Decision 2008

It's election night and within the last hour, the networks declared that Barack Obama will be the next president of the United States of America. I wonder if, years from now, John Patrick will read in history books at school about this historic night, when our great nation elected an African American president for the first time in history.

Just for fun, I drove down to the Mercy Lounge, where the local Democrats were holding an election party. I had a difficult time finding a parking place, because there were so many people at the party. As I waited in line to go inside, I struck up a conversation with an older, African American woman in front of me. She literally squealed with delight when I told her the networks had declared that the state of Virginia had gone Obama's way.

I only stayed at the party for five or ten minutes, because I just wanted to see firsthand the how excited the people there were. The crowd was very young and very diverse, which I expected. It was amazing to see such a diverse crowd celebrating together. It gives me hope that, perhaps, when all is said and done, Barack Obama may be able to unify our country after all.

Barack Obama and his family just walked onto the stage at Grant Park in Chicago, where he is going to give his acceptance. Over 100,000 people are in attendance there, which is incredible. I'm going to listen to him give what should be a historic speech.

The Calm After the Storm

It's late and I'm going to go upstairs in a minute, look in on John Patrick, then read in bed for a little while before I go to sleep. I'll write more later about the Leaf Party Weekend, hopefully tomorrow.

Troy, Cyndi and the kids (Wolf, Scout and Finn) left our house for the airport about 7 p.m. As always, there was a whirlwind of activity as they wound up their stay with us by packing their things and loading the rental car, before racing to the airoprt. Somehow, Scout lost her shoes. I took the annual photograph of the Baines family on our front porch steps, we hugged and said our goodbyes, then Jude, John Patrick and I walked up the front port steps and into the house. Jude held John Patrick and waved to Cyndi through one of our front windows and, suddenly, they were gone and our house was quiet again.

Jude fed John Patrick at the dining room table, in his high chair. I made a sandwich and sat down at the table with them. Jude and I talked about the weekend a bit, but mostly felt sad that it had passed by so quickly. Later, when she took him upstairs to get ready for bed, I cleaned up the last remnants of the party in our front yard. I felt a bit melancholy, as I pulled the John Deere wagon around back, loaded down with various toys, camping chairs and coolers. I smiled when I got around back and kicked the soccer ball that Wolf, Scout and I had been playing with a few hours earlier.

Jude and I are so blessed to have friends like Troy and Cyndi Baines. It's wonderful to have them as guests at our house, but it's so sad when they leave. It reminds us of how much we miss them and how much fun we would have with them, if they still lived in Nashville. We marvel at how much Wolf and Scout have grown. Time is fleeting and passes by so quickly. Really, in the blink of any eye, it seems, the years slip by.

Daddy and John Patrick on Halloween.

Young Jane, Phil, Jude and John Patrick.

Wolf and Scout, on the front porch swing, getting ready to trick or treat in the Hood.

Halloween in the Hood!!

Our friends, Troy and Cyndi Baines and their children, Wolf, Scout and Finn arrived in town yesterday for the 6th Annual Leaf Party. Tonight, we loaded up the strollers and trick or treated in the Hood. Although it was hit or miss, we visited several houses in the neighborhood where Wolf and Scout, dressed as a vampire and a witch, respectively, got lots of treats.

We stopped by the fire station on 12th Avenue and Wolf and Scout actually gave the firemen a bunch of candy. We also stepped inside and took a look at one of the firetrucks. The kids were impressed.

After Cyndi and Jude put the kids to bed, Troy and I stopped by Hal Humphreys' 40th birthday party ("Hal-loween") on Halcyon Street. Then, we grabbed a quick bite at Mafiozza's and came home for the night.

Tomorrow, the Leaf Party!

I took this photo today, as John Patrick and I strolled through our neighborhood. The gargoyle sits atop a pretty cool building that a developer completed nearby. I think there are four condominiums each in two buildings.