Election Like Elephants
Teachers at my middle school got sick this week. As many as 20 called out sick. The nurse calling it the Election Virus. The day before the election our school stood silent and filled with election boxes ready to be set up for the big day.
I blame Election Day Virus (much like the flu) on dirty hands, stress and low immune systems fortified (in their weakness) by lack of good air, mental hygiene and good diets. Middle school air quality is pretty low. Mental hygiene these days is pretty low around here too. I think the fad of complaining and worrying and spending too much time being busy is terrible for our systems. Add in a mercurial election and the people crash. I prescribe a diet of low TV, low internet (except for emails) and plenty of fresh air, orange juice and reading the dictionary (it is calming).
On election day I had enough of everything so went down to the Smithsonian Zoo to say hello to the pandas (who were napping and unavailable) so stopped by the elephant barn. There I saw how the younger elephants lifted bales of hay and put it on their back. Then they slowly walked back to the barn, lowered the hay and fed their matriarch who was too old to come out in the cold fall air to get her dinner. I saw the elephants go back and forth back and forth with such relentless peace and determination to feed their old friend. It was so sweet and made me think that we should be kind like the elephants.
In our parts, we have enjoyed walking outside.
And Saturday's indoors with my cleaning pants and my cleaning cat are nice too.
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| the laminator was quiet |
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| The letter paper cutter hovered in anticipation. |
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| The janitor's closet silent after mopping the cafeteria in preparation for it to set the stage for voting. |
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| The cafeteria, home to 6th grade dances, 8th grade fights, 7th grade drama and Election Day virus |
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| The booths that make a difference sat quietly like hidden soldiers in my storage closet. |
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| Even the Christmas tree seemed on edge. |
I blame Election Day Virus (much like the flu) on dirty hands, stress and low immune systems fortified (in their weakness) by lack of good air, mental hygiene and good diets. Middle school air quality is pretty low. Mental hygiene these days is pretty low around here too. I think the fad of complaining and worrying and spending too much time being busy is terrible for our systems. Add in a mercurial election and the people crash. I prescribe a diet of low TV, low internet (except for emails) and plenty of fresh air, orange juice and reading the dictionary (it is calming).
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| St. Christophers on Gibson Island by the Chesapeake Bay. |
On election day I had enough of everything so went down to the Smithsonian Zoo to say hello to the pandas (who were napping and unavailable) so stopped by the elephant barn. There I saw how the younger elephants lifted bales of hay and put it on their back. Then they slowly walked back to the barn, lowered the hay and fed their matriarch who was too old to come out in the cold fall air to get her dinner. I saw the elephants go back and forth back and forth with such relentless peace and determination to feed their old friend. It was so sweet and made me think that we should be kind like the elephants.
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| Domino's Delivery |
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| Old Mama peaks out and enjoys the delivery of her food. African Elephants greatly respect their elderly matriarchs. |
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| An elephant tooth |
In our parts, we have enjoyed walking outside.
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| Over the river and through the woods to mass we go. |
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| How many colors can you spot in each leaf? |
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| Crossing the Potomac, Huckleberry Finn style. |
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| I love the colors of the rain clouds. |
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| The Chef |
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