Sunday night’s two episodes were so epic and amazing that there’s probably nowhere to go but down.  First, Jack and Colton hiked in Mt. Rainier National Park with then-Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell.  And then, they CLIMBED. THE. GRAND TETON.  THE GRAND TETON.  Yup, we’re not watching anymore – that was the limit.  Just kidding.  We’re totally addicted.

Listening.  Still going strong with Middlemarch on Audible, even though my podcatcher is starting to fill up again.  Since I know you’re all wondering – Mr. Casaubon is every bit as infuriating on audio as he is in print!  He is. The actual. Worst.  Amirite?

Making.  A fully unpacked and cleaned out dining room (this is exciting stuff, guys) and an empty upstairs hallway – again!  Not to mention a fridge full of sliced veggies and hard-boiled eggs, because I am starting a modified Whole 30 today (wish me luck).  I wish I had something more fun to report to you.  Oh – here’s something fun.  I’m nearly done with my 2016 family yearbook!  Layout, backgrounds and embellishments are done.  I just have to finish the captions and proofread it, and then I’ll be ready to press the “order” button the next time there’s a 50% off sale (those books aren’t cheap).

Blogging.  Coming up this week, I have good stuff!  Book superlatives on Wednesday, and a recap of Saturday’s hike at Riverbend Park (the first in my rekindled Twelve Months Hiking Project series – hurray!) on Friday.  Check back!

Loving.  Even though I didn’t go myself, I loved all the pictures in my social media feed from the women’s marches around the country and the world.  We are a pretty amazing community of women (and men!) and I just hope that this energy continues.  If you were marching on Saturday, I also love you.

Asking.  What are you reading/watching/loving this week?