October 2025 A Scary Line

This blog is focused on my own journey

As a reader and  writer.  These are my thoughts. 

I was in a long line at the money machine when I noticed the other long line. There were cars on both sides of the street, again. There were mothers, fathers, grandparents, and children of all ages there, again. Some wore their winter coats in the 40 degree temps but many huddled under blankets probably surprised by the chill. The line was reminiscent of those in 2020, even if those in line were unmasked and standing shoulder to shoulder. There were strollers and walkers as well as wheel chairs and market baskets. It was cold and I knew why they were there even as I was at the machine that spits out bills.

I wondered how many were impacted by the federal government shut down and how many were impacted by a local factory that shut down recently? I wondered if there were construction workers and landscapers, recently let go? I wondered how many were there because local programs such as Meals on Wheels have been reduced? I wondered if the line was longer today of if I was watching a surge?

I thought about the line as I shopped for kale and potatoes and as I read about the record, 38 trillion dollar debt. I thought about increasing inflation and slower wage growth that comes with such debt as well as a clip of the massive East Wing demolition project in Washington.  I felt sad and even a bit sick as I ate by own leek and potato soup with a fresh kale salad and wondered about the impacts of food insecurity on the health and well being of both young and old in my community. 

I hope there is a way out of this messy stage of life where so many are grateful for the boxed mac and cheese, white bread, and cereal, mainstays of food pantries. 

I thought about the blow up goblins on my street as I swept the porch in the setting sun that frankly are no where near as scary as that long line at the food bank