Papaya, anyone? A great Florida treat that we obviously can't grow up north. Jack and Anne planted the papaya last year, it struggled through the winter . . now look at it! They can't wait until the fruit ripens. Rose Anne and I also enjoyed a taste of fresh OJ from Langs! Orange crop looks plentiful this year!

It was 84, sunny, and pleasant . . . . during our recent visit with Anne and Jack in Winter Haven Florida. We had a great time Tuesday thru Thursday playing golf, seeing friends, and enjoying food and family. The AirTran flight to the great Florida weather was only half full, but the flight home to 42 degree temp, clouds, and drizzle in Columbus was packed. That doesn't make a lot of sense, does it?

"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!