This is the week when Everything Changed. The arrival of the COVID19 virus, coupled with criminal mismanagement by the US government, resulted in draconic public health measures—essentially shutting down much of the country. The economy is in freefall, workers are losing jobs and income, businesses stand on the brink of extermination. All indications are that it's going to get worse before it gets better.

It's been a beautiful week; while Spring may not be here by the calendar, it came for a visit. As you can see, our crocuses are in full bloom. We also have plenty of daffodils, and the forsythia are just starting to bloom.

In addition to the usual work, this week was bookended by two fun social events. On Sunday Thomas and I attended brunch with some of the folks I used to work with at the Brooklyn Park Library and their spouses. On Friday night we had dinner and a gaming session with some fannish friends.

The Great Kitchen Rearrangement proceeds apace. The final goal here is to prepare for the arrival of the new refrigerator. The whole project involves many steps. We've been using the kitchen table to store Star Wars toys and other stuff. The final goal is to move all that stored stuff back against the wall (preferably on shelves), move the table forward, and shfit a couple of other pieces of furniture. The new refrigerator will go where the old one is; we'll keep the old one in service and mvoe it to a space near the table and storage area.

• I'm back and recovered from Farpoint. Had a great time. Programming at Farpoint just continues to improve every year. Interesting topics, polite and well-informed panelists, audiences with interesting things to say and kwillingness to engage, and a general level of respect from everyone, especially with different opinions. Farpoint panels are rapidly approaching the quality of those at Chessiecon...which is the highest praise I can give.

If you're at Farpoint this weekend, be sure to come by one of my events, Here's my schedule:

Today Thomas and I celebrate the 19th anniversary of our Vermont Civil Union. On 14 February 2001 we stood before a Justice of the Peace in Burlington, Vermont for the first official recognition of our marriage (by then we'd been living together for 14 years). Our friends Lisa A. Barnett and Melissa Scott were also united in Civil Union. Our nephew Mike Atkinson was our ringbearer, and our sister-in-law (and Mike's mother) Nancy Dick-Atkinson was there to cheer us on.

In celebration of the 11th of the month, check out the promotion for Elevenses: From Sunday (9 Feb) through Thursday (13 Feb), the Kindle ebook will be on sale for 99¢. Elevenses is  collection of short SF & Fantasy diversions, each with a suggested snack and beverage.