This is another of those moments when I realise I spend entirely too much time cooped up in the house. I need to go exploring. I'm overdue. Alas, the concept of leaving the house didn't occur to me until after 4pm. The art museums close early. Sheesh. I need to get out more. The big round burning thing is back, though, and I inevitably feel trapped by the heat. I think I'll get some ice cream... once I hit my word count for the day.

The niece is graduating from TCU next weekend. That feels so very... odd. I'm happy for her. She's brilliant and gorgeous and is a wonderful human being, but I'm also afraid for her. I can't help it. I've been seeing too many stupid, hateful things cropping up that are intended to keep women down. The economy sucks. Christian tolerance of differing belief systems and people is at a new low. The environment is in craptastic shape. I guess I'm not feeling too optimistic for her future at the moment.

It doesn't help my mood that I found out some asshat killed and skinned the white bufflalo calf, Lightning Medicine Cloud, and his mother. I'm not Lakota. I'm part Shoshone*, and I had thought to visit the calf last summer. However, I thought better of it, and out of respect stayed away. Just knowing the Lakota's sacred animal gave them hope for the future was enough.** Seriously? What the fuck is wrong with some people? Texas Rangers, please, oh please, don't let the Lakota people down.
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*I'm told my great grandmother was half.
**As I understand it, there are about eight of them now.*** So, you can say Lightning Medicine Cloud wasn't the only one. I seriously don't care. He was special to the Lakota because he was the only one born on a Native American rancher's farm. That's what matters.
***They're being bred by non-Native Americans in Oregon and well... ick.