Election Day

Today (November 8, 2011) is Election Day. I voted at 6:45 a.m. before going to work. I was the 27th person to vote at my polling place.

There really weren't many issues this time; just local, town offices: Council Representative, Constable, Planning & Zoning; and Board of Education. I didn't think there was much of a choice, so I didn't vote for anyone (but wrote in "Bill Collector" for council).

I think it is important to participate in the election process even if there is nothing to support. I believe that if everyone voted a blank ballot, the results would send a strong message.

The voting process in my town is weird and clunky. We have two different voting locations, depending on the type of election (local vs. federal) based on representative districts. The only way to confirm the correct voting location (other than showing up) is to call the town hall. Nothing on the Internet.

This time, I voted at the local high school. In past elections, flags were posted at the entrance to the parking lot, sign on door, and politicians outside for a last plea for support. This time, there was nothing-no flags, no people, no signs. I had to ask if I was at the right place. But I did get a sticker (see above) after I voted.

Guy Fawkes Day-Fall Back

Saturday, the 5th of November is celebrated in England as Guy Fawkes Day. I first heard of the holiday years ago via a John Lennon song.

As usual for a Saturday, Richard had a roller hockey game this morning. His team won, 6-4. Richard had a pretty good game, scoring 2 goals and has 1 assist.

We weren't sure where to have lunch today since most of the West Hartford area is still without power from last Saturday's storm. Lynn's apartment still has power but they lost cable (TV and Internet) last Sunday.  No school all week. As we were driving around, there are still an incredible amount of trees down.

We ended up eating lunch at one of our favorites, Angelina's Pizza. We split a meatball grinder and a Caesar salad.

After lunch we drove around trying to think of what to do. We decided to drive to my place and play ping pong. We hadn't done that for a long time because the table had broken. But the Condo Association got a new table recently. So we played 3 games. Richard won the first game and then graciously let me win the next two.

After ping pong, we went up to my apartment where Richard got caught up on the Internet (mostly hockey news). We then played a long game of (cards) War. Richard won.

While on the Internet, we realized that the (AHL team) Sound Tigers was playing at home (Bridgeport) tonight. After checking with Lynn, we went to the game. Sat in one of our favorite spots, Section 100-right behind the goal. The Sound Tigers won 3-2.

By the time I drove Richard back to Lynn and then turned around and drove home it was nearly midnight. However, "today" (actually Sunday at 2 a.m.) is the change to Daylight Savings Time. "Fall back."

Happy Halloween!

Trick or Treat! This is what my apartment door looks like, decorated for Halloween.  Several years ago, I was able to buy these plastic molded decorations from the dollar stores. I got one for each holiday. In a few weeks I will put up the turkey, then Santa, then a snowman. Since I am in an apartment building, I don't get any trick or treaters.