My last post was Oct. 29. Today is Nov. 9. It appears I'm not a very prolific writer. Not true. I have written so much in the last several weeks that for a couple days I didn't even turn on my computer. That is a rarity for me, because my morning routine begins with peel back the covers,  swing the feet onto the floor, and walk to the desk where even in the dark I can find the switch for the power strip that brings to life my instrument of communication --  computer, printer, and monitor. Only then can the morning commence.

My reluctance to fall into the routine was due to sheer exhaustion from already typing too many words. Actually this was the easy week. I just completed the last of the election wrap-up stories for my local paper (600 miles away). Even though I didn't have to reach for information since I already did the leg work in the candidate profiles, the task didn't seem easy after writing all those stories about contests prior to the election. I admit taking a little editorial liberty with the presidential race, proclaiming pleasure at the country's and my own exuberance from President-Elect Barack Obama's triumph. After all, I have met him. (See the picture of us in my profile)

But now that it is all behind me, I vow I will never cover elections again. I fear that is also part of a routine. Municipal elections are in April. I will make bets with myself that I get excited about the prospect all over again. Great, a bet I cannot lose.