2215; tight but looking good for Obama.  Decided to watch Fox News for a few minutes, just to get riled up at the bullshit therein!

Went to the liquor store to get one bottle of wine (note the 'one') to imbibe whilst we watch the election coverage.  Anne has voted - no secret that she has voted for the Democrats.  Her Mum has also stuck with Obama - only second time in her life she has voted Democrat.  Her Dad probably voted Republican, despite Anne having put on one liberal documentary or show after another all week.  Nice try!

Come on Barack!

In-laws have power and have gone home.  It has been nice having them here, especially to spend time with the kids.  They both noted how well Joey was coming on, which is nice.

But we are not 100% there and we had a bit of a face-off this evening.  Joey is not always as nice to Izzy as he should be.  When she is hurt, even when Joey has done it (eg by accident on the trampoline), and crying, he shows little or no empathy for her.  Then this evening, they were playing really nicely downstairs, both dressed up as a sheep (Joey) and a polar bear (Izzy)  and decided to put on a show.  Izzy didn't get it right, Joey became cross with her, told her she was out of the play and then got cross again when she cried.  When we pulled him up for this, he got all indignant, refused to talk about it properly and it all escalated to the point where he was sent to bed early.

I will say one thing about wee Joey, he has got balls.  He really will not back down.  If we can just channel that better, it will stand him in good stead.  I think that we will manage that.  Hopefully.

Kids back at school, in-laws back here!  Kids went back OK, bit of moaning from Joey but not too bad.  In-laws had hoped to be back in their house today but still now power so camping out here.  Hitting the gym tomorrow for first time in months.  After some 10 days without booze, had a few at the weekend.  You do feel better without the poison!

In-laws went back this morning - but are returning as they still do not have power in Ridgewood!  At least Anne and I were able to go out for dinner last night whilst they put the kids to bed!

Just heard from one of Anne's friends in Pelham - still now power and not expected back until 9 November.  And it is getting cold.

Kids back at school tomorrow.  Hurray!  I think that we are all getting a bit stir-crazy.  There is nothing really on in the area for them to do.  Fortunately the weather has been kind - no rain and generally not too cold.  They have spent a lot of time on the trampoline.  Joey has fallen out a couple of times with the neighbour, Chris.  But we think that it is at least partly because of Chris' sensitivities, not because Joey is doing anything wrong.   His parents are separated and I think that he is going through some tough times.

Sound of chainsaws has diminished, at last.  ll the fallen trees on roads have been cleared in and around the town.  West end of Hopewell still had no power this afternoon - and same applied to Pennington.  Likewise in many of the outlying districts, particularly in the Sourlands.  Lots of queues at gas stations.  Those restaurants that can open are doing very well, as is the Boro Bean.  For those without power, eating out becomes very attractive!

getting cabin fever.  We have been lucky and have power but kids off school all week, in-laws staying here and there is nowhere to go.  We are luckier than most, I know, but it is frustrating.  Fortunately the weather has been good so kids have spent reasonable amount of time outside - and thank goodness for the trampoline!  Kids are getting pretty good on it and it is great for fitness, coordination and for attracting other kids.  Best investment we ever made.

And we have eaten far too much meat over the last few days!  Dave and Anita brought all their meat down with them as they had no power - so Anne has been cooking roasts day and night.  Enough!