It was amazing and thrilling to watch as the electoral votes grew and grew and grew.

I was elated to see Viriginia turn blue and know that McQ’s mom’s presidential vote counted for the first time in her life. And while our friends Bryan and Julie moved from Portland to Indianapolis they also helped ensure that their state went blue. And to my work colleague Charlotte, in Ohio, I know that last night was an incredible night, and I hope that you felt me cheering right beside you.

Aside from all the other historical markers that this successful campaign achieved I think one of the greatest things was to see the Democrats, or at least the Obama campaign, reclaim grassroots campaigning and reach out one on one to previously disengaged and apathetic voters. Encouraging them to believe that change is possible. Even in the states that turned red, I know there were plenty of blue voters that were elated to be a part of this movement, and were assured that their efforts were appreciated and necessary.

Cheers!

First the new Red Fang video for “Prehistoric Dog” which  may be the greatest Portland-made rock video ever:

And next my friend Molly’s brother’s Obama mash-up. It’s true that a ton of these have gone around the web in the past year. But I haven’t been sent one since the polls showed what we are all a little uncomfortable believing…there is a high probabiliy that this well-spoken, charismatic and intelligent man may be our next president.

What I had forgotten was that Craig’s uncle Dan taught and coached at Wasilla High School. Craig read an article today about Sarah Palin where they mention her parents by name and he came to realize his uncle is good friends with her father. Which should be no surprise since it is a small Alaskan town-now-suburb.

Anyway, Friday night we went to see Tom play a show at the Nine Muses Acoustic Cafe. Craig brought his video camera and recorded two songs before his battery died.

Saturday was a near perfect day of hanging out and just catching up. Craig worked with a singular focus on the stairway to the basement. I spent my time grocery shopping, working on computer projects and cleaning up my office. Plus, Craig’s stimulus check-purchased Bikes at Work trailer (made in Iowa) was delivered.

Saturday night we used the bogo personal pizza coupon Laura gave me for Hammy’s Pizza that was set to expire the next day. As Craig said after we first had Hammy’s the night we got back from Hawaii, “we’re dating a new pizza place.” They don’t deliver to our place until after midnight, but they aren’t so far away that it isn’t worth going to them.

While we ate our pizza we used Hulu to watch Friday night’s episodes of The Daily Show with John Stewart and the Colbert Report. Truly, the best recap of both the Palin nomination and the end of the Democratic National Convention that I could have hoped to see.

On Sunday we got up early and drove 200 miles south on I-5 to attend a reunion of Craig’s extended family. It was a crisp day that reminded us that our summer like days will now be fewer and further between.

His parents, aunt and uncle and cousins were all there. Unfortunately circumstances beyond her control caused Teresa to have to cancel her trip up.

While we were there Craig lured Bonzi down the slide. Craig and I had just finished the fantastic BBQ and when Bonzi got to the bottom of the slide he realized that he was no longer being held back by his leash and bounded across the field at top speed, not stopping until he reached the table where all the food was laid out.

On Monday Craig assembled his bike trailer:

And that evening we had a small group of friends over for a Labor Day BBQ, followed by an outdoor showing of Over the Edge. In the end, there were only seven of us left for the movie and we were all wearing sweaters, jackets and down blankets.

Tomorrow Craig and I are headed north to Marysville and then Lopez Island. At least I’m a bit more prepared for it being cool out.