"Celebrity Ghost 5K" . . . 120 terrified runners and walkers made their way around Uptown Westerville, past a lonely cemetery, over dark, cobblestone streets, and through the campus of Otterbein College Friday night on a cold October night. All survived, however, Elvis, Robin, and numerous other "celebrity ghosts" were spotted! The oldest runner was discreetly clad in a Butler toboggan and "Tony Hinkle" Fieldhouse shirt . . hummm . . who was that guy really? Both of us ran well, but watched our step on the cobblestone path! Booooo!

Ladies night in "The Shores" . . . Rose Anne hosted the monthly get-to-gether of the ladies in the neighborhood, Thursday evening. The 20 women in attendance enjoyed plenty of food, drink, and shared stories while Ted & Maddie "hung out" upstairs watching football. Yes, we did come down for an occasional treat! It was the first visit for many to our new home. A great time was had by all!

"October"

by Robert Frost

"O hushed October morning mild,

Thy leaves have ripened to the fall;

To-morrow's wind if it be wild,

Should waste them all.

The crows above the forest call;

To-morrow they may form and go.

O hushed October morning mild,

Begin the hours of this day slow,

Make the day seem to us less brief.

Hearts not averse to being beguiled,

Beguile us in the way you know;

Release one leaf at break of day;

At noon release another leaf;

One from our trees, one far away,

Retard the sun with gentle mist;

Enchant the land with amethyst.

Slow, slow!

For the grapes' sake, if they were all,

Whose leaves already are burnt with frost,

Whose clustered fruit must else be lost--

For the grapes' sake along the wall.

(Pictures taken on a beautiful fall morning, 10/18/10, at Alum Creek Reservoir Dam and trail)

Enjoying the new patio with our friends . . . Bob North and Don Olenick helped christen our new patio Saturday afternoon. Later that evening, Rose Anne and I warmed by the fire of our new fire pit (Thanks Jennifer/Wes & Cara/Jim) while our friends were enduring an Ohio State loss to Wisconsin.

Before & after . . . October 5, 2009 to October 13, 2010 . . . what a difference a year makes!

" . . . .Is bea-u-ti-ful" A full day of landscaping completed the project Tuesday. Rose Anne and I are very pleased with the work of Joel and his crew and Ciminello landscaping. Now just add people and you have an instant party!

Fall has arrived in Lewis Center, OH . . . . a sunset view west on Big Sur Drive in the neighborhood, Maddie guarding the front door in anticipation of visitors, and a sunrise photo of an inlet of Alum Creek Reservoir near our home.

What a difference a week makes . . . . the paver patio was completed Friday, and our crew constructed the columns and seat wall Monday. Sand was grouted & tamped, conduit for exterior lighting installed, walls and columns constructed with expert precision, and our beloved weeping cherry tree excavated to be transplanted Tuesday! The new patio is near completion!

"Hi Nana" . . . "Want to see me play soccer?" Rose Anne made a visit to Franklin Saturday morning to see Riley play soceer in his Church league of 4 & 5 year olds. They had a great time! It was a general consensus of the adults after watching Riley play, that he will make a great linebacker in football! Final score: "Fun" to "Fun"

Friday 10/8 - and how quickly the crew moved, hauling countless wheelbarrows full of pavers, intricately cutting and placing them in the specified "Muster K" pattern until, at the end of the day, the paver patio was in place. I actually became fond of Mexican music and talk radio! What a great crew! Yes, the paver patio project is becoming "beautiful"! Friday, October 8, is a special day for a different reason . . . . Happy Birthday to my daughter, Cecilia!

Thursday p.m. 10/7 - Joel continued to consult the blue prints, measure and level the large gray pad! The crew began bringing wheelbarrow loads of sand and leveling iron. The first few loads of pavers were cut in place around the steps. A happy crew completed a full, painstaking Thursday, and anticipated moving quickly on Friday! Joel stated . . . "It will be beautiful!"

Thursday a.m., 10/7 -Steps are constructed of concrete block. After the blocks are cut and placed, "Autumn Blend" Washington pavers are artfully designed, cut, and glued in place by Joel, the crew foreman. Definitely a "skill"! Placing the steps took the better part of Thursday morning & early afternoon. The project looks huge from the the back edge of our property.