Day Two Hundred and Fifty-six

Feest Isolation Days – 25 November

Its OVER!  Trump has not conceded…he doesn’t know how to do that…but  Emily Murphy, the Trump appointee who is the head of the  General Services Administration contacted President-Elect Joe Biden and formally said she will release the money that is in the GSA meant to smooth the transition between the outgoing and incoming President and his team. The Biden and Trump team will now meet and discuss the issues that the incoming team will be responsible for. Hurrah!

Following the State of Michigan formally declaring Biden the winner of the election in the State, it is almost impossible for Trump to win.  However, that doesn’t stop him from trying! Ms Murphy said she was not in any way forced by the White House to announce the decision. Trump however, said he made the call.  As one commentator said even before Michigan was called, Trump’s likelihood of being in the White House this time next year is somewhere between remote and impossible. 


Apparently, Secret Service people have been asked whether or not they want to transfer to Florida for the post presidential duties of looking after Trump.  It will be interesting to see how many decide to take up that offer!


Biden has been pressing ahead with plans for his tenure and all eyes will now be on Georgia as the last two Senate seats are up for grabs.  You can bet more money than ever will be pouring into the coffers of the Democratic nominees!  Perhaps it is time to cap the amount of money that can be spent on electioneering?  Or is that too Un American?

Here, we are waiting to see what Tier we will be placed in when Lockdown ends.  It’s not looking too promising for Bristol it must be said.  We are also keen to hear what the Christmas plans are for the country – not that we will be going anywhere.  As we are normally either in Russell or on the Rangitiki on the other side of the world, we are less fussed about this than many!

Easter might just become the “New” Christmas! 

The leaves are all off the trees and it is possible to see the structure of the beech which is a magnificent tree.  Our Cotinus however offers the most beautiful leaves of any bush or tree that I know.  While it’s leaves are purple in the summer, during the Autumn they turn a deep and satisfying golden red.  That isn’t unusual at this time of the year, but the Cotinus does have an unique feature.  It’s fallen leaves burst into golden patterns.

We have tried to preserve these gorgeous leaves and turn them into something but haven’t yet succeeded.  Painting them with a lacquer hasn’t worked. If anyone has any ideas on how to deal with these specimens, let me know.  They would make a stunning necklace!  Those golden markings are on each leaf.  Isn’t mother nature incredible?


Stay safe and enjoy!


With love

Kathy x