The day after Election Day

Good morning, DMV. It’s Wednesday, Nov. 4.

On Election Day 2024, when I was working at the Washington Post and writing the Post Local newsletter, I had drafted the newsletter for the day after and written that it was just a “waiting game” for results to roll in. In recent elections, it has taken days or longer for a race to be called.

But when I woke the next morning, the results were in. I scrapped my draft, rewrote the newsletter and hit send.

With my Daily Dose, I also usually write the day beforehand, but yesterday I decided to wait for the latest headlines. I was on edge, so I went biking to calm my nerves.

One of my favorite things about fall in D.C.? Biking in Rock Creek Park and listening to my wheels pass along the rustling leaves.

After my long ride, I went to bed early and set my alarm for 3 a.m. When I woke in the wee hours, I read in and was surprised that the polls’ prediction of a blue wave had come to pass.

The news cycle has been stressful. I’m not a political junkie. I tend to avoid making statements leaning one way or another. But I will say that when I read this quote from Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), I felt lighter.

“Five words for the American people: relief is on the way,” Schumer said.

Dear readers: I consider my Daily Dose a community gratitude journal. It’s free, and I work on it solo, spending hours each day mining for story ideas, interviewing and exploring. Please consider supporting my work with a monthly or yearly donation to help make this project sustainable. Do you know anyone who would enjoy reading me? Forward this to them to help me grow. For newcomers: To subscribe, click here. And to those who already support me: I appreciate you.

Capital Weather says: Much warmer than normal for early November, but hard to complain about highs in the mid-70s. Read the full forecast here.

Elliott Linder, 78, a resident of Potomac Yard, Virginia, captured this image Monday afternoon during a walk along the trail in Potomac Yard Park.

“It's a special time of year for the DMV, and my wife and I feel fortunate to have the park just a block away,” he wrote in his submission.

I asked what he’s listening to or watching lately. He said: “Jazz and classical music are on all day; a source of peace and pleasure. We've been watching the new series ‘Neagley,’ which is a spin-off from ‘Reacher.’”

Share your photos of comfort, joy and community in the DMV here.

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