October 9

 Still dark out here with a bit of light appearing in the sky. We are recovering from two days of doctors' appointments--especially yesterday which began very early to accommodate an 8:30 appointment. Although the session itself didn't last very long getting there meant being wake and moving sooner than normal. We like slow and gradual not fast and immediate.

Right now we aren't going anywhere until the paving of the street at the back of the building and a couple of connecting streets is finished. Monday we went out an saw NO PARKING  signs "by police order" while the paving is done. Our designated parking area borders the street and everyone was supposed to move their cars. Some didn't and will not be able to get out until the job is finished--maybe tomorrow. It was amazing to see the cars lining the front street. We have about two dozen four-plex units with most having two cars attached to each. Streets nearby also had cars from our complex lining the curbs. We were lucky to get a close spot which was still open when we got back from the appointment.

Don't think I am complaining. About four years ago we complained to our landlords that we were dodging Volkswagen-eating potholes. After trying to get the city to repave then they hired a paving company to repair the worst affected areas directly in front of their buildings. The repairs were breaking down and potholes had become a problem again. But this time the city came through. For the last fifteen years or so we have had a couple of very capable Republican mayors and their administrations have made infrastructure improvements a priority. Streets we had long complained about have been repaired over time with the politicians actively informing people of where the money was coming from and being spent. These Republicans are the ONLY Republicans I have voted for and will vote for this time around.

I commented a couple of times on the changes we noticed in the lawn signs this election cycle. This piece from Patheos reflects what we have seen: a decrease in the number of signs for the presidential candidates. Yesterday we noticed a couple of new Harris/Walz signs and I noticed a number lawns sporting signs supporting local democrats but not including Harris/Walz. I have no idea of how people are planning to vote but far fewer are announcing their preferences by way of yard signs.