It is a beautiful spring evening. The dog lies contentedly on the front lawn, underneath an American flag hanging limply in the still air. I glance briefly at the pictures hanging on the wall of last summer's vacation to Cape Cod. Beneath the picture of Fiona on the bow of a whale watching ship is one of her school projects. On a shelf nearby are stones from the trip together with seashore themed knick knacks my mother had collected.

On a table next to me are call sheets from yesterday's election and at the end of the driveway, the sign urging voters to support Ellen Scalettar for First Selectman remains, having completed its mission.

Fiona is at her grandparents house this evening and Kim is on her way down to a memorial service for Bob Edgar, the head of Common Cause, where she works, who passed away unexpectedly, the same evening that our late First Selectman died.

It has been a busy, chaotic couple of weeks. There hasn't been time to think or struggle with difficult feelings around death.

Last night, some people rejoiced, while others were disappointed about the election results. Yes, I got elected as alternate to the Zoning Board of Appeals. It wasn't an office I had particularly sought, but one that sought me. I was asked to run to fill a slot on the ticket and I believe it is important to have full slates of candidates and competitive races. Zoning is an important part of the social contract, so it is another responsibility to have taken on.

I did learn something interesting, however. My wife's grandfather held the same position years ago. I hope that I'll live up to his standards on the ZBA.

So now, I sit quietly in an empty house taking it all in. I imagine others may be sitting in empty homes as well as their feelings get a chance to catch up. My thoughts go out to everyone for whom these past couple weeks have been so challenging.

Finally, I have a chance to write, and then to rest, before the next task comes along.