What to say about the election? While the results are mostly what I'd hoped for in my own state, what happened in some other parts of the country makes me very uneasy. Maybe it's natural to want to throw the bums out when things are bleak, but I think that a lot of the discontent was drummed up by businesses in support of their interests - with the result that many of the people who backed those positions were actually voting against their own interests. No one could seriously argue that universal health care is bad for individuals, but it may have an impact on the corporate bottom line. The same for banking and credit card fees and policies. While I am worried for the future I am so relieved that the President had the opportunity to do what he did in the last two years. He's someone I admire immensely, and I have faith that he will continue to accomplish great things for our country.

DH and I finally had a chance to see the movie Catfish yesterday. We'd read a couple of reviews, so we were expecting the "surprise" ending, but it was more disturbing, or maybe more complicated, than I thought it would be. Except for sweet Henry (an SI boy) and Alex, there weren't really any sympathetic characters - maybe Angela, but only slightly. Although it's presented as reality, it could easily be fiction, pure and simple - which I hope that it is because, otherwise, it's too ethically slippery.

This past Sunday was a treat. First, I got to take DD#2 to a spectacular performance of Chicago at the Dillingham Center, Ithaca College - Velma, Roxie, Mama - celebrity mania along with glitz, liquor and jazz. Then it was off to a benefit for Historic Ithaca at the The Hayloft in the Carriage House, a restored 1850s (what else?) carriage house. I got to rub elbows with politicians and famous columnists, as well as with friends and neighbors. It was great fun and I even won the door prize - August Moon Spa, here I come!

We took Catfish out of the water yesterday. It's sad because it means the end of summer, but it is a relief to have the actual boat lifting behind us. It's a completely heart-stopping moment to watch the 1500 lb. boat come up out of the water and dangle over dry land - with only DH and me in control.  The first time we tried to launch our brand new boat, it gyrated so wildly that I was sure it would crash into smithereens. Thanks to the kindness and guidance of some more experienced sailors, we have worked out all the kinks. Still, it's hard to forget the trauma we felt thanks the first time we lifted her.

I am so excited. I'm the lucky, lucky winner of two skeins of Louet Gems sock yarn (in burgundy), along with a copy of Blue Peninsula's Anita Caroline scarf pattern. I've tried a few lace patterns before, but they've been a challenge - mostly because I'm a multi-tasking knitter, and I get distracted and lose my place. But I can't wait to try this beautiful scarf pattern. Thanks again Bonnie!

It seems almost miraculous but my broken toe isn't giving me pain anymore. It has been hurting me - sometimes agonizingly - since the Rosanne Cash concert in mid-August, nothing to do with Rosanne of course. Suddenly it's better, just a couple of twinges. The absence of pain is a wonderful thing. What do they say - when you've got your health you've got it all.

I went swimming in the lake yesterday and the day before. I've started wearing a wetsuit and I can stay in as long as I like, such a pleasure. Even though the air is still warm, the surface lake temperature is around 64 degrees, quite chilly, and as you go deeper it's even more frigid. It's so much colder than the bay - must be the depth or the lack of the Gulfstream. I hope I can keep swimming well into October. Then it will almost be ski season!

We had lots of fun at the Great NY State Fair this past weekend with DD#2's dance team. Saw the world's largest butter sculpture, with amazingly detailed cows peering out from a barn; an enormous giraffe; fried food of every description; and some great acts in the Talent Showcase. Our dance team advanced into the semifinals but didn't make the finals this year. “Trash Talk,” a percussion group that played on shiny trash cans, won a first place in the 13 and over division - they were fabulous!