Voting -and- No Pizza

We vote absentee. I have done so for about 30 years, and Laura began doing so several years ago. I much prefer the comfort of my home or office, with research information at hand, to the polling place. Laura is voting today. She has been very tardy and must now take her ballot to the polling place in order that it is received in time to be counted.

I cast my ballot two weeks ago. I was doing so at my office and was interrupted by a client who asked what I was doing. I thought it was obvious, but I told her that I was voting. She told me, "Only people who can't make it to the polling place are supposed to vote absentee." A discussion followed, during which it became apparent that not only did this lady have no clear understanding of the absentee voting process, she had no understanding whatever of the measures. Her voting "strategy" employed using a pamphlet sent out by our Governor, casting her vote in direct opposition to Arnold's suggestions. I said, "All things considered, California would be better served were you to stay in bed on election day." She frowned and said, "Voting is a right that cannot be taken away." "Actually," I said, "voting is a privilege that can be taken away. At that point, she grimaced and turned the discussion to her computer. Her description of the problems she was experiencing indicated to me that her computer was infected with spyware. I told her this and quoted an estimate for the removal of the spyware. She thanked me and left. She returned the following day with her computer. There were no political discussions.

Generally, we have pizza on Friday nights. We enjoy pizza, beverages, and a movie or two on Fridays, because (in part) preparation and cleanup are minimal, and relaxation and entertainment are primary. Since we had so much pizza earlier in the week, it was decided that we would seek an alternate -- albeit similarly "easy" -- meal. We happened upon Country Crock Macaroni and Cheese at Safeway. We had seen this product advertised on television. We generally eschew such prepared foods but decided to try it. We added a large kielbasa and a large jug of Smirnoff to the shopping cart. We grilled the kielbasa and put the tub of macaroni and cheese in the microwave for five minutes, as directed. With a spicy horseradish mustard dip for the grilled kielbasa and a healthy sprinkling of chrushed red peppers on the macaroni and cheese, all was very tasty. I recommend Country Crock Macaroni and Cheese.

Where Is the Storm?

Where is the storm that was predicted? Yesterday was windy and chilly, but there was no rain. Today, the wind is gone, and the sun is shining. I am not complaining, since I loathe rain and cold weather. Hopefully, we will be grilling this weekend!

RAMMMMM was dangerously thirsty for fuel this morning; in fact, he has been dangerously thirsty for several days. The lines at the gas station near my house have been discouragingly long, however. This morning, the needle on RAMMMMM's fuel gauge cried out to me, demanding attention. Never underestimate the power of prayer: As I departed my parking space in front of my house, I thanked God for facilitating access to the fuel pumps. When I turned the corner and the gas pumps came into view, I was thankful (but not surprised) to see that the path to the pumps was clear. There were no vehicles ahead of me!

The credit card processing system at the pumping station was inoperative. I went inside to pay and was asked for my driver's license. I displayed it but said, "Think about this, if you will: Had the machine been operative, it would not have asked to see my driver's license." The clerk admitted that this was a valid observation.

Fuel prices remain high here. Premium was $2.89 per gallon this morning. $40.00 worth of this precious fluid moved the needle of RAMMMMM's fuel gauge barely 1/3 of the distance between E and F. RAMMMMM was dangerously thirsty.

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Leftover Pizza -and- the Ugly Building

We enjoyed the remaining half of the Safeway deli pizza for dinner last night, and it was very nearly as good reheated as it was when freshly cooked Monday night. We enjoy cooking -- particularly grilling meats, fish, seafood, and vegetables -- but we enjoy a nice pizza at times. This was a particularly delightful pizza.

I have received several emails inquiring about the hideous empty building across the street, asking just how hideous it is! Well, by any standard, it is most hideous indeed. Only the addition of a gargoyle atop this building is requisite to complete it as a true paradigm of hideousness.

You shall now have the opportunity to view this monstrosity for yourself, but be warned before you cast your eyes upon it: It is truly frightening to behold!

THERE! I warned you! Click upon the image of this horrid structure if you dare!

Legends concerning this building are many; common decency does not permit recounting them. Suffice it to say that the attic, it is said, is home to thousands of bats, and cats and dogs cross the street to avoid passing near the building!

Pizza -and- the Harvest Festival

While shopping at Safeway on Sunday, we picked up a fresh pizza from the deli there. Laura had volunteered to work at the Harvest Festival, beginning at 7:30 PM, so we decided that a pizza prior to her departing for the event would be a great choice for dinner, rather than eating late following her return. The pizza was called "The Works" and was HUGE! We ate and ate and ate, and there was half remaining when we could eat no more. It was easily the best non-delivery pizza I have ever eaten! It was also an incredible bargain at only $7.00!

We have made a discovery, certainly, and will enjoy Safeway deli pizzas often in the future. A Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale was an excellent accompaniment.

The Harvest Festival was a great success! The weather was perfect. Over 4,000 people enjoyed this Christian alternative to Halloween. This event is presented each year by Harvest Christian Center. There were games, music, cookies, and lots of candy. The event is an example of Harvest Christian Center's dedication to the salvation and spiritual growth of the youth of this area.

It is overcast today and 63 degrees at 8 AM. It is entirely possible that our beautiful weather will soon be a fond memory.