Halloween 2018

My friend Katybeth nudged me some time ago that Halloween was on its way and I should get Dallas all gussied up and ready to join in the spirit of the occasion.

So here is our semblance of a Halloween card:

Go ahead and laugh (Domer did, when he saw it).

‘It looks like you’ve Photoshopped my dog onto a beach.’

Well, yes. Yes, it does.

Worse, it looks like poor Dallas has no backside!

(Probably sank in all that sand.)

Once you’ve had your laugh, hop on over to Katybeth’s blog and see how the pros do it. I can’t figure it out and spent way more time than is seemly just trying!

Maybe if we leave you with some surfing music you won’t hate us too much — Happy Halloween, everyone!

P.S. I’m not doing NaNoWriMo (the write-your-novel-in-a-month challenge), but I *do* have to crank it up a notch on book two of my series, and this is as good a time as any. Before the holiday festivities, you know. So I won’t be around much for the next couple of weeks. Enjoy your Fall, and we’ll chat soon!

(Nearly) Silent Sunday

Keep shining, beautiful one. The world needs your light. ~Author Unknown

Arthur, Illinois, the heart of Amish Country, boasts this spectacular Pumpkin House. With more than 300 pumpkins decorated by school kids, business folks, volunteers, and others, this display at the Association of Commerce building is lit nightly for a week from Oct. 31 to Nov. 1.

Walktober 2018

Perhaps the truth depends on a walk around the lake. ~Wallace Stevens, American poet

It’s time once again for Walktober, the group walk organized by Robin of Breezes at Dawn. It’s not too late to get in on the fun (Oct. