I Can Rest When I Die

Well, here we are at the beginning of Thanksgiving week - didn't we just start this year? I feel like I say this every week, but man, time sure does pass quickly. I had grandeur plans of a somewhat relaxing week with a little cooking in each of the evenings. Well, that plan has been tossed by the wayside people and I'm about to tell you why.

Last Thursday I received a call asking me if I would be willing to help with the vote recount in Madison County. Those of you who live here are probably aware that the race for probate judge was decided by about 120 votes. Incumbent Tommy Ragland is currently the unofficial winner, but due to the slim margin of victory a recount has been called. I have no doubt the results will turn out the same as the machines we use are very reliable, but it is the other candidate's right and she is exercising it.

The recount will take place on Monday and Tuesday from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. and it is my understanding that we will have a break from 11:00 a.m until 1:00 p.m. each day, I would assume for lunch. I really don't know why the break is so long considering I was also told to bring a lunch. When someone tells me to bring a lunch, I just assume there's no leaving the building; so, I'm not really sure what's going to take place. I do know that we will have 20 machines and will have to feed into the machines one by one the almost 156,000 ballots that were cast on November 6. The machines will be programmed to only read the results for the probate judge slot. Those that work will receive their normal election day's wages which is why I agreed because I can certainly use the extra money this time of year.

My dad was also asked to participate. He is trying to work out some arrangements for transportation for my mom and granddad on Tuesday as they both have doctor's appointments in Nashville. If he is able to find someone to drive them the he plans to work as well. It should definitely be an interesting couple of days. I am anxious to see how it goes and how many people will be helping, etc. This is, obviously, my first time helping with a recount and I am extremely excited about it. I love seeing American democracy in action.

However, this does significantly cut into my prep and cooking time for Thanksgiving dinner. I've got a plan of action for when I'm cooking what and if I can stick to it then everything should turn out just fine -stress free and perfectly timed - just the way I like it. There's no rest for the weary and as the old saying goes, I can rest when I die!