My 73 birthday was Monday. On Tuesday night my living room temperature was 48 degrees. Water was turned off. I stayed in bed wearing my winter pjs, my heaviest pjs, a long sweater, 2 pairs of wool socks, a scarf, a hat and gloves, 3 blankets and a comforter. I was fine. I had a camping lantern, an extra battery, my cellphone and my kin…
My 73 birthday was Monday. On Tuesday night my living room temperature was 48 degrees. Water was turned off. I stayed in bed wearing my winter pjs, my heaviest pjs, a long sweater, 2 pairs of wool socks, a scarf, a hat and gloves, 3 blankets and a comforter. I was fine. I had a camping lantern, an extra battery, my cellphone and my kindle. I snacked on GS cookies. I was fine. Not so for many other people in Houston and across Texas. Many are still suffering. The Republican state government knew about the potential problem of deregulation. Ten years ago cold had caused a similar problem. For the sake of money, no insulation of vital energy sources took place. Some of that money made its way in the form of political contributions to Cornyn, Cruz, Crenshaw (my Representative) and many others. Cruz made his way to Cancun and seemed surprised that his neighbors and his daughters’ school friends and their parents shared that tidbit. He lied, blamed his kids and then justified his actions on being a good dad. What a champ. AOC was down here today and many Texas Democrats in state and local government joined her. Our state and federal Republican elected officials were MIA. Thanks for all the good wishes and contributions. They mean a lot. The Houston Food Bank is a great place to help if you want to make a meaningful contribution. Many rabid Republicans are defending Cruz and his cruddy compatriots. I hope enough Texas Republicans, however, are as disgusted as I am and remember when elections come around. The tragedy of preventable events can break you as can the lack of accountability. I won’t be broken.
We share Birthdays DD except I was born in 1935 in the depths of the Great Depression.
Since I was born and live in New York State I have learned to rely on an active Government to provide margins of safety from peril. I understand that Texas and most of the West are satisfied to practice rigid self reliance which is fine and necessary when you are few in number and must provide sustenance on your own.
But the weakness of a Pioneer Spirit of independence already became tattered by the “brave,” souls who perceived mask wearing as Government interference and filled Texas Hospitals as proof otherwise.
I hope the re-visit of the Polar surge creates a sense of reality for the Texas leadership and voters to realize that a strong hand of Government can be a huge relief for human beings when conditions have possible lethal consequences and threaten life and well being.
My view of Government being prepared to provide help when the threat exceeds my personal ability provides comfort on my 85th Birthday.
Happy Birthday to Deborah and Hap! I’m inspired by AOC, Ayanna, Beto, and all who are helping Texans. We just donated to Beto’s Powered by People effort. Also inspired by Deborah’s resilient attitude and Hap’s positive take on the role of government in our lives. Thank you both for sharing your stories.
I have a birthday next week - Hap, only 3 years behind you! This whole Tx mess makes me doubly glad I live here in NY. We of course have our issues, but for the most part our pols do their job. Today still in the 20s I think - didnt look at the temp - fed wildlife & came back in to the warmth. I feel so bad for the Texans that bear the brunt of their (mostly) Repubs greed & stupidity. Cross my fingers you all can "encourage" them to fix things? OR find reps that will.
Happy birthday to us and Susan B Anthony! Texas Republican leadership won’t learn a lesson, but maybe we can get some good legislation passed. Big maybe as both houses are controlled by Republicans. As for the rugged individualism — HCR is spot on when she says it’s all a myth. Republicans are happy to take huge donations from the very people who caused this tragedy. With voter suppression it is an up hill battle each election at every level.
There's no doubt that those responsible knew you were at risk, and they can't deny it. Happy birthday, a bit late. I hope that your gift comes when everyone is no longer blue from freezing cold, and that the unenlightened realize who's more likely to be in their corner, and they help to turn Texas blue, but in a good way.
'Tis blessing to be represented by Warren, Markey and Pressley. I have a special affinity for AOC -- she was often in the library where I worked. It is an honor to be inspired by her.
Yes. I met your Senator Markey years ago when a former student of mine graduated from Georgetown. He had worked in Markey’s office while going to college. Both Markey and his wife came to dinner with us. So very kind and gracious. Loved his very savvy campaign this past election. Also met Warren and heard her several times when she was campaigning in Houston. Very impressive speaker.
You are a lucky duck, DD. I'd like to shake the hand that shook the hand ....
In 2020, thanks to Joe Kennedy's primary challenge, all of MA finally realized that we have TWO outstanding senators providing sterling service to state and nation. The Green New Deal caps his career; his alliance with AOC bolstered him on the left and is typical of his decades of mentoring Youngers in Congress.
Turning State legislatures "blue" is the key to changing the politics in many States we think of as Republican. That party's failure to adequately serve the people's needs now gives Democrats a chance but only if their local political organizations step up to do the job.
Sending you masses of extra strength, warmth, and courage! Of course, you will not be broken! And thanks for the tip about the Houston Food Bank.This, too, shall pass -- may it do so sooner rather than later!
