Here's hoping 2026 is better than last year, though that seems unlikely for those of us in the U.S. Unless new representatives help tip the political balance a little.

We started off the day watching the Ducks win the Orange Bowl, which was fun. We didn't do any real New Year's Eve celebrating—HalfshellHusband and I watched a movie, although the Boy went to a small party thrown by a friend of a friend. He had a great time, but I was up late so I could pick him up and bring him home.

Geez, why don't we know any people who can invite us to parties anymore?

Over at Idol, we're waiting on the final poll for the Wheel of Chaos season. I didn't make it into the finale, but I finished 4th this time thanks to everyone's support! I'm looking forward to whenever the 20th season kicks off, but I expect that'll be awhile.

Not sure what I'll do today, other than possibly putting together more of my pseudo-LEGO steampunk airship set. Maybe go out for a brief walk, now that the skies have cleared? It's too wet for bicycling. AND, in case you were wondering... I have biked outside ONE TIME in the last 5 1/2 weeks. We've either had miserably cold fog or rain since November 24th. I am so sick of it. I started watching Orphan Black at the beginning of this stint, and now I'm in Season 5. I may wind up finishing it before the weather gets bikeable again. :O

I hope all of you are enjoying New Year's Day, ideally with friends or family and fun food. \o/

I was taking a water break while cycling this weekend, and I heard these other cyclists coming up behind me:

Man: —suicidal!
Woman: It's not suicidal, because it doesn't have a concept of whether it wants to live or die.
Me: Squirrels, right?
Woman: *waves in acknowledgement as they go past*

"Suicidal squirrels" is how HalfshellHusband and I refer to them, but I do see her point. I still think what's really going on is that the squirrels (ground squirrels, let's be honest here) see you coming and freeze... and when you're almost right on top of them, they panic and run for home. Except that about 50% of the time, "home" is on the other side of the bike path, so they run right in front of your tires. \o? It makes them seem suicidal, but really, they just have very small brains.

I spent some time this weekend getting a few things squared away for the changing season and pre-packing. No actual packing yet, though. HSH bought some bizarrely huge boxes from Home Depot, and started to pack one completely full of clothes despite my warnings that it would be too heavy for anyone to lift. Our son has a pre-lawyer professional responsibility test coming up, so he'll be studying during the week we're moving and won't be able to help us. HSH is planning to hire someone with a van instead, but there's no guarantee that person will be super-strong. I mean, that box is heavy. And? Also awkward to carry because it sticks out too far. :O

The Oregon Ducks went to #1 in the college football polls last week, and their weekend home game was the blowout I always hope for. Whoo! Though I still don't like them (and much of the former Pac 12) being in the Big 10 conference. That is just stupid. And the NCAA had the power to prevent that, and should have. But! A win is a win! \o/

I also worked on my Idol story over the weekend, which ate into my housework time a little. But it's done and posted, and if you can help out by voting for it, I'd really appreciate it. There's a link to the poll at the bottom, where you can vote for it and any of your other favorite entries! Thank you for your support!

We're coming up on the third Halloween in this house, and once again, we'll just be hiding in the dark. I look forward to next year, back at our real house, where we can participate like normal people again! What are YOUR Halloween plans?

I checked in on the NFL Draft results all last week, to see which of the graduating Oregon Ducks players had been picked up. Sort of like making sure they all got good homes. :)

The QB, Marcus Mariota, was the second pick—behind another quarterback, which really surprises me. Versatile, strong, fast. What more did people want? But maybe it was serendipitous. During the 2014 season, Tennessee Titans' fans were running a "Suck for the Duck" campaign and rooting for their team to continuing playing badly enough to get the top first-round draft-pick so they could draft Mariota. They got the second pick, but they DID get Mariota. He definitely knows they wanted him. :O

Defensive Lineman Arik Armstead was picked in Round 1 (higher than anyone anticipated) by the 49ers, with much celebration around here as he's a "local" boy. The left Offensive Tackle, Jake Fisher, was chosen in Round 2. Interestingly enough, a mid-season injury probably improved his draft chances. While he was out for two games, Mariota got sacked 7 and 5 times, and as soon as he returned, Oregon's offense was back on track. Talk about a clear demonstration of value! Finally, an offensive lineman who is NOT an "unsung hero."

Oregon's center was picked in the third round, and cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu in the 7th. SEVENTH. He was injured in a practice game late in the season, but was also considered the #1 CB in the NCAA. So... huh?

I wish them all luck, and the four other guys who signed as free agents. That was one talented graduating class!

Other news: I went in search of a couple of Valerie Wellington songs yesterday, and discovered that she had died back in in 1993 from a cerebral aneurysm. What a shock. She had a glorious blues voice, and the two tracks I was looking for aren't available as singles from Amazon: Cold, Cold Feeling and Smokestack Lightning. The first, you can hear on youtube.. Gives me the shivers. Haven't found the second, and who knows what's on iTunes since you have to download it to search the Apple store. I hate Apple. So sad that she was gone so soon. She was really something. ♥