Friday-before-the-storm Dailies! (Patreon)

Happy Friday, folks! This week's updates are a real back-and-forth, so strap in.

Last week, I lost my neighbor unexpectedly.

I realized during this time that I've arranged all of my rooms so that I'm facing southeast, like a lucky houseplant. It felt so surreal to know that my friend was dying in the house next door, to the northwest. It felt rude not to be facing her.

I'm grateful to a friend for reminding me that Hospice doesn't necessarily mean one or two days. I wouldn't have known otherwise.

But we'll get back to this in a moment.

This is how I feel every time I walk back from Community Garden Market after they restock their produce on Tuesdays.

Here's the original art, if you'd like it! Remember to scroll down for your 50% off coupon (in bold)!

Most people don't realize how close to DC we live here in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. Though it's still far enough that it's a Special Occasion when we go.

This one doesn't have a punchline, just an observation...

We're close, but we're far enough away that it still feels surreal to see what we see on the news right in front of our eyes. The two National Guard members who were shot in DC last year were both from West Virginia; our state offered to send our Guard to the District last summer, and apparently they're still there.

Here's Quetza with a palate cleanser for ya. Much like a cat, he loves boxes, but a very different kind of boxes.

He's not wrong about Boring Box.

Here's the original art!

Now that her obituary has been released, I feel it's okay to talk about my neighbor more openly.

I know Cathy will be an inspiration to me in my older years. She was incredible. And SO thoughtful, as evidenced by this voicemail. :.)

And yes, she was 89, so perhaps you think the loss being "unexpected" was naive of me. I really thought she'd just live forever. I don't know, maybe she still does, just somewhere else now. Mowing someone else's lawn.

Unrelated:

Literally EVERY ONION. Does anyone else's annoying loud panther-clawed cat do this to them?? (I still love him, but JFC, Pip.)

Here's the original art! Remember to use DAILYSMILE50 at checkout for your Patreon-exclusive discount, which you have earned by being here. Thanks for being here for the serious content and the silly content.

To those of you in the crosshairs of the incoming winter storm, I hope you stay safe and warm and find a good hill to sled down, or some good hot cocoa to enjoy indoors! Our county is having this big thing called Frosty Fest, so if you're in the area this weekend before it snows (or after, but within safe walking distance), check out that link for a loooooong list of kids' craft events, special drink offerings, and a LOT of hot cocoa throughout the panhandle.

Stay cozy out there!