Well, it almost Halloween! I can't believe it! But, just as many other things, so different this year. Our community had a drive by trick or treat function today at the community center This year, we are barely decorating and will not have any lights on. There have not been that many kids for a few years and this year I just want to take extra precautions. I hope for those of you with children you come up with some awesome ways to celebrate while taking precautions. I'm not mocking those who feel the need to party and gather, (I get we are all Covid weary), but I am being a bit extra cautious this year in celebrating any of the the holidays.
It's been an emotional and stressful week for me filled with ups/downs and all arounds. The house in Plymouth went to settlement on Friday (only 10 days late). As many of you know I had a couple of issues with the community over the years I lived there, but to bring closure for myself I posted the following on the community FB page: "In August 1992, my parents Clay and Marion purchased their home on Snowgoose Lane. They loved this community and were actively involved in the Friendship Club and other things. My father cooked many a meal in the clubhouse for breakfasts and events. My mom collected tickets at the door, played lots of bingo, enjoyed the pool, and loved playing cards with her friends. My mom also traveled with Millie a few times on her bus trips. They told me lots of stories over the years of the holiday celebrations and the different events held in the club house. They lived there until they passed (dad Sept 2017 and mom Jan 2019). I lived with my parents for a few years to provide some caregiving. Lady and I had some wonderful walks on the service roads. I met some wonderful neighbors, participated in a few events, and tried to be helpful to the community. I also met some not so nice people (you know who you are), who did not make for happy memories. I will be forever grateful to all of you for the valuable life lessons. As we all know change happens. New owners move into the house today and I know the community will welcome them. I want to wish you all well. Take care of each other." It's funny because as I sat in my car this morning before work, a blue jay (my spirit symbol for my dad/papa) landed beside my car and just sat. I thought, I know you are watching over us dad and all will work out. The bird then flew away. I will keep in contact with a few people there and in Plymouth whom I came to truly care about, but it's time to settle back into life in Sterling.
Have you ever felt like you are not a good friend? I feel that way sometimes or perhaps I have not felt engaged (of course the pandemic and isolation have not helped recently). I've been so wrapped up in my life for the past few years, I feel I neglected a few people. Thank you to all of those people who kept in touch and checked on me. My blog is one way for me to keep in touch, but it's time to get back to being available to others and putting a little effort into being a friend.
This past week I finished reading: "SHUNTOLL ROAD" by Leslie Wheeler. It's a murder mystery set in the Berkshires. It's the 2nd of the Berkshire Hilltown Mysteries. I watched: "Woman Walks Ahead" (2017); Sparkle (2012); 1 or 2 Hallmark Fall Movies; and The White Crow (2018). I also watched "The Way I See It" (2020) about Pete Souza the White House photographer for President Obama and Reagan.
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about:
October 25
International Artist Day
Mother-In-Law Day - fourth Sunday in October
Punk for a Day Day
World Opera Day
World Pasta Day
October 26
National Mincemeat Day
October 27
Black Cat Day
National Tell a Story Day - in Scotland and the U.K.
Navy Day
October 28
Plush Animal Lover's Day
October 29
Hermit Day (wonder if this is about a person or the food?)
National Frankenstein Day
October 30
Frankenstein Friday - last Friday in October
National Candy Corn Day
Mischief Night
October 31
Carve a Pumpkin Day - no surprise here
Halloween
Increase Your Psychic Powers Day
I am going to leave it here for today - may head back to bed for a while. I hope you have a good week. I don't care how you vote, but I will say VOTE VOTE VOTE!!! Exercise your right as an American Citizen! Take care. Marie
“I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.” - – Ernest Hemingway
“Sweet is the memory of distant friends! Like the mellow rays of the departing sun, it falls tenderly, yet sadly, on the heart.” - – Washington Irving
“I don’t need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better.” - – Plutarch