Restoring sanity

Two days after the mid-term elections and last Saturday's rally on the mall seems so far away.  It is probably too much of a naive hope that some civility will creep into the political conversation now after the elections and after the rally.

But we did have fun!  Janet and Johanna came down the night before (Peter couldn't come as he was preparing for a day in court).  We headed off in the morning for a pre-rally brunch at Jeffrey and Melodie's.  There we met their friends and warmed up since it was kind of cold (thanks so much.)  Jeff and Melodie are steeped into wedding planning and looking to nail down place and timing soon.

We walked down to the mall and made our way to the back of the crowd 4-5 blocks from the stage.   We lost Jeff and Melodie and their friends in the crowd but found a spot within sight of the last jumbo-tron and loudspeakers.   Margaret and her friend James had tickets to join a spot up front where they had eyeball view of the stage (not via big screen.)  And despite the massive cell use, we did hear from Joe that he was there, somewhere in the crowd.  We later learned that Grandma watched the whole event on tv but couldn't see any of us!  The time moved quickly through skits and music and speeches, and it was all very well done.  Part of the show were the signs people were carrying, creative and absurd and fun.  Lots of highlights, and only a couple of criticisms.  

That night we joined up with Margaret for dinner at our favorite Mexican restaurant and then home to watch a scary movie - day before Halloween!!

Other than rally and elections, Mary had a four-day weekend as schools were closed for the elections.  Margaret is hosting a group of Iraqis these next two weeks and had an eventful arrival where security held up most of the group making them miss their connecting flight to DC.  Joe finished up his short contract and spent a couple of days in western Maryland with his friend Tamara.  We heard from Annie a few times, and she continues to tutor and interview for longer term prospects, as well as take Chinese classes.

I spent the prior week up in Pittsfield doing odd jobs and just being on call for the contractor.  Dan Boyle had stayed in the house (with hardly any heat) as he had come north for this college reunion.  We had a nice day driving around Adams and Williamstown, including a visit to the beautiful art museum on the Williams campus.  Progress on the house continues as the contractor is trying to seal it up for the winter.

I also found the second tick of the season on me, so I am heading off momentarily to the clinic to get checked up.  And. I almost forgot, we sold the Subaru so we are down to just 3 cars in front of the house!  Phew.

Hope all is well with you all!  Love from down here.