Someone remind me that planning to depart for vacation the day after a big event or holiday is a bad idea.  I need the reminders because it is something I keep doing.  And of course, I had to make our Halloween costumes this year – thank God, for my mother.   Tonight I just finished knitting Chris a hat for winter and for his costume.   Now I need to get directions for our treks..um, might be important.  Today was the cooking marathon because tomorrow is the Halloween marathon….

I wish you all could read the fab blog in my head – I post to it all the time – I even have photos with the post.  If only that would trigger a post to this blog….

With that, Happy Halloween to you all and Happy Election Day – we will be in the woods hoping to get cell phone reception so we can find out who are next leader is.  Depending on the outcome, we may stay in the woods!  :-p

If you have some time and want to read a fascinating article with great depth, read this one about the Democratic Party and Obama.  It talks about his passion for building organizations (a passion I deeply share) and how Clinton was alternatively focused on the ideology of the party.  I was amazed at how much goes into making a presidential candidate.  The organization itself is massive.  Also seeing how a political party operates.  Even if you are not a Democrat – the article is well-written with some great background.  I guess in an election year where we are getting stump speeches, sound bites and a complete lack of depth – this article is a breath of fresh air.

….and regardless of who you are going to vote for, please vote!!  It is an amazing right we have and the best way to celebrate it is to use it!

Don’t forget to check out a sample ballot in your part of the country as in addition to president there are local elections and propositions to vote on.   The outcomes will be interesting  – have you seen this “personhood” amendment?

And while we are in the midst of election, a global financial meltdown and one of the worst recessions ever, keep the Democratic Republic of Congo in your thoughts.  The rebels are closing in and things are so bad there.  They are saying that this conflict may end up being the deadliest conflict in the world since World War II.  I am saddened that given all the tragedy – especially the abominable scale on which woman have been raped and enslaved – we haven’t done more to end this.

*sigh*  Sorry to be a Debbie Downer.  With that, I am signing off to finish packing and go hide out in the woods for a week.  Here’s hoping the election doesn’t end up in the courts again!   Love to you all!