Frog and Goat

So I voted bright and early this morning. The polling place is about 2 miles from my house in a small Presbyterian church. We used to vote at the community center but for whatever reason the church now gets the voting business (and, yes, I’m aware of how weird it is to vote in a church). The ballot didn’t really have any issues to speak of only lots and lots of people running unopposed. We were presented with 2 nominees for the Soil and Water Conservation Board. I’ve never heard of either of the people but one person’s last name was Wells. To misquote the better-half what better person to be in charge of Water than someone named Wells. I also voted for the incumbent Supervisor and gave the shaft to the guy who came out to chat me up about his vote. In a stunning campaign move the challenger created some of the worst posters and put them on Stop signs all around. I swear there are better posters for Class President in Elementary schools.

Anyway, as I was driving to the gas station (7-11 on Pole Green Road has gas for $1.35!!!) I felt the power of the people surge through me. I always feel like I’m part of something greater right after I vote. By the time I was finished pumping gas I was done with that feeling and threw away all the propaganda I was handed on my way into the polling place.

Now I’m reminded that next year’s election has me dazed and confused. I voted for Dubya the first time around but I’m not going to do it again. I suppose I should start checking out the Dems and see what any of them have to offer. I could go downstairs and visit with the Kerry people on the first floor–maybe not.

The better-half and I finished building the new Joad (the canoe carrier) and we went canoeing yesterday for the first time in a couple of years. The Mattaponi river between Zoar and Aylett was high and brisk. We spent a lot of time just holding onto the paddles and not doing any work. The river carried us. Because it was about 80 yesterday we were in t-shirts and shorts so except for the leaves it felt like we were canoeing in May. There was a guy and his son on one of those evil jet skis–they were wearing bathing suits. There’s nothing more disgusting than having your peaceable journey interrupted by a jet ski. I don’t see the point.

We saw a couple of Great Blue Herons, a duck, tons of squirrels and heard a few owls. We’re pretty sure some turtles were out as well but we didn’t see them–only heard them slipping into the water as we went by.

We were able to eat our lunch without pulling over to the bank which is not something we usually do. But since the river was pulling us so much we really only had to make sure we didn’t get sideways while we ate our sandwiches.

There were lots of people taking advantage of the weather at the Aylett boat ramp. The fishing area was fairly populated but the parking lot was full of trucks and boat trailers. I guess folks figured fishing was a better idea than watching a game on TV. We didn’t see any power boats and we usually don’t…they tend to head towards Walkerton and the fatter water. I imagine though from Aylett to Walkerton there was plenty of water traffic. We don’t do that run very often because it takes longer and you have to pay attention to the tide or you end up exhausting yourself paddling.