I haven't written a blog in a year, but it's time.  Lots of people bluster and blow about leaving the country if situations/conditions don't suit them, but few actually leave.  I'm a stick it out at all cost person, but the recent election does it for me.  Complications arise when it comes to leaving here, even if your sights are set on Mexico.  I can drive to where I want to be there in one day, but I'm old now and have accumulated lots of stuff.  I'm also not a leave it all behind person.  Where I go, most of my stuff will go, and that includes things I've collected over a lifetime.  It also includes not leaving animals behind, and I've got quite a few of them.  But almost all things are doable, but within some time constraints.  If I could be gone from here tomorrow, I'd do it, but due to all the complications, I'll be lucky to be out of here by spring.

I've dreamed of living in Mexico for a long time, just never had the guts to take on all the hassle involved in getting there.  America's rush to the right, all this racism and bigotry, is the fuel I need to leave, and I'm dedicated to doing that.  I hoped to be dead before this happened, but that hasn't happened.  Now I'm burdened (and blessed) with property that needs to be sold, a small animal care operation to be moved, and many things to be disposed of.  That's all hard business, but it's nowhere near as hard as continuing to watch this evil circus at work here.  Bad times are coming to Mexico in that having us as a vicious neighbor to the north is problematic.  Their bad times means bad times for American too, since we're dependent on their labor and products to a great degree.  It's an ugly situation both ways, but I'd rather take my chances there.

I have contacts in Mexico and get some good news from them.  Life is better there for expats, the cost of living is at least half as much, and people there are supportive and helpful.  I don't expect to be welcomed with open arms, not after what has transpired as of late, but just being allowed in and accepted is good enough for me.  Others will go there and to other places, and that's a smart move for many of them.  I don't want to be anywhere as a refugee, so I'll go expecting to stay as long as I last. It's a good plan; it's my only chance left for a peaceful existence.