February 2022

The Dollar Tree has those really cool dome "jars" back in stock--the ones that make anything look like it belongs in a haunted Victorian house or mad scientist lab!--and I was able to grab three of them. Last year I bought the last two, one for me and one for my teenager, and we both made creepy skeletons with fairy wings and moss in the jars. Now what should we make with the new ones?

Let's share all of our political actions to take this week here in the chat! We can begin with some of these:

Join Katie Porter in demanding that we cancel $50,000 worth of student debt as was promised during election season. This is one of the strongest ways to help many Americans today.

Zoos hold such a complex space in my heart. Many zoos offer protection, conservation and education, and work hard to provide a large, safe space for their animals. My own local zoo has made such strides since I was a kid and I can only hope they continue. That said, I remember seeing animals languishing in our zoo, and there were specific creatures I'd write letters about and avoid seeing--like bears or elephants who were obviously distressed, making repetitive movements.

When I saw the photos of Ya Ya and Le Le, I had those same feelings again. 

It would be just like Peter to forget a holiday and not have a gift ready in time, so if you're still scrambling for Valentine's Day, never fear! There are lots of fun ideas to get Family Guy goodies for your Valentine, from apparel to games, DVDs to toys, but there are some items that are made for couples you may be interested in, too.

When it comes to gardeners, gifts can be super simple. Who couldn't use a new trowel, a seed catalog (and gift card!) to their favorite seed seller, or a new book about gardening? I am so obsessed about those square foot gardening books, it's not even funny. We've been collecting discarded window panes to create a cold frame this winter!

If your children or other youth in your life are fans of arts and crafts, they might be interested in checking out this year's Endangered Species Youth Art Contest. Young artists who live in the United States and are in grades K through 12 are able to enter the contest with their original artwork. Many different types of entries and prizes are available.