Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Walking again, and I VOTED

Taking a walk is so refreshing this time of year. The photos shown below were taken a little over a week ago, before autumn color peaked. It’s peaking now! Even though I’m not power walking yet, I’m moving my joints and loosening the gel that keeps them sticking while taking in the finest brilliant colors on earth.



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There’s a Mockingbird staring me down around every corner.

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Back at the ranch on this beautiful Sunday a week ago,


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Mandevilla was still blooming last week, now gone.

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Lantana gone.


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Last “Skipper on Lantana” shot of 2008.


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Oh my, is that ME looking fat and dowdy in my pink cleaning-the-pond pants? No more gazing ball shots...

A few days ago I found a good birdy spot! More next post.

Not much to say lately.

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Last Wednesday I waited an hour to vote and was thrilled to do it. On Saturday, the voting lines were so long that Michael and Gina had a three-hour wait! I don’t recall an election so exciting and seeing so many adults registering to vote for the first time. I couldn’t help but wonder where they’ve been on Election Day all their lives, as I have only missed one election since the seventies. Hurray for the young, first-time voters who turned off MTV, got off the sofa, and stood in line!

The political debates and local level media ads in my state have been wicked and disgusting. Five-year old children have more manners and dignity than these adult candidates, I hope. I voted at all levels but honestly, from President on down, I could have voted with my eyes closed.

My cynicism stems from growing up in a political household – often divided. Oh, the bad taste in my mouth still lingers.

The presidential and vice presidential candidates are good people but they scare the hell out of me. Each possesses obvious strengths. We see them, we hear them, and they sure can talk the talk. But, will they walk the walk? History shows you rarely get what you see, so I’m suspicious of all four because money talks, folks. You’ll see the scum at the local level first and these same people rise to the top out of greed and an unnatural need for power.

Whatever the outcome of this election, I’m OK with it. I'm welcoming the new! We’ll survive somehow with God’s mercy on this nation. We need the mercy right now. I hope you voted today.

This is my last political viewpoint until the next general election.

I’m Mary Contrary,
citizen of North Carolina,
and I approve this message.

34 comments:

Dog_geek said...

and I approve this message. Sheesh - I hope that's the last time I have to hear that for a while! Campaign ads were disappointingly nasty here, too, and I'll be glad to be done with them.

Wendy said...

I like your pics. They are so colourful. It's hard to say good-by until spring, isn't it?
Good to get out and walk. Breathe in the fresh air. It does make one feel more energetic.

Carol Michel said...

We've been enjoying peak color here in Indiana this past week, too, along with wonderful weather.

I voted a week ago Sunday, virtually no lines, and I'm glad I did and I'm glad this day is finally here and will soon be over.

Yes, God's mercy on all of us as we go through whatever transition is ahead for the new administration.

Carol, May Dreams Gardens

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Hi Mary, I voted today. Not a long line so we were in and out in less than 30 minutes.

This is a scary time in our lives. I hope it gets better before it gets worse.

Your walking should energize you. You look like a bright spot in your landscape with your bubble gum pink pants on.

Debbie said...

Mary, you just keep taking those wonderful photos and let the politicians do whatever they do.

God's mercy is indeed what we need. I need to learn how to pray for leaders I don't respect.

Glad you are walking. Nothing like a bit of air and some exercise clear the mind and refresh the soul.

NatureWoman said...

LOL Mary "I approve this message" Your photos are so wonderful! I love walking this time of year, too.

Robin's Nesting Place said...

Your pictures are wonderful! I love the gazing ball picture!

I absolutely hate politics because I don't trust any of them either. That being said I voted today and had no wait at all. I will be very glad when the election mess is over.

Beth said...

You know I'm still reading faithfully, girl...every time you post.

I loved this - from the colors to the political commentary at the end.

Amen!!!!!

Corey said...

Outstanding pictures as usual . . the colors RIGHT NOW are amazing. I take Kannapolis Parkway to work in the mornings and I drive at least 10 MPH below the speed limit because the trees are just beautiful. Don't worry, it's a 4-lane!

KGMom said...

Glad you are power walking--and it's the perfect time of year to do that! I love autumn.
And glad you did your citizen duty.

Unknown said...

It always feels good to vote, it's one way I can recall my life. My dad always said it doesn't matter who you vote for as long as you vote.

Rose said...

Thanks for taking us along on your walk, Mary; I enjoyed every minute of it, and my legs don't hurt a bit:)

As to politics, I am more hopeful about this election than I have been in years. But you are so right--money talks. The sad thing is that a man like Abraham Lincoln or any other "common man" couldn't become President today because he wouldn't have the money to finance a campaign.
The good thing is no more politial ads--hooray!

TR Ryan said...

Great shots Mary quite contrary and adorable post. You rock...the vote!

NCmountainwoman said...

I love the pictures (as always), and like dog geek, I will be SOOOOO glad not to hear "and I approved this message."

Q said...

Dear Mary,
My husband and I walked to the polls this morning. The long lines were great. Time people finally took action!
Glad you voted. Glad it is over.
The energy feels good.
It is perfect walking weather too. Hope you are able to have a few at home days so you can walk in the daylight.
Sherry

JeanMac said...

Gorgeous pics. Exciting day in politics.

beckie said...

Mary, Good for you!! Voting and walking, both good for the soul and for health. Your photos show a beautiful fall in your area. hasn't this autumn been glorious?!

The Quacks of Life said...

i like the last photo. very artistic. All are good though. I could learn to go off you though Mary all that flipping light. you bring that camera here and shoot in constant grey!!!

I have to admit I am sicked and tired of your election. How you lot cope is beyond me.

I do find the queueing to vote encouraging and distressing. Why is the process so slow? We just walk in tick box and walk out!! Nice to see people vote though.

Its odd we, in the rest of the world, have no vote but it affects us one hell of a lot. As you have read if I had voted it would have been Obama by default. PLEASE AMERICA in 4 years time NO to Palin. We're ripping the worlds to shreds and we need to leave something for our grandkids.

Oh and WHY is Bush president to January? Over here we vote and the next day the new guy is at his desk!

said...

Breathtaking photos as always, Mary. :o)

Beth said...

It was an exciting time to vote - such promise and such change in the air. Luckily, I didn't have to wait longer than 15 minutes. But I would have waited for hours! This is the first election I have volunteered in and the most exciting one I remember.

Thanks for the gorgeous pictures - the colors are amazing.

Beth

Cheryl said...

Love to read your politics Mary......

Your photographs on your walk are lovely.....the colours so autumnal.....the squirrel is cute.......you are obviously really loving your camera now.....it shows.......

Anonymous said...

Oh, it still looks like summer there!

We voted early here, no lines at all. We didn't get treats, though, come to think of it.

Glad to hear you are moving more easily.

You know, you could add that approve statement to every post.

BJ said...

I agree.....I'm so over this election stuff!

Your pictures are so beautiful Mary! I always enjoy coming here and seeing what gorgeous ones you've added to your collection....never disappointment.

Kathleen said...

Hi Mary,

I'm glad you are enjoying the gorgeous colors while out walking. Life is good!

nina at Nature Remains. said...

Mary, Mary, quite contrary,
I know how the words can be scary. But I feel past the words, there's truth, not for show, but for the person he is.
I trust Obama to be the change, long overdue.
And wait, eagerly, to see him take those first steps.
This should be very exciting!

Tina said...

My first time visiting your post. Loved your photos, glad to hear everyone is enjoying these fall walking hours....so soon the cold will settle we will be looking out instead of going out!!Just brought in my potted plants also..the ones I hope to encourage to continue to grow while the winter winds blow!! Enjoyed my visit, thanks! :)

Susan Gets Native said...

WE breezed right in...it helped that we voted in the middle of the day.

Keep the faith, Mary. I think America is ready, willing and able to pick ourselves up.

I'm Susan Gets Native, and I approve this message.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

HI Mary, I'm new to your blog---and am enjoying it!!! Your pictures are gorgeous!!! AND yes, I'm glad all of this political stuff is OVER. Luckily, in TN, we didn't have too much of the horribly negative stuff---but we had ENOUGH!!!! Now---I want to get out and enjoy my birds and my walks. I do walk--but definitely am not ready to 'power walk.' (Maybe in another lifetime!! ha ha)

Heidi said...

I love your fall colors and your lovely picture of you in the gazing ball... and I guess Bella too?

And about the election stuff... all I can say is Thank you God for TiVo! I missed almost all of the commercials :D

Mary C said...

Funny how I'm the next commenter after my daughter! Mary, I just wanted to say "Bravo!" You wrote: "History shows you rarely get what you see, so I’m suspicious of all four because money talks, folks." And I heartily agree! You couldn't have said it better. And those of us who do pray for our country should continue to pray that our new leader will do what is best for most, if not all, Americans. We need to pray for our government leaders that they make the right decisions. It's such a huge responsibility to live with. BTW, did you see/watch Obama's acceptance speech? Now there's a man who knows how to talk the talk.

Laurie and company said...

you are hilarious and your pictures ROCK!

laurie

Mary said...

Pete, why is Bush Pres until January? This is my take. It takes a few months of continuous obscene spending to arrange the most elaborate celebration/party/ceremony of the year. The average Joe can attend the ceremony for $600 a ticket if you stand 1/4 mile away. If you want a reserved seat, you must pay $16,000 (yes, that's one seat). Nuff said?

Mary said...

Beth (bruss1510), thanks for your comment. I have a friend in Maryland who has volunteered on Election Day for over 30 years and loves it. She commented that this one was the most exciting but it wore her out!

jason said...

Marvelous photos, Mary! I especially adore the squirrel and skipper shots. There's a certain vivacity in them that gives a dichotomy to the "heading for hibernation" seen in the stunning autumn colors.

And I do so love that self portrait.

You approve this message! LOL! I'm glad that drama is over. It'll be all too soon when we hear that filling the airwaves again.