Powerfully stated. It is so important to let all Texans know the work Democrats are doing to help them. Please stay as warm as possible. Hopefully you can truly celebrate your birthday soon.
Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale seems like quite a guy. Housed and fed hundreds of people. If I were anywhere near Texas, I’d remember him next time I needed furniture.
Wow! What an amazing testimonial. May you have many Happy Returns. For your birthday I will donate to Houston's Food Bank. All the best to you in this amazing time.
Good suggestion, but there are many people who suffered far more than I — people with burst pipes and babies. Instead, I will keep on protesting, registering voters and volunteering for good Democratic candidates.
I'm 10 years older, Deb, in NYS. Sounds like you have the original Texan's outlook & capabilities! Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do, right? Take care of yourself and stay safe.
Glad you are okay and made it through! Hope you made it with out burst pipes too. My son living in Plano wanted to go pitch in with AOC. Too far away for one day.
ERCOT was suppose to help with energy reliability after the freeze in 2011. All they did was collect fat paychecks! And the one mayor in Colorado City telling his city it wasn’t governments job to take care of them!
Cruz isn’t running again. But I believe it’s because he wants to run for president. Ha!
Stay Safe! Rising temperatures I know you’ll be much warmer!
Happy Birthday, Deborah! Your report, suggestion to help The Houston Food Bank and the news of your particular situation were welcome. Stay safe and warm.
Happy Birthday! And thanks for the great post. I hope the near future finds you with better representation from people who actually want to serve their constituents.
A friend in Houston said it was 50 degrees yesterday. She said spring flowers had begun to poke through before the storm. Hopes they'll recover from the freeze. Happy birthday...
My 73 birthday was Monday. On Tuesday night my living room temperature was 48 degrees. Water was turned off. I stayed in bed wearing my winter pjs, my heaviest pjs, a long sweater, 2 pairs of wool socks, a scarf, a hat and gloves, 3 blankets and a comforter. I was fine. I had a camping lantern, an extra battery, my cellphone and my kindle. I snacked on GS cookies. I was fine. Not so for many other people in Houston and across Texas. Many are still suffering. The Republican state government knew about the potential problem of deregulation. Ten years ago cold had caused a similar problem. For the sake of money, no insulation of vital energy sources took place. Some of that money made its way in the form of political contributions to Cornyn, Cruz, Crenshaw (my Representative) and many others. Cruz made his way to Cancun and seemed surprised that his neighbors and his daughters’ school friends and their parents shared that tidbit. He lied, blamed his kids and then justified his actions on being a good dad. What a champ. AOC was down here today and many Texas Democrats in state and local government joined her. Our state and federal Republican elected officials were MIA. Thanks for all the good wishes and contributions. They mean a lot. The Houston Food Bank is a great place to help if you want to make a meaningful contribution. Many rabid Republicans are defending Cruz and his cruddy compatriots. I hope enough Texas Republicans, however, are as disgusted as I am and remember when elections come around. The tragedy of preventable events can break you as can the lack of accountability. I won’t be broken.
We share Birthdays DD except I was born in 1935 in the depths of the Great Depression.
Since I was born and live in New York State I have learned to rely on an active Government to provide margins of safety from peril. I understand that Texas and most of the West are satisfied to practice rigid self reliance which is fine and necessary when you are few in number and must provide sustenance on your own.
But the weakness of a Pioneer Spirit of independence already became tattered by the “brave,” souls who perceived mask wearing as Government interference and filled Texas Hospitals as proof otherwise.
I hope the re-visit of the Polar surge creates a sense of reality for the Texas leadership and voters to realize that a strong hand of Government can be a huge relief for human beings when conditions have possible lethal consequences and threaten life and well being.
My view of Government being prepared to provide help when the threat exceeds my personal ability provides comfort on my 85th Birthday.
Happy Birthday to Deborah and Hap! I’m inspired by AOC, Ayanna, Beto, and all who are helping Texans. We just donated to Beto’s Powered by People effort. Also inspired by Deborah’s resilient attitude and Hap’s positive take on the role of government in our lives. Thank you both for sharing your stories.
I have a birthday next week - Hap, only 3 years behind you! This whole Tx mess makes me doubly glad I live here in NY. We of course have our issues, but for the most part our pols do their job. Today still in the 20s I think - didnt look at the temp - fed wildlife & came back in to the warmth. I feel so bad for the Texans that bear the brunt of their (mostly) Repubs greed & stupidity. Cross my fingers you all can "encourage" them to fix things? OR find reps that will.
Happy birthday to us and Susan B Anthony! Texas Republican leadership won’t learn a lesson, but maybe we can get some good legislation passed. Big maybe as both houses are controlled by Republicans. As for the rugged individualism — HCR is spot on when she says it’s all a myth. Republicans are happy to take huge donations from the very people who caused this tragedy. With voter suppression it is an up hill battle each election at every level.
Happy Birthday, Hap! Your thoughts and wishes are with the people. Thank you.
Lookin' good for your age, Happy! Keep the comments coming.
