Moderation in Michigan?

I don't say too much publicly about political issues. It is not a very safe thing to do.

Michigan is a swing state. It's more red here in West Michigan where I live, but sometimes the state, especially in the East, trends pretty blue. We have a Republican governor again since 2010. There will be a big contest in a senate race this year. Mitt Romney has Michigan roots and the state has the potential to go red in the presidential election in November.

But I have friends and neighbors, and I know church members, some of whom are in the book club--that sit left, right, and even a few in the middle of the aisle--red, blue and purple. So I often must just keep my mouth shut.

However, let me say, that as a conservative, I am excited by the veep selection announced last night, with Romney's choice of the whiz kid from across the lake. Wisconsin has been recently trending a little more red, with their governor surviving his recall and all, in spite of all the protests and union money flowing into the state. And now with their Janesville boy on the ticket, it will be interesting to see how Wisconsin votes in November.

Sometimes I don't think there is such a thing as a moderate politician or voter anymore. I am not moderate! And that is why politics is not a safe subject. There is little moderation. There is little reaching across the aisle.

Religion is another tricky topic. Tomorrow I will have the opportunity to vote for or against another whiz kid--for pastor of my church. Is he ready to be a senior pastor?

Is Paul Ryan, who looks about 27, ready to confront the World or Iran, if something happens to Romney? I've seem him face off with the president. He is pretty gutsy!

I must be getting old. It's hard to imagine Paul Ryan as president and it is hard to imagine a twenty-something kid as a pastor. But I really like them both and will just have to shut up about it.

So I talk about the weather. It's always safe to talk about the weather and Michigan has provided a lot of material this year. Michigan is not the only state this year with crazy weather, but it has been spectacularly exceptional. There is little moderate weather in Michigan.

I have referenced the weather many times this year, in this blog and everywhere else. I have talked about how red-hot I have been 'til I am blue in the face!

We have just received a 2-day gentle rain of three inches. It seems we have waited all summer--through the hottest dog days I can remember--for such a rain as this. It is too late for many lawns and corn fields, but was very welcome. So many storms passed us by and this one just kept coming. I didn't even mind a few drips from the plaster hole in my bathroom ceiling!

And the nights have been almost cold--deliciously so.

I am feeling just a little more moderate...

Rain, cool weather and a very cool ticket--a little Republican R & R. I had dreamed of Romney/Rubio but think Romney/Ryan is plenty dreamy. R can stand for a lot of things that I like: refreshing rain, renewal, reform, Reid removal, red revolution--just to name a few. Can you add to my list?