President Trump pardoned seven people from South Carolina convicted of or who were accused of attacking police on Jan. 6, 2021. The pardons dismiss pending charges for defendants who had not gone to trial and release convicted people who were serving time in prison. Trump’s actions also restore any rights that might have been taken away. However, federal court documents including judgments and original charges will still be public record, according to lawyers connected with the case. Nearly all cases were handled by federal courts in Washington. In addition to the seven people from South Carolina who were convicted or accused of committing violence against police, Trump pardoned another 11 who were convicted or accused of aggressive conduct that stopped short of attacking an officer but in some cases included damaging property. The third and final category of South Carolina defendants whom Trump pardoned included 16 people who were charged with trespassing related offenses — basically being inside the Capitol during the riot without attacking police or vandalizing property. (John Monk, The State, January 24, 2025)
To the victor belongs the spoils, and part of the spoils now include pick-and-choose justice for convicted felons that assaulted police officers at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. I remember watching their stories unfold on TV in real time. I hoped none of the rioters were people I knew and cared for, but these thirty-four South Carolinians are people who someone does know, someone who will welcome them home with open arms.
The American poet Maya Angelou said, “Because equal rights, fair play, justice are all like the air: we all have it, or none of us has it. That’s the truth of it.”
From her first birthday two years ago to the one we celebrate today, this little girl has been the icing on our cake whenever we see her. For Pretty and me, she is the gift that keeps on giving.
Molly’s first birthday cake (2023)
(maternal grandmother Gigi laughs at Molly’s first cake experience)
when you’re three years old, you can use your hands
big sister Ella and Mama Caroline help with gifts as Daddy keeps watch
Molly consoles her best friend who wondered why none of the gifts were hers
what could possibly be better for a party than the 2024 bounce house?
(two-year-old Molly and four-year-old Ella in their bare feet had fun!)
a petting zoo in the backyard!
the goat was in charge of gymnastics
Molly, Molly, how much do Nana and Naynay love thee? Let me count the ways – too many to count. You are priceless.
Madison Keys wins first major in 2025 tennis season: the Australian Open
hey, girl – don’t even think about snatching this
Okay – so I made up the caption, mate. Don’t hold that against me, but I thought when I saw her interview that Keys held the trophy mighty close and why wouldn’t she?
This was her 46th. try to win one of the four major grand slam tennis tournaments over her career that began fifteen years ago when she turned pro at age 14. Her only other major final was in 2017 at the US Open when she lost to fellow American Sloane Stephens. Inspired by the play of Venus Williams, trained by the legendary Chris Evert at the Evert Academy in Florida, and in more recent years coached by Lindsay Davenport, another American women’s singles champion who won three majors in her career – Madison Keys will find her name and image in the walk of champions leading to the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, when she returns next year.
For my followers who are tennis lovers like me, I hope you take the time to read records broken by Keys in the 2025 AO. Amazing. Awesome.
Congratulations, Madison! Your win was impressive, and I celebrate that victory with you; but more than that, I admire your courage to keep going for fifteen years that included injuries, heartbreaking losses, disappointing defeats. Sport often teaches us the importance of perseverance and resilience – your commitment is a powerful example of life lessons to be learned.
Onward, Madison Keys. Keep that trophy close on your way home to us, and best wishes for your continued victories in 2025. You rock, girl.
So you think you know snow? Ha. We are rolling in it in the sunny South. On January 22, 2022, I began this post with pictures of snow in our backyard.
only one dog outsidewith me three years ago: Carl
Carport Kitty reignedin the winter of 2022
(she died in October of 2022 – she never had to face a cold winter again)
Carport Kitty and Pretty have similar feelings about winter. Thankfully her heated pad keeps her toasty warm in the laundry room – Carport Kitty, not Pretty. Heh, heh.
The sun also rises, the snowflakes melt, and Pretty will leave me to work in her antique empire while I watch the disgraceful television coverage of the 2022 Australian Open this afternoon. Bollocks.
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Fast forward exactly three years to January 22, 2025. Old man Spike walks with me in the fresh snow around the pool in our backyard.
Carl still with us but prefers staying inside over his cold paws in the snow
to each his own, right?
The Australian Open is winding down to its inevitable close this weekend. We have three Americans in semi-finals this week, and not one of them is named Venus or Serena. Hm. Ben Shelton is in the semi-finals for men’s singles, Madison Keys is also in a singles semi-final, and Taylor Townsend plays doubles with K. Siniakova for the women’s doubles semi-final. Spoiler alert: at least one American will play in a final.
Between snow and semis, my sleep pattern is wrecked. I barely know what day it is on this continent – much less in Australia.
Vive la difference. Stay safe and warm. Please stay tuned. We enjoy your visits!
I'll Call It Like I See It 
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