There's no doubt that those responsible knew you were at risk, and they can't deny it. Happy birthday, a bit late. I hope that your gift comes when everyone is no longer blue from freezing cold, and that the unenlightened realize who's more likely to be in their corner, and they help to turn Texas blue, but in a good way.
Happy birthday, DD.
I donated through my Rep. Ayanna Pressley, whose office organizes a relief campaign for Texas. Your GOP may not have your back, but America does.
Thank you. Your good wishes and donation are meaningful. I will share your comment with my Cornyn Protest Group. We’ve been out there since 1/17.
'Tis blessing to be represented by Warren, Markey and Pressley. I have a special affinity for AOC -- she was often in the library where I worked. It is an honor to be inspired by her.
Yes. I met your Senator Markey years ago when a former student of mine graduated from Georgetown. He had worked in Markey’s office while going to college. Both Markey and his wife came to dinner with us. So very kind and gracious. Loved his very savvy campaign this past election. Also met Warren and heard her several times when she was campaigning in Houston. Very impressive speaker.
You are a lucky duck, DD. I'd like to shake the hand that shook the hand ....
In 2020, thanks to Joe Kennedy's primary challenge, all of MA finally realized that we have TWO outstanding senators providing sterling service to state and nation. The Green New Deal caps his career; his alliance with AOC bolstered him on the left and is typical of his decades of mentoring Youngers in Congress.
Thank you. Turning Texas blue would be a gift that keeps on giving.
Turning State legislatures "blue" is the key to changing the politics in many States we think of as Republican. That party's failure to adequately serve the people's needs now gives Democrats a chance but only if their local political organizations step up to do the job.
Yes and why the Republicans use voter suppression as a key part of their strategy.
Yes it would for all of us! Happy Belated Birthday!🎂
Thank you!
Blue-bonnet state
Sending you masses of extra strength, warmth, and courage! Of course, you will not be broken! And thanks for the tip about the Houston Food Bank.This, too, shall pass -- may it do so sooner rather than later!
Powerfully stated. It is so important to let all Texans know the work Democrats are doing to help them. Please stay as warm as possible. Hopefully you can truly celebrate your birthday soon.
Happy Belated Birthday, DD!! This time the eyes of the country are upon Texas and behind you 100%...
https://twitter.com/AOC/status/1363182316961419267?s=20
Mattress Mack opens his showroom in Houston: "The essence of living is giving," he said.
https://news.yahoo.com/texas-furniture-store-owner-turns-200027617.html
It's songs like these that make me pea green with envy not to be from Texas😉
https://youtu.be/4BCpWKDoNnY
https://www.wideopencountry.com/25-greatest-country-songs-about-texas/#:~:text=%2025%20of%20the%20Best%20Country%20Songs%20About,%22The%20Yellow%20Rose%20of%20Texas%20%22%20More
Jim "Mattress Mack" McIngvale seems like quite a guy. Housed and fed hundreds of people. If I were anywhere near Texas, I’d remember him next time I needed furniture.
Yes. Unfortunately he is also a Trump supporter.
Good to know, Deborah. I will pray that he sees the light.
Morning Lynn!! DD is my heroine of the day.
Maybe tonight (this morn) I'll retire earlier. It's too late to be early.
Thanks for th a.m. links Lynell
Wow! What an amazing testimonial. May you have many Happy Returns. For your birthday I will donate to Houston's Food Bank. All the best to you in this amazing time.
Thank you. The Houston Food Bank supplies many local food banks throughout south East Texas (not just Houston) so it is money well spent.
An after thought. Could you submit your post to your paper?
Good suggestion, but there are many people who suffered far more than I — people with burst pipes and babies. Instead, I will keep on protesting, registering voters and volunteering for good Democratic candidates.
I'm 10 years older, Deb, in NYS. Sounds like you have the original Texan's outlook & capabilities! Sometimes you just have to do what you have to do, right? Take care of yourself and stay safe.
Donating... Thank you!
Thank you! Two weeks today fully vaccinated with two doses so actually celebrating dinner at my daughter’ house inside and not in driveway.
Congratulations... Been in lockdown with daughter and 2 brands for a year. They will be moving away to Texas in May...
Glad you are okay and made it through! Hope you made it with out burst pipes too. My son living in Plano wanted to go pitch in with AOC. Too far away for one day.
ERCOT was suppose to help with energy reliability after the freeze in 2011. All they did was collect fat paychecks! And the one mayor in Colorado City telling his city it wasn’t governments job to take care of them!
Cruz isn’t running again. But I believe it’s because he wants to run for president. Ha!
Stay Safe! Rising temperatures I know you’ll be much warmer!
Thank you. Cruz will be running —either for office or for his own den of inequity.
"My little girls made me do it."
Party of personal responsibility, my apse.
Happy Birthday, Deborah! Your report, suggestion to help The Houston Food Bank and the news of your particular situation were welcome. Stay safe and warm.
Happy Birthday! And thanks for the great post. I hope the near future finds you with better representation from people who actually want to serve their constituents.
Happiest Birthday ever!!
A friend in Houston said it was 50 degrees yesterday. She said spring flowers had begun to poke through before the storm. Hopes they'll recover from the freeze. Happy birthday...