I've looked around the TPM blog titles throughout the day and evening.  Read a few, made a comment here and there.  I saw a couple of good ones about Valentine's Day.  Many more on the stimulus package written by intelligent, passionate bloggers.  One or two decrying Republicans for all sorts of things and a wide variety of everything else.  I was looking for something, anything, that made mention of 50 lives lost last night.  Perhaps I overlooked those.  Maybe I was too busy with myself and the state of the country as I see it.  That's all that matters, after all.

Hi there, come on in.  Good to see you, as always.  No, no, leave it open.  The screen door will keep the early spring bugs away even as it allows the breeze to clear out the cobwebs.  Are you cold?  All the windows are open, too.  Grab yourself a seat, I've got some throws around here somewhere, they'll help to take the chill off.  I know.  I'm really pushing the whole idea of letting the stuffiness slink away and having fresh air invade the cracks.  Who cares that it's February!  That alone makes a sixty-five degree southern evening something worth celebrating.  And let the wind blow the curtains and knock stuff over - I'll even help it with the bigger stuff.  Sorry!  Where are my manners ... what may I bring for you?  I've chilled wine and warm tea, cheese and crackers on the table.  There's a pot of vegetable beef soup on the stove, bowls and spoons handy, and some warm rolls in the oven.  I almost forgot about the pie you brought!  Sounds like a nice late night supper if anyone is hungry.

Read more »

Hi there, come on in.  I know, I haven't had the light on for a few days.  Please forgive me for that and make yourself at home.  Not necessarily in that order.  The sofa's free, as is the beanbag in the corner.  I'm not sure who that is in the ugly blue chair, but they seem to be pouting about something.  Think I'll check on them later, just to be sure that they're okay, and not feeling too alone.  In the meantime ... may I get you something?  There's popcorn, cookies and brownies on the table if you want to indulge your sweet tooth.  Wait - popcorn would be salt tooth, wouldn't it?  Then again, I drizzled real honest-to-goodness butter all over it so who knows.  Just eat it if you want it; plenty of napkins, too.  I almost forgot the doughnuts!  Hold on, I'll be right back.  Find some music for the evening if you don't mind too much.  Thank you!  Hmm?  No idea, just something to suit the hour and the frame of friendship.

Read more »