Random Notes from the Sandwich Life

1.  In the past on Halloween, Leo was always a bit shy about going up to the doors and saying trick or treat.  That was Owen’s job.  In fact one year Owen decided he was done with trick or treating and took off his costume but then went along with Leo to knock on doors for him.  People would attempt to give him candy and he would cheerfully say, “oh no thank you, I’m just here to knock on doors for my brother.”  This year Leo opted to stay home and give out candy and Owen was a totally different creature without him.  He was very shy and at least until he got in the swing of things, had to be encouraged to walk up to every door.  It’s interesting to think about the roles we play with others and the way they shape us.  Once he got some kudos for his costume though he started to loosen up…. 

2.  We normally get few to no trick or treaters at our house.  We're tucked away at the end of the street and people seem to miss us so the last few years we've just gone out with the boys and not stayed home.  Since Leo had chosed to stay home though we left a bag of candy with him.  He took his role quite seriously and when I got home he'd turned the porch light out since he'd given out all the candy....and he was QUITE pleased with himself.

3.  Last night was sort of a blegh night.  I was out of sorts for whatever reason.  I got home and everybody seemed buried in things so I got on the computer and started doing some work on something I’d been promising my sister forever.  The boys wanted to eat while I was in the middle of it so Ernie went ahead and got them dinner and I figured we’d eat later.  Of course about 15 minutes after he ate Owen melted into tears because he’d wanted a family dinner.  Way to make your mother feel guilty.  I apologized and promised that we’d all eat together tonight.  Then he asked if he could decide what we were going to have.  I hedged a bit but finally asked him what he wanted and he said he wants lamb.  Lamb?  Yes, he wants lamb.  I said, “uh…o.k.” and then he asked if one of the side dishes could be an experiment food.  “Uh,….o.k.” I said.  This should be interesting.  I’ll let you know…..

4.  I voted today but I didn’t feel wonderful about some of it.  I LOVE to vote.  I always think of my grandfather, who even when he was in his 90s would put on a jacket and tie and wear his hat to go vote.  I still have that hat somewhere.

5.  I’m in a bad mood today.  Hmm.  I wonder why.

6.  Some random videos....  I love this clip of the crowd singing Broken Whiskey Glass to the Scorchers....somehow it makes me want to cry.  There's just something rather touching about it.

 
7.  My pick for Mayor of Champaign come the next election (and it's not just because he can be amusing).

 
8.  A tree at Allerton