Picked up Leslie and went to the Friends' Meeting House in Absecon to attend a planning session for the "Eyes Wide Open" project. This is an exhibit of 52 pairs of boots representing the New Jerseyans killed so far in combat in Iraq, an effort to clarify the human cost of war. (The hundreds of thousands of Iraqis killed are not represented, which is of concern to me and others.)
A guy was there who had helped organize the 2004 exhibit in Philly, which included the dead from all states. He said it was a stunning display. Of course, there weren't nearly as many boots then as there would be today (and more--oh, yes, many more--tomorrow).
Leslie said Dennis would talk to American Legion officers in Little Egg (he's a member) about bringing the exhibit there. I'm going to contact our local park to ask about that venue. Others will ask permission to bring the display to the A.C. boardwalk over the fourth of July. (For more info on this, go to the American Friends web site and look for "Eyes Wide Open.")
It rained and blew a lot yesterday and is continuing now, but hey--it's early spring and this is the norm. Of course, the television morons promote it as the storm of the century. They cleverly intersperse "news" of places that are actually experiencing heavy weather with local info, trying to give the impression the entire planet is under siege. This is the usual inane attempt to promote fear--of storms, of terrorism, of dust bunnies under the bed--so people will cower behind their doors and leave the neocons alone to plunder the world.
However--torrential rain is predicted for Boston and today is THE DAY. Called Alison about 4:00 yesterday; she and Mike were deciding what to wear and take for the race. She said their hotel is full of runners, so it's very convivial. They had breakfast with several of their fellow crazies, then attended the "Expo" and are having a great time. Hope they still feel that way this afternoon when it's all over.
Talked to Ellen, who had sent pictures of the Easter gathering at Carolyn's, plus the paintings she did as part of her art project. They're terrific and she may even have a few framed and hang them.
For out-of-staters: We have the dubious distinction of being neighbors of the guy responsible for our governer's serious injuries. Yes, he's a Little Egg Harborite who was driving the red pickup and lives within walking distance of us. However, I understand it was a sheer accident and he won't be charged with anything.
Today, I had intended to go to a "tax day" peace vigil in Northfield, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's postponed because of the weather. I kind of hope so, as I like being cosily at home on rainy days.