Malaise in an Election Year

The parade and festivities of the Fourth were really aided by some spectacular weather --- a moment of warming in a generally cool summer -- and a generally well-planned day. Of course, the parade is the highlight, mainly for the chance it gives to interact with friends and neighbors during the endless procession of emergency vehicles. Instead of endless candy, it was refreshing to see flags for kids as a major subtheme. It must be an election year.
I enjoyed my usual perch in front of Len Millard's third street retreat and really appreciated it when he brough out chairs for the old-timers. And I don't mean Anton65 although he stopped by as did the mayor. There is now a Len Millard picture floating around of the three of us but I suspect she would not want that published, especially in an election year.
I was kind of hoping to run into six-shooter, schmitty, gopher, or any number of the denizens of this digital home town. And maybe I did and just didn't know it. A few people asked about roj as though I would know him if I saw him. My response is that the true American patriots are all staying down south and probably getting to bid farewell to Senator Jesse Helms, that great patriot.
Anyway, the streets of International Falls are clean and quiet, but still dangerous, and we are all waiting for the Monday Journal to discover what we all experienced over the weekend. And that is just enought to get me out of the library and over to Menards, my favorite store.

Now that the fourth is over, we have said goodbye to summer and are wearing turtlenecks for the trip over the water and drinking hot stuff at Coffee Landing just to get the blood flowing. It got up to 68 degrees yesterday and may get that warm today if everyone does what I did yesterday: burn those brush piles that have been lying around. There is zero fire-danger here.
My brother and his family came out to visit last night and he was decked out in his snowmobile suit. He is more committed to the global warming theory than I, so this is a hard pill to swallow. This may just be one of those summers when the third week of July spells the end of swimming and we start the downward spiral into winter just as the election starts to heat up. So, roj, laud old Jesse. I suspect that he was transported immediately to heaven like most of the patriarchs of the bible, so the coffin will just be a formality. He and Lee Atwater will likely be directing the republican campaign from above as it is beginning to look like McCain is the chosen candidate of the so-called Christian right [Dr. Dobson]. And that will make it hard for Mr. Obama to steal a state or two in the South.

How about y'all sharing the photo on here!!!! I know what TLJ looks like (excellent photos on utube of the "King of jumprope"), but how bout that "grizzled" ole Anton??

First question: who is "John McCartney"?? TLJ, you already ARE a celebrity, so you had better let some air out!! But, I will make plans to hopefully get up there for the 4th next year. I still like the idea of a DJ Blogger's reunion/get together!! I still have my Bush tax rebate check, so I'll save it for my air fare (plus checked baggage fee).

I second the motion to welcome back, Doorsman54 (whomever you are). How bout some more hints on your identity!! TLJ and I are anxious to find out who you are. I have my suspicions, (ie- Big Island Sheriff ties, shallow water cabin location, etc....). But, if you are who I think you may be, don't let my "big brother" influence your decision to "out yourself" to me!! TLJ and the "third grader" comment are safe from my verbal jousting!! I'm still trying to win in the game of "are you smarter than a fifth grader"!