How did you spend election night?

Elizabeth, my temporary tenant, volunteered to "babysit" me, because I was nervous about the election--days ago. But today I was sort of philosophical. I made black bean soup and a salad, and then we worked on the jigsaw puzzle. When she gave up and went out to the aaprtment, it was late--all of 7:45! I'm back at my desk, with the television muted. Honest, I found out more on Facebook than I did on the news, and I've decided I probably just want to find out in the morning. Will go to bed early.
Do I think it's a crucial election? Of course. Anyone who knows me knows that. I've been threatening to move to Scotland if the Republicans win, but everyone knows I won't leave my family. (If it weren't for them, the idea has great appeal!) I am cheered now--just glanced at the TV and see that the President has pulled ahead in electoral votes.
This may be as bad as 2008, where we don't know in the morning, but you know what? I've done what I could. I've been vocal in person and on Facebook, I voted early, and, yes, I've prayed. I feel a bit guilty because I didn't walk blocks for the President or other candidates I care about, but that was beyond my precarious balance these days. I've honestly tried to have intelligent discussions with others--not always possible, on either side.
A wise friend wrote that all she wanted was for the country to unite behind whoever wins. Easier said than done, and I fear that our country is so polarized that won't happen. But maybe that's good. Maybe checks and balances will work out and prove the wisdom of the Founding Fathers.
I'm babbling. Sign of tension. 'Night  all.

A voice from the past

One of the wonders of Facebook is that you reconnect with old friends, some from a really long time ago. A few weeks ago a woman sent a friend request. I responded by asking if she was the Ellen I  remembered from years (forty or so) ago. She was. And she liked my mysteries. Better yet, she posted about how much she liked them. I remembered her and her husband, had two tags in mind--photography and dogs. I finally met them when I spoke to Rotary South in Fort Worth but we had no time to visit. Today, she and I caught up over lunch.
She remembered more than I did. We met in 1969 when she and her husband, still in their early twenties, moved to Fort Worth and bought a Cairn terrier from us--we were raising them at the time. We were, she said, their first friends in Fort Worth. I do remember tht we saw a lot of them for a while but then drifted  apart. She had new perspective on my ex-husband,  reminding me that Fort Worth was then still a small town, and she told me things people said. Nothing surprised me, except that it was such general knowledge--like, "Don't go into business with him. You'll lose your shirt."
But beyond that she's had an interesting life and she recounted stories of her trips to Scotland and Norway, apparently the lands of her heritage--well, Orkney to be exact. We shared stories of adoption--she was adopted but did not have the happy experience my children and I have had. We talked about writing and research and wannabe writers who get it wrong. And, oh yes, in this day of limbo, we talked about politics (she actually cheered me with her surness that the President will be re-elected). The whole lunch and reacquainting was lovely.
Tonight a friend came for leftovers, and we visited much longer than either of us meant to, but it was good and fun. And the leftovers were even better today.
No work done, but I've finished the draft of the novel and this afternoon I wrapped Christmas gifts. I can goof off with a clear conscience.