Yesterday, our local art museum, the Appleton, had a community day.  Admission was free.  There were several docents available giving art talks and tours.  Chocolate chip cookies and lemonade.  A performance by a flutist (she said she's a flutist, not a flautist) and a pianist who talked up art and music history.  It was so much fun!  We're thinking of becoming members.

Yesterday I was also a good Jewish wife and made up a pot of chicken noodle soup so good it would knock you on your tuchas. 

Oh noes!  Local news reports that Palin is going to make a campaign stop in Ocala on Saturday.  Joe Biden was here on Tuesday and drew 3,500 people.  They must be attempting a one-up.  Go away, lady!  We don't want you!!!

Cornelia, as you know, is our 96 year old, firecracker of a neighbor.  She's quite awesome and I'm kind of her biggest fan.  So last night, when I got home, I noticed an Obama yard sign on Cornelia's lawn.  Yay!  I asked Michael if he had noticed the sign and he said, "Yeah, and I watched the neighbor from the corner help her set it in." 

Right then, I almost started crying happy tears.

Why? 

The neighbor who helped put the sign in Cornelia's yard? 

Nine year old African American girl.

Helping out the self-described "neighborhood bitch" old white lady.

Isn't that the best ever?

Hell. Yeah.

Can you spot what's not quite right in this photo?

So here's something I think might be uniquely Ocala, or at least uniquely small town:

There is going to be a Christmas parade on Saturday.  From what I know, it goes down State Road 40, and then down by the government complex and through the historic district.  For a few days now, people have been lining their chairs on the side of the road and using caution tape to claim spots along the route!  This would never happen in DC or Miami.  Those chairs would be stolen!  But in Ocala, it seems you can get your prime spot early and it's yours!

It's pretty cute.

Happy Holidays!

Hey, we sort of made it on the Scary Go Round map in today's comic!