My ballot never came but I was able to log in, fill out my ballot online, print it out (including a page to tape to the envelope so it goes the right place and postage is free) and drop it in the mail. Sure, there’s something lost from the feel of going to the polls, but I do love mail in voting. (And a few times have had lines for the ballot drop box, which is kinda like being in line to vote…)

Got a wake up call this morning about remembering to check smoke alarm batteries at the time change.

Literally, as in my neighbor banging on my door at 6 am.

The house across the alley from us was fully engulfed, smoke and sparks pouring everywhere. We hosed down everything we could, crossed our fingers for the garage and waited.

Three houses now fully on fire. Firefighters running hoses through the yard. We packed go bags just in case but it looks like things are quieter now.

Fuhreaky.

Oh no, Brenda! Not a good way to start the day at all. I'm sorry about the losses for your neighbors. Scary.

Here a little woot woot for being out of the cone for Nicole as she is headed a bit north of us now. Still will be a wet sloppy mess with flooding and king tide and all that, but the winds shouldn't be bad at all.

Everyone got out, thank hod, but those houses. One was a beautiful historic wood frame. I think that one might survive but the other two are hollow shells.

Yes, thankful that there wasn't loss of life. The older wood houses can really go quickly in fire.

That’s terrifying, Brenda!

We went out and voted in person this morning. I had notes on how to vote on the ballot measures, thank goodness, some of them were a page long.

Just got back from voting. I already know literally everyone I voted for will lose.

There are firemen and hoses traipsing through my yard. And now they’ve cut the power. But it seems like things are quieting. I’m actually off today so whatev.

The trucks and traffic control are blocking the streets around our polling station so I do hope that clears up soon and that there weren’t too many before work voters who couldn’t get through. It’s a pretty walky neighborhood though - Chicago polling stations are scattered everywhere and serve people within a few blocks. We just walked over ourselves and they were a bit backed up. So that’s good.

[link]

Wow, Brenda, I'm so glad you're safe and your house was unscathed! Watching that news clip, I can see how easily fire can spread since the houses are so close together -- that's scary.