Yesterday my Facebook feed had a post from a friend from my junior high years. Staff at the federal department where my dad worked had received email layoff notices overnight. I’m not sure how many of the people it will affect, but the building had expanded since the time my dad left.

Of course, that stirred up so many memories. We moved there because of that building. I’d never heard of Senator Robert Byrd, but quite a bit of federal government business ended up in West Virginia because of him!

What I recall of the work done there is that it involved testing workplace safety equipment. There were a lot more coal mines and steel mills back then, but the work also affected fire fighters and shipyard workers among others.

When I bought my first supply of N95 COVID masks I was pleased to see the name of the agency printed along the side of it. I understood a little bit of what probably went into making sure that mask would do what it was supposed to do. I got to tour the lab a few times and see what they did there.

There is starting to be some noticeable pushback – hopeful note there – in that some recent elections had expected outcomes, but the margin was less than expected.

There is still disturbing news coming out of courts related to sending a few plane loads of men to be held in prison in El Salvador because they couldn’t be deported back to Venezuela.

The reckless cruelty is on full display because a few people on the plane were not meant to be. And to read the criteria used to determine who would get sent off is disturbing – tattoos. Any tattoos.

The claims the government is making are truly shocking, and I am grateful my livelihood doesn’t involve having to make those claims. It would eat away at my spirit if I did. I just hope the courts are moving towards a better answer than “there’s nothing we can do to change it.”

So many things happening and waiting for the other shoe to drop. Looking for ways to stay connected with friends and finding more good trouble.