Vote Drama

Still I have not received an absentee ballot. I requested one weeks ago, and have been waiting for it to arrive. Here is the letter I had to fax to Madison's City Clerk today, in hopes that they email me a ballot:

October 31, 2008

To The Madison City Clerk:

I am writing because I still have yet to receive my absentee ballot. I have telephoned the City Clerk’s office several times (10/31/08, 10/28/08, 10/8/08 and one other date). I was told that my ballot was sent by mail twice. I have yet to receive either one. It is extremely important that I get to vote!

I was told that the office could send me the ballot via email. My information is below. Please send the ballot via email so I am able to return it as a vote.

My information:

Kathleen O’Connell
[Followed by all sorts of personal information]

Sincerely,
Kathleen O’Connell

Pumpkin Carving

Last night I carved pumpkins and made pizza at my house. Becca (my student) and her friend Mackenzie came over to carve with me.

(Becca, Kathy, Mackenzie and respective pumpkins.)

(My sad/scary little guy...needing a hug.)

Autumn Adventures -OR- Stubby Gnome Eats Apples

I went on another fun Julie excursion yesterday. She organized an apple, pear, walnut picking, with pumpkin choosing adventure with some of her friends. I invited along my housemate, Toby. Our adventures included apple sampling/eating, a hayride, and a dinner follow-up. It was a great Autumn adventure with good company.

(Julie showing her multi-colored apples--note that my bucket has only red apples)

(Jack, Jen, Ivan, Kathy, Toby and apples--Julie is shooting the photo)

(Manzanita eats a manzanita! and looks like a stubby garden gnome.)

Lichen the Hiking in Washington

I went hiking in Washington (across the Columbia River) with Julie yesterday. It rained the entire time, but we managed to stay happy (due to breathing in many positive ions of nature's own doing). We also managed to tire ourselves out. I can't speak for Julie, but even after my hot shower, dinner in front of a warm fire, a little reading and plenty of sleep, I am still exhausted.

(At the trail head)

(View of the trees as far as the eye could see)

(Me, at a vista, 2.5 miles into the hike)

(Julie and me, over the edge and at a vista, still 2.5 miles into the hike)

There were quite a few mushrooms along the trail. I have never seen so many. Taking photos was a good way to catch my breath as we climbed up and up (and up).

(Mushrooms that pushed through old logging road rocks)


(Grey-bearded, cracked egg mushroom)


(Mushroom-split)

(Big slug eats mushroom)

(Pink mushroom)


(Rusty-orange mushroom with rock)


(Undulating yellow-orange mushroom)

(Lumpy red-orange mushroom)

(Wine-colored mushroom)

V.P. Debates

I went with my friend Julie to watch the debates, on a TV, with loud sound, in a bar, with beers, and a bunch of like-minded Oregonians. It was a good excuse to be in a large crowd, cheering and booing and cringing at appropriate moments.

I called to make sure I was registered to vote this morning. My ballot should be in the mail soon.