the state of things

I wake up and turn on the news. It's not good. It never is these days.

On a local level:

• A woman is shot in the back of her head, likely by her ex-boyfriend, on 95th and Lex.
• Subways are getting dangerous. I don't dare stand near the platform edge.
• Overall crime is up 38 percent vs. last year.
• And there aren't even enough lifeguards to cover the city pools.

And on a national level, I honestly can't remember a worse time.

• Roe vs. Wade is overturned by the now very conservative Supreme Court.
• Gun violence is rampant. 19 children plus two teachers are killed at a Texas school.
• Trump still has a loyal fan base, despite astonishing revelations of his actions around January 6
• Inflation is at a 40-year high.
• Average gas price is $5/gallon.
• Sharks keep getting closer to shore, including on the Cape.
• COVID still lives and now there's monkey pox.

And as for internationally...

• The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February still wages.
• Oh and crises from climate change are accelerating.

But today I wake up. 

I think of my healthy 92-year-old mom. My son who has moved to Austin and has found a city he loves. My friend who has gone through a horrific medical ordeal and death of her husband, and has made it through with strength, dignity, and an always-positive attitude. My own good health, despite an annoying arthritic left knee.  

I walk over to my local Saturday morning Farmer's Market. On a street nearby on the Upper East Side.

So yes, despite all of it, there is still a lot to be grateful for.