Charmion, I now use the big cordless power scrubber brush (not quite this one) on my den tile and the porch, what a difference - it goes a lot faster than scrubbing with a small brush. There are lots of versions of that out there, and smaller ones that can attach to a drill. After scrubbing I use a sponge mop to remove the dirty water.

Today I picked up the ex (still not driving) and we had lunch with our daughter. Picking up a free local newspaper on the way out of the restaurant answered a question we'd discussed with its cover story and photos. Renee Nicole Good was murdered on January 7, and on January 10 marches happened all over the US. I'm so proud of our Fort Worth event - there were over 1000 people marching in a short-notice event that was well-planned (via Indivisible and other local groups; permitted gathering in a park, a march, etc.) We understand the assignment, and turning up prepared is possible now because we've had so much practice and I suspect most people are like me and have a set of gear ready to use. This was a larger attendance than we had at other events that had more notice and lead time. And I felt so good after, talking and walking with people with a shared goal. My daughter pointed out that we were a community and generated positive energy, and she's correct. That's why it felt so good even though it focused on the bad behavior.

This morning I finished the holiday baking by making krumkaka (on an iron on the stove) and distributed the finished cookies to the ex and daughter. Only one small fire in the process (a little oil dripped on the burner when I was preparing the grill). I keep a bottle of salt nearby for just such events.

patty, it's supposed to be quite cold here Saturday through Monday; are you also in the path of this major cold front? Today it was windy and dry, and I need to move some plants up onto the porch where they should survive.