What's worse, you ask, than seeing Christmas lights strung along houses well after the holidays?

Political signs.

Folks, get a clue. Either you won, or lost. There's no ties.

However, there may be disputes. Just ask Grace Schwab or Dan Sparks.

True, those pieces of waxed cardboard (or in Dick Lang's case, plywood) are indeed signs of the times, but their time is slowly coming to an end.

At least legally.

Some folks were saying that 48 hours was the maximum to get signs off your lawn, street, hammock, etc … Actually, it's 10 days, so you've still got a week to either gloat on your win, or continue being lazy.

But, for the sake of mankind, please take them down. You will be doing yourself a favor and keeping a kid from using it on Skinner's Hill anytime soon.

I tip my hat to those who've worked so diligently in the past few weeks tending to their yards, specifically ones raking their leaves.

You can tell how some folks are lazy about it, waiting for the wind to blow the leaves onto your neighbor's property.

Or maybe you're the neighbor, fed up with that person's shenanigans.

If that's the case, quit getting mad.

Get even and buy a leaf blower.

The giving season is soon approaching, so why not get in some practice? Three-quarters of the fun is getting back. My suggestion for the best time? Sunday afternoon.

It's prime nap time. Crank that blower up on full blast. Not only do you get the enjoyment of seeing their refuse return to its rightful place, but you'll be comforted to know you awoke them from their slumber.

It's seems that after this past week, local politicians (and their spouses) all are glad another election year is in the books.

Politics, for the most part, is a thankless job.

You go door-knocking until your knuckles are raw. You attend chicken dinners until you start growing wings. And the new pair of walking shoes you bought in April look like they belong at your Aunt Patty's yard sale.

To all those who won their respective races, congratulations on a job well done. My only advice is to remember who you represent. The moment you get wrapped up in your title is when you start losing sight of the folks who put you in that spot.

Remember the area or Ward you represent. Helping those who helped you will be beneficial when political season starts again.

Although, going to a few more chicken dinner won't hurt, either.

Dan Fields can be reached at 434-2230 or by e-mail at :mailto:dan.fields@austindailyherald.com