Kage Baker was a serious and dedicated voter. She read up on issues, always voted; and the day after the November elections, she resumed her life with a reading of all the new laws over a breakfast of left-over Halloween candy.

This year is different. For one thing, there was very little Halloween – we did lights and deco, but also a sad little sign advising kids there were no treats to be had. And most parents did keep their little ones at home, or just drove them around to look at all the lights. Not a year for greeting strangers at the door in droves …

Also, Election Day just won’t quit. Here we are on day 4 of Tuesday, fairly sure we know who our next President will be – but unable to celebrate until one or more still-counting states get their acts in gear and declares for the winner. Kage would be yelling at me to turn MSNBC the hell off and she would be resolutely watching The Wrong Box or some other glorification of lost empire …

Me and my family, though, we are pretty much glued to the telly; and yes, it’s on MSNBC. I keep waiting with undisguised schadenfreude for President Trump to have a temper tantrum, but his staff is enforcing dignity on him. Too little and much too late, but really – haven’t we already had enough curtain calls on this banana republic farce? Let him be carted away quietly. Most of us are ready to have this end.

But I shall sleep a little better tonight, even without the Grand Announcement made yet. The fever heat is breaking, and a cool northern wind is making the stars sparkle. And for the first time in 4 years, I won’t go to sleep wondering if I will still have Social Security and Medicare in 2 months.

We may live through this after all, Dear Readers. No matter who you supported, no matter for whom you cast your vote: the delirium is beginning to clear, and maybe we can go back to being one people again.

Thanksgiving will be especially sweet this year.