…but a little better than in the midst of last night’s delirium.
This horse was a beautiful chestnut color yesterday afternoon—until it started watching the returns.
On my very long, head-clearing ride today I almost fell off the bike when a big red-tailed hawk swept close overhead and let out with its blood-curdling scream. Also came across several huge flocks of grackles gathering in prep for their journey south. Incessant chatter—these are sociable birds.
…though doing everything possible so far today to avoid thinking about it. Rearranging the sock drawer, putting all foldable currency in numerical order by serial number….
Actually, trying to help the county Democratic party support voters by providing refreshments….
About 30 voters in line, in Whitewater, at 7:20 A.M.
…to voters stuck in line. However, from 10 until four (our shift) there was no line, just a steady stream. This could be a positive indication that all the early voting has reduced the necessity of standing in line.
Now, on to the rest of the evening…….!!!~~***^^$#@!^&*()_+!
…in shallow places.
And perfect weather for tilling the garden, which should be done in autumn. Eventually, a layer of shredded leaves, on top of which a little compost, on top of which a layer of snow. Then, in the spring, time to grow.
Avoiding most news feeds, and trying to stay calm.
…moving by at a high rate of speed.
Meanwhile, up with the bird feeder.
…during COVID time.
Sue made up 100 TP-wrapped candy clusters, and they are out in the driveway to minimize the chance of contagion. Surprisingly, lots of kids coming by—more than any year previous.
Pax and I stay indoors, because Pax is SCARY, and barks a lot when people come to the house. This new system works really well—Pax hasn’t barked yet. Of course, things would be different it we had typical Halloween weather—cold, with freezing rain.
But we don’t.
Although the larder is full, we picked up chili at our favorite breakfast place in Milton, partially because we haven’t been able to have breakfast there for the past eight months, and because we are hoping to have breakfast there once again—as soon as there is a national covid plan.
It’s also nice not to have to cook—every so often.
This Albanian family was doing great—until the virus crippled their business. But they seem resilient and adaptive, and may well survive the pandemic.
…or so said Hoobert Heaver. I’m thanking FDR for the bird in the oven tonight, and looking forward to a new new deal, and then chicken at a restaurant, once the damned virus is dealt with seriously. Go, Joe.
…as an excuse for a scenic drive in the country.
And now Sue is calling 100 voters who have requested absentee ballots but have not yet returned them. That’s a thankless job.
…one more week of angst and dread. The future of our democracy hangs in the balance…come on people.
Aerial shot of Starin Park, soon to be home to an arboretum, I hope.
Just need to mark the date for future reference. And, maybe later, when I have the time, I will flip back one, two, and maybe three years, to late October to see what conditions were back then. Quite sure I don’t want to flip back to early November four years ago.
And for dinner, homemade pizza, using the Pinebox recipe.
…especially in Estes Park, Colorado, where, apparently, the town has been saved from the fires by the snow. The Spaldings, having been evacuated to Denver for the past three or four days, are breathing relief that their home appears spared.
No snow here in Whitewater, but some just a few miles north at Aztalan, where the three of us went for a late afternoon outing, just to get out of the house.
…caught red-handed.
All told, 14 quarts and 4 pints. Much better harvest than anticipated.
…but, apart from what is grown at home, acquiring them has become a pain.
I used to like grocery shopping the European way—stopping by a market every afternoon to see what was new, fresh, interesting, and on sale. Nowadays, not so much. In fact, nowadays we attempt to limit our grocery shopping to once every three weeks (but we sometimes fail). Although we no longer wipe down every can and cucumber, unpacking, sorting, and stashing is a major undertaking. (Thanks Sue—while I bring in, she puts away.)
After noon, over to Tom’s in Fort to photograph the last of the Tig paintings (below). On the way home, a stop at Allen Creek, as illustrated above.
Remembered this time. But not a lot to consider—chilly, dark, and damp. Lots of rain last night, and now thunderstorms in the forecast.
Pax and I to the flowing well to recharge our tankards (perfect coffee water), then to the forest preserve for a look-see and a sniff. Great Lakes still full to overflowing, and fires in the west. Looks like the Spaldings might have to evacuate Estes Park.
I knew it would eventually happen. I’ll just have to pretend that this morning is really last evening.
About the time traditionally devoted to blogging I was making a presentation to the Park and Rec Board promoting the idea of an arboretum at Starin Park. The proposal was accepted, and I forgot about other responsibilities.
Above, just a portion of yesterday’s beet harvest. Looks to be a good crop.
…slowly fading to evening drizzle.
Not all the trees in Starin Park are doing that well. I think I might use this poor oak on my Halloween card.
Trip to the dermatologist today, and lots of dog walks. Any guesses as to which was more enjoyable?
First day of in-person early voting in Wisconsin. Would love to go vote again, but that’s not quite possible. Just glad to know that our ballots have been received and are in safe storage at our municipal clerk’s office. Sad thing is that the Rebs have prohibited our clerk from even opening the envelopes until the polls close on Nov 3. Wonder why they would want a long delayed tabulation.
…after last night’s frost. The growing season is over. And the spent vines to the city compost center rather than our bins—in the interest of sanitation.
Chilly day—perfect for walking, and Pax and I did the big loop for the first time in months.
He really liked the long walk.
Quick visit, and then a walk in the woods.
New word, describing what we do there.
Inclement weather.
…on (autumn) afternoons…. Cold, clear air riding in a northwesterly blow. Pale, wintery light, and clouds trailing skirts of what had to be snow (although none reached the ground).
Almost nothing accomplished. A tiny bit of grocery shopping at the co-op in J’ville, and a box of old books donated to the (closed) library, a few nice walks with Pax, and a sit on the back patio wearing vests and gloves. But, in times like this, what’s wrong with that. Tamales for dinner.