Responsibilities and Rewards

Protecting truth and democracy can be hard work; hard work requires tasty fuel and deserves some reward.

Fruity Pebbles doughnut (vegan) at Innocent Yesterday.

Morning was spent finishing up postcards urging voters to get out and vote; yes, I favor one side over the other, and my cards were addressed to those most likely to be likeminded... the details about the tasty morsel in the first photo might give away my leanings (in case this whole blog hasn't yet).

The postcards went out days later than I had intended; it was a busy work week. But I committed to sending ten, so I did, and maybe they'll get to their destinations just in time for Election Day on Tuesday, if the mails go smoothly. Hey, we're all still just trying to do the best we can - I am still trying, anyway; maybe others are already back at their best and I'm just behind. So I will keep trying to forge ahead at my pace.  

After the post office stop, I went to meet Sissy on this unusually warm November day to vote early. Early voting is just such a wonderful option to have - a game changer! That some are trying to restrict it in other states is a travesty.

Mac 'n "cheese" with additional balsamic glazed roasted brussels sprouts at Innocent Yesterday. 

On reaching the voting site and finding a surprisingly long line, we opted for lunch first nearby instead, outside, hoping the line would shorten upon our return. We ate at Innocent Yesterday, a vegan cafe near our early polling site. I got the mac 'n "cheese" with roasted balsamic brussels sprouts - excellent, and could not resist the Fruity Pebbles doughnut - how pretty and delightful!

We gambled wrong, though, on the timing for the voting site. The polling line was even longer when we got back to it, but went fairly quickly. I suppose it's gratifying that so many people were out and exercising their rights. And it was certainly quicker and easier than 2020, so I can't really complain. 

Then off to Central Park so Sissy could photograph a tree that had caught her eye days before. And a swing around the Reservoir at my insistence for good measure with the leaf peeping. Gotta seize the opportunities when they come. And after my flurry of productivity yesterday, I deserve a chance to take in pretty Fall colors, darn it! Especially when it feels like this year has flown by.

Lastly, back to Yorkville and toward home, a hunt to find ingredients for my contribution to a dinner party tomorrow evening. Dinners are back, socializing is back. The pandemic changed some things, many things, but some of the nice things are back the way they were before ...

... And how fortunate are we for the enduring things. For science, for sanity, for truth, for compassion, for democracy. Endeavors and values to exalt and cherish, and protect.