Happy Halloween

The storm, such as it was, is past. We didn't have any damage here at the Crotch. Apparently, setting up the generator and pitchers of water sent the wind away to lash and bash elsewhere.
It is remarkable how this weather event is apparently able to outplay two billion dollars of ad money in the election. Whether or not it will really make any difference, who knows? But it is a lovely distraction.
For some time I have dreaded election night, and have thought of departing for foreign climes. However, having received an invitation to watch election returns at Angus King HQ in Freeport, I am thinking, why not go with a winner? Then come home and go to sleep.
Yes, that's my jack o'lantern to the right. My real hope was to put an LED candle into the mouth of Jonas... now there would be a REAL jack o'lantern! Anyway, I have baked the seeds. They're not as good as Molly's or Bart's, but they are pretty tasty nonetheless.

Here Comes the Storm

Maybe. There have been so many false alarms that it is hard to fear catastrophe. Indeed, we have been very fortunate not to be in the vortex of any of the bad weather... for quite a while. Perhaps it is our turn. Anyway, we have gas for the generator, all batteries and computers are charged up, and we are battened down. Even now, Grandma is picking the tomatoes that have not yet ripened, and putting them into a paper bag.
It is Sunday, and the Eagles are getting trashed. This pleases me somewhat, as it makes it much more likely that the coaching will change. On the other hand, if the fat fella with the bristly mustache remains, Sundays will be liberated for more productive activities. All good, right?

Sea Smoke

Another beautiful morning, almost freezing but not quite. Our volunteer tomatoes, prolific this summer, are still producing. Next year I will plant only compost.
Yesterday we went with the McIlvains and orange-clad Dodger to Hermit Island for a walk. It was gorgeous and almost deserted. Only after we returned did we find, online, a map that would have been helpful in navigating the island beyond the campground. However, Betsy's used John iPhone to help us orient somewhat. Great spot.

Autumn

The maple leaves are down, and the oaks are coming at their usual slow pace. But the colors, though not as vivid as in some years, were very long-lasting. Seasons seem stretched out this year. I hope that winter will be an exception, although forecasts say it will be a cold one.
We raked up most of the pine needles last week, and today I will use the power mower to mulch and collect the leaves that are down. The final stage won't happen for a couple of weeks, when we rake up the remaining leaves and dump them on Ben's logs. Ah, fall.

Last Boothbay trip

With our boats solidly on land and covered by tarps, we took a final trip to Boothbay Harbor with the McIlvains in Ardea. Most of the restaurants are closed now, but there was a tour group in town and the stores were doing some business. We lunched at the Ebb Tide, which had the feel of an old diner, very cozy and with good food. Although I thought we hadn't boated much this summer, we did a lot more than John and Betsy, and actually, we got around pretty well, although we never went to Bowdoinham or Casco Bay. Next year for that.

BOOM

We had an earthquake! First since 1940 in Maine. I see, however, that Alaska had SIX quakes yesterday (and you can see Russia from there!). Anyway, Grandma heard the runup to it, and then we heard and felt the BOOM. I went outside to see what had fallen, but of course nothing had. Word got out soon thereafter.
Also BOOM was OBOOMa in the second debate last night. He felt the power. Watching the debate, something I normally hate, was a lot more fun than watching the Eagles or Patriots.

Contempt

Part of the American myth is the belief that our heroes can always rise to the challenge. We expect so much. If those whom we hold dear fall short through lack of effort or commitment, what we feel is not disappointment, but contempt... because, after all, they are not worthy. Hence the vituperation that befalls the Eagles and the Patriots, who could not hold onto normally safe leads on Sunday.

Hence also the problem for Barack Obama. By giving a lot less than we thought was his best in the first debate with a punching bag Romney, he earned not disappointment, but contempt. Although the press had ballyhooed the importance of the debate, Obama apparently thought otherwise. Thus many turned away from him, and made themselves see in his flyweight opponent something of value: conviction. Romney is convinced that he will and should win the election, and he believes that it is a good thing to lie if that helps. Not to call Romney on his immorality may cost Obama the White House because he did not rise to the challenge.