Anybody Home?

Saturday morning, I took the boys for their last lesson in political activism. Here in Tampa, anyway. The Davis Canvassing Event, rockin' neighborhoods since 1988, is where supporters branch out, knock on doors and tell sleepy-heads why Jim Davis deserves their votes. Then we come back together to complain about humidity and bugs while eating deli sandwiches. Or, in my case, bread with mayo and wilted lettuce.

When we arrived, several people came over to talk. One showed the boys how their picture is on the wall - making my sons feel important. Friendly hellos sounded from staffers who tolerate my opinions. A few folks made kind and totally undeserved compliments about this site. Even Jim chatted us up. At one point, Youngest turned to me and said,

"It's like I'm famous."

Sure, kid. Give it a month. Soon we'll be alone in the middle of the mountains wondering what we did to deserve our lot in life. Can't wait.

We were off after receiving marching orders and helpful advice like, "Don't approach attack dogs". Walking from house to house, I was a little concerned. Having had many a door slammed in my face over the years, at the very least I figured the boys would learn how to take rejection with a smile. Helpful due to the fact they inherited their father's nose and my mouth.

However, no one slammed anything. Hardly anyone even came to the door - perhaps these good Democrats were asleep, working or afraid of my hair. After walking around in 80 degree heat and magnified through the peephole, my mop looks frightening. Out of 50+ homes, only four opened up to discuss voting habits, leanings, and, in the case of one elderly voter, the odds our national party would do anything in 2008 other than "embarrass the sh*t out of us." Oldest looked surprised that someone besides Mommy mixes profanity and politics.

We returned to campaign headquarters from our morning mitzvah and said our goodbyes, so longs, and farewells. Jim was great - making the boys promise not to throw snowballs at each other.

"We won't say goodbye," he said to me, "because you returned after Boston and might come back again in a few years. Besides, we'll all keep in touch through the web."

First my mom and now the future governor of Florida. Better stop with all the profanity. Damn.