Happy Halloween and Almost the End of Campaign Ads

We only have a few more days to endure the political ads, the flyers that go directly into the recycle bin. I think America would do well to shorten campaign season as many countries do.

In Canada, the minimum length for a campaign is 36 days, and the longest ever was 74 days (in 1926);
In Australia, the campaign must be a minimum of 33 days (the longest ever was 11 weeks in 1910);
In France, the official election campaign usually lasts no more than 2 weeks;
In Japan, campaigning is allowed for 12 days;
In Singapore, the minimum length is 9 days.

I learned from watching Impact on Montana PBS that Montana tops the nation in the number of Senate ads and learned the impact the Citizens United decision has on current campaigns and voters.

Do you enjoy Halloween?

I do, it’s a fun holiday during my favorite season of the year. There’s no pressure to make the perfect meal, buy presents, listen to carols for months on end, you know all the hoopla that happens as soon as Halloween is over. The commercials start coming at you, buy, buy, buy.

For Halloween, the children get so excited about what they are going to dress up as and all the candy they’ll be given just for being cute or scary. I love carving the pumpkin, lighting it up just as the trick or treaters start out on their mission.

Last year, I was dog sitting for golden retriever, Max. His neighborhood goes all out with decorations. Little ghosts, witches and goblins knock on doors shooting treat or trick. Max, wearing his Halloween scarf, made sure to step out to greet them all and get a pat or two. He and I will be doing it again this year.

Max is also cheering me on as I write my book proposal so I may begin querying agents for my memoir. Stay tuned!

Happy Halloween from me and Max.

2023 – Max is ready for trick or treaters
2024, Max and Lambchops ready for Halloweeen

Ode to October

Her voice was soft and smooth as she sang quietly into the audio text I received early this morning.
A comforting made up jingle reminding me it is October 1st.
We can feel it in the air, in how the light is low in the morning and stunning in the afternoon, showing off oranges and reds, purples and pinks just before it leaves for the day.

October gives such a lovely reprieve.
The oppressive heat has lifted, school has commenced, many tourist have returned to their work/school life.
It begins to quiet down, a prelude to the peaceful stillness a winter day can bring.