In my not so humble opinion this past few weeks have given us one of the best stretches of nice fall weather ever.

In my younger days I would enthusiastically take on the challenges of yard maintenance including trimming the landscaping, over-seeding the lawn etc. Unfortunately, those days are but memories but still memorable. Now I need to get some outside assistance and enjoy watching and directing them in the nice weather.

I am writing this over the weekend and am optimistic the weather forecast for Halloween evening, last evening, held so that BJ and twenty others who dressed up for “Trunk and Treat” will have happily entertained the one hundred or more witches and goblins in attendance. BJ is not happy when her Minnie Mouse costume gets wet! Yesterday, those of us who frequent Active Life Physical Therapy got to vote for our favorite Halloween-costumed therapist. Even before yesterday I committed to vote for Tim. Don’t worry, it was a secret ballot and he has no idea if I followed through. Both BJ and I were there yesterday but I will have to report the winning costume at another time. The victor will get one ton of candy corn left over from the “Trunk and Treat.”

We don’t often just get out for a ride in the car for any number of reasons. However, on a recent nice day we found ourselves in Quilcene for lunch at Quilbilly’s and coffee at Catkins. We then took the long road back through the Coyle Peninsula. We have lived here for 15 years and I think it was only the second time we have made that journey. If there was any doubt in your mind about the main crop on the Olympic Peninsula being trees, take a ride to Coyle. There are vast areas that have been logged. We found our way to the Laurel B. Johnson Community Center which is the location for “Concerts in the Woods” in the summer. We made a welcome stop at the marina because, well, it has the “necessary facilities.” The friendly local man who provides maintenance at the marina stopped and talked with us for awhile. It turns out he used to live on Smith Island in the San Juan Islands and finds Coyle to be bustling with folks. It all depends on where you come from in life.

Our daughter in Seattle walked on the Kingston/Edmonds ferry last weekend to come visit us. As a result, I drove to Kingston to pick her up as well as take her back. Yep, the weather was great and provided delightful driving as I enjoyed the fall colors and pleasant air. The only drawback was I got held up on the hill going down to the Hood Canal Bridge as the bridge opened for a submarine. I really didn’t mind the wait as I had the newspaper with me. The crisis occurred when I got stopped up the hill out of sight of the bridge so I couldn’t see the submarine. In addition, I was in the cool shade and not in the warm sun. Finally, the hill blocked the radio signal! My daughter says we live a tough life out here.

It is easy these days to generate a column like this recounting some pleasant experiences in our part of the world. At the same time, it is very difficult to ignore the problems of the rest of the world where folks from Lewiston, Maine to Ukraine to Israel have suffered from violence. I can only wish you the best of weather, friends and family.

Love a curmudgeon, be kind, be safe and have a great week!

ned@ptleader.com