BOO!

 

I'm ready, and so is Bill. 

There's a good supply of Halloween candy here in the house, and Bill is hoping there will still be a good supply when the 2023 trick or treating is complete.  

I think his wishes will come true. 

It's been a tradition each year after Halloween that Bill methodically and, rather quickly, finishes off the Halloween treats. 

Since the most trick or treaters we've ever had can be counted on one hand, i.e., five Taylor boys, Bill should have some sweet times ahead. 

Heck, even the Taylor-boy contingent has diminished.  One has gone into the Navy and two are in high school.  

We've noticed in the past that high school kids seldom come to their country neighbors for candy.

I have no idea how many visitors we'll have tonight, but both Bill and I are ready.  

Another Halloween, another October and my second least favorite month lies ahead. 

I used to really like November because after parent conferences (full day of school followed by conferences sometimes lasting until after 9 p.m.), we got a day off.

And, then came the four days of Thanksgiving vacation and "Poof!" November was over. 

I don't like the month much any more because I get 30 days off and we have a whole lot of darkness. 

I guess the positive side of November is that it's good for long winter naps.  I tend to sleep better in November than I do any other month. 

This November, though, is going to be dramatically different because of the horses leaving home tomorrow and the cataracts leaving over a two-week period.  

Change is good, they say, and I'm thinking change is pretty guaranteed with the horses living somewhere else and the much touted "super" vision I'm supposed to get when the cararacts are gone. 

The nice part on this last day in October is that a certain amount of these two major changes still lies in the unknown. 

When the calendar turns for December (the most expensive month of the year), all this stuff about not doing barn chores and having seen the real wrinkled "me" in the mirror will be old hat. 

I'm sure I'll find something to keep occupied while not cleaning horse stalls.  And, more than likely, I'll  be spending a lot of time enjoying what my spit-shined eyes can see at basketball games.

Lots to look forward to.  

For now, the focus will be to guess how much Halloween candy's gonna leave tonight and how much will be left for Bill. 

Happy SPOOK Day to all.  

I'm casting just one vote in next Tuesday's general election. 

It will be for my neighbor Scott Wood to represent our zone on the Lake Pend Oreille School District 84 School Board.  

After reading the following thoughts by Scott, I feel really good about my decision. 

from Scott:  As a wrestling coach, I hope, in addition to showing kids their double legs and half nelsons, I will teach them about hard work and perseverance.  We focus on individual growth and strengths but also the importance of our team and working together for success.  I relate this to my comments about it taking our entire community to help raise good people. Families are the key to teaching their kids about values and beliefs and help them build a foundation for success, but throughout their lives there will be others who impact them. "I hope I am one of those people for the kids on our team and I hope my kids look back at their time growing up and remember a teacher or a coach or a 4H leader who supported them and encouraged them to be better; much like I can through my experiences growing up.  "I work with kids from throughout the district including those in our public schools, homeschool families, hybrid models, charter or private schools and it’s really cool that someday they might all be wrestling for Sandpoint High School.  As a school board trustee, I will promote continuing programs in our schools that give all kids in the district opportunities to excel, not only in sports but in preparation for their future."