Happy Solstice!

 As of 10:59 this morning, the sun has started its long, LONG journey back towards the northern hemisphere.  It's ironic that the shortest, darkest day occurs when the weather can still be relatively mild, and that the longer days do not mean warmer days for several months.  It's more of a mental lift that the days are getting longer, since the temperatures are getting lower and the snow will deepen.

Weaving has commenced on the towel warp.  This is the ever-popular Strickler #728 draft, which is a bit of a bear to measure out but is easy treadling to weave.  While my thumb/hand is holding up well and mostly pain-free at this point, I'm not pushing it.  I'm taking my time and weaving for relatively short periods for now.

I have acquired a new weaving supervisor this week.  She's tough, always watching and making sure I don't send my shuttles to the floor.  She also has a bit of a shoe/sock fetish.

The Covid situation has been dire here in Maine for a few weeks, and now that Omicron is the dominant variant in the country (!) it will only get worse.  The fact that it became the dominant variant so very quickly is astonishing and does not bode well for the nation.  The hospitals are already terribly overwhelmed, and the 40-50% of Americans who stubbornly will not get vaccinated could cause the entire healthcare system to collapse, which puts those of us trying to do the right thing at risk of not getting needed care.  The other way we can get a handle on this pandemic is easy access to at-home testing.  While not as accurate as PCR tests, if done correctly, they can easily help people know when it's safe to gather, or go to work or school.  I don't know why, but America has always been behind the 8-ball when it comes to having these tests available.  Knowing that the Omicron variant is the most contagious virus known to man, and that it will be able to infect even vaccinated/boosted people, we should all be able to test ourselves prior to opportunities for potential viral spread.

Not exactly a cheery holiday season, eh?  I've been struggling with my mental health more than usual lately, no doubt because of the state of the nation and the world, and the inability of our leaders to work together.  Every day I have to remind myself to just breathe and focus on what's in front of me and what I can do to make my tiny corner of the world a better place.  I'm not very successful most days, but all I can do is try.  So...

I hope everyone stays healthy during the holidays and days to come.  Whatever you celebrate, however you celebrate, I send you my best wishes and hope for a better new year!