The Annoyed Army

When I was a kid, elections were a community event in our small town. All the local candidates had visited every home in town; I spent many hours as a child sitting at our dining room table listening to my parents and grandparents discussing issues with local politicians. (I guess that is when I became a political junkie.  )

Then when Election Day arrived, the Women's Auxiliary of the Fire Department sold lunch at the town community building when people came to vote. Chili, soup, sandwiches, coffee, hot chocolate, lemonade, cookies. They always had a big baked sale right near the polling area.

My grandmother and my mother were two of the women who made chili for Election Day. We kids showed up at the polling place after school to eat chili and crackers and have some hot chocolate.

There was always some left over at home, so we also had chili that evening while we listened to local returns on the radio and TV.

I grew up and moved away, and my chili connection on Election Day ceased. 

Then about 15 years ago, I was scheduled to work a few hours at my county GOP office here in Kansas on Election Day. I walked in the door and smelled.... CHILI!!! They told me they always made chili to have in the office on Election Day. Did that ever taste good and bring back memories!

Since then, I always make chili on Election Day. Traditions are good.