Category: blog

There is a certain similarity in the things I have most enjoyed today:

• the clever new-to-me programme One Note, that actually lets me plan a liturgy workshop all at once without filtering it through endless scraps of paper.
• a new A3 pad, for the things that must be done by hand when process matters more than product.  (I’ve heard a rumour that some people can think without writing, but I don’t believe it.)
• a clean down-stairs — which might sound like half a job done, but Michaelmas Angels make a mess, and between holidays and illness, that mess had become an ecosystem.

and, odd one out:

• soft murmurs from Molly as she burrows deeper and deeper into the warmest blanket.  It seems that her winter coat is not yet fully in place.

Don’t miss this.

I was never good at multiple choice tests.  I always complicated the matter — read too much into the question, and thought that all of the answers were wrong (even when I could see which one they wanted.)

Who knew that could get in the way of voting?

I’ve just tried to submit my vote for the US presidential election.  It’s the first time I’ve used an overseas ballot.  But how hard can it be, right?

Well… they say follow the instructions printed on the form.  And then there are none.  Do I circle the candidate?  tick? mark with an x?  or (my favourite) use a gold star?

Does the phrase ‘Dated at ________, this ____ day of _______. 20  ‘ begin with my current location? time of day?  By length of line, I shall assume address.

Now, the questions may seem trivial, but that I know that if they want a tick and I put a circle they might count if void.  I know some of you reading this will also be voting by absentee ballot.  Is it just the Connecticut form that is so awful, or is this a problem across the board?   The photo below shows the main form, exactly as it arrived.  Don’t you think it inspires confidence?

Update: It is now confirmed that this is not a ballot.  They forgot to include a ballot (though claimed otherwise, of course).  I have been instructed to write on a blank piece of paper, ‘ I cast my vote for…’ and they say they will accept it.  I suppose I will never know if they do.

Happy Birthday, father Zebadee  (and can I have your new address sometime…)

Four friends have had birthdays so far this month, and I missed them all.  I know I usually don’t get round to sending any of the many fine cards I buy for my friends, but to commit so many sins of omission is rare.

Hmm.  Do you suppose I should take this opportunity to send the Christmas cards I got for my parents last year and the year before (6 in total, still funny, still here)?