Yesterday was an odd one.
I made a decision to vote. Drove to the brand new Election Bureau constructing on Inventory Island. Packed. Parking within the lot and on either side of the freeway. Simply 40-50 automobiles. My handicap sticker proved useful. There was an open handicap spot within the lot and an attendant directed me to it.
There was an extended line ready outdoors to achieve entrance to the constructing. Earlier than I even bought to it, I bumped into Ashley. Certainly one of my physiotherapists. She had simply completed voting. Nonetheless sweating. Not from the voting. Ashley is a runner. She had run from her rental behind the Regal Theater and was going to run again. A magnificence. All a girl needs to be at 27 yeas of age. We loved a pleasing dialog. She instructed me the entire voting expertise would take about an hour.
I bought in line. Exterior, in fact. I counted the folks ready. I used to be quantity 35. The road quickly turned 50.
It was a bit heat. The constructing and bushes blocked the wind.
It took 35 minutes earlier than I entered the constructing the place the road continued inside.
There was a pair in entrance of me in line. We talked the entire time. Mid-forties. From Summerland Key. The husband started the dialog. He expressed his emotions re the election. Gave the impression of a Harris supporter. I merely nodded sure to what he stated. I’ve all the time felt a polling place is just not the place politics needs to be mentioned. Individuals are there to do their factor. The speaking behind them.
We talked about their youngsters, my Robert and Ally, the climate, value of groceries, and a ton of different miniscule issues. Now and again the husband tried to direct the dialog to politics. I prevented his transfer every time. There was one thing unusual about him. Simply earlier than we gained entry to the constructing, I understood why. He was a Trumpie. I had misinterpret him. He was carrying a crimson cap with Make America Nice Once more emblazoned on it.
The constructing inside was terrific. Air conditioned and clear. An enormous room effectively organized. Various election employees personnel standing about directing folks. I used to be impressed with the group. And the joviality. Every employees individual smiling and courteous.
My Trumpie good friend proved what he was. There have been totally different coloured traces on the ground. We needed to stand behind every as we progressed. The one close to the tip earlier than receiving your poll was orange. My Trumpie good friend stepped over the road earlier than his time and walked 5 ft forward. He was kindly reminded to return behind the orange line. He saved his head and nostril up and ignored the girl employees individual. She kindly reminded him once more. He went again, however solely to the road. Neither touched nor crossed it. A Trump asshole was all I might suppose.
After I entered the constructing, there was an empty chair inside by the door. I used to be requested if I wished to sit down. Solely me. Nobody else. I stated no. Thought, do I look that outdated?
Excessive rise tables have been arrange for folks to face at and full their ballots. Additionally, 4 small tables with chairs for I assumed the aged and infirmed.
By the point I used to be able to obtain my poll, I felt aged. I used to be drained. I had been standing about 40 minutes. It will need to have proven in my physique and face. I made a decision I used to be going to ask if I might sit and full my poll. Earlier than I might, one other employee requested if I want to sit and I graciously accepted.
It felt terrific to sit down.
It abruptly dawned on me that I have to look outdated. Don’t chortle. Earlier than my coronary heart assault in January, I used to be 89 years outdated. Folks all the time took me for an individual in his 60’s. For the reason that coronary heart assault and three coronary heart surgical procedures plus dropping 60 kilos, I’m nonetheless 89 however now should look it!
The thought didn’t make me blissful. Vainness, I suppose.
After I left and was within the lot at my automotive, the MAGA couple have been ready for me. They wished to say good bye and the way they loved our dialog. In the event that they solely knew I used to be a Harris fan. They stated I seemed disgruntled. I shortly defined how the age downside bothered me. They helped by replying you’re outdated and look outdated, and so on. I disliked them even additional.
That’s the brand new me I suppose. Eighty 9 and look eighty 9!
I hustled over to Brady’s Irish Pub for the Syracuse/Virginia Tech sport. Ruthie took care of me. Set me up with my very own TV set. I used to be the one Syracuse fan.
I had excessive hopes for Syracuse. We have been solely 4 level underdogs.
The primary half was a catastrophe. For Syracuse. Took 10 minutes to get our first down. Whereas Virginia Tech had already loved 7. With two mines to go within the first half, Syracuse was down 14-3. Syracuse had the ball nonetheless. Appeared like a Syracuse landing by half time. To not be. Syracuse fumbled. Similar to we had fumbled just a few occasions towards Pitt who slaughtered us in our final sport.
That did it for me. I by no means depart a Syracuse sport. Regardless of how unhealthy we’re getting overwhelmed. For greater than 60 years, I’ve been a diehard fan and stay until the bitter finish.
Not yesterday. I stated to myself, Screw it! I’m going residence and left at halftime. I didn’t wish to see Syracuse get humbled once more.
I can’t get Syracuse sports activities on my TV. So once I bought residence, I went to mattress and slept until nearly 5. After I woke, I checked the ultimate rating of the sport to see how badly Syracuse had been overwhelmed. Was I mistaken! Syracuse had gained 38-31 in time beyond regulation!
Now I used to be the asshole.
Syracuse had a terrific second half because it turned out. Syracuse now 6-2 and bowl eligible.
Such was my saturday. Don’t know if it was thrilling. Fascinating, positively.
Take pleasure in your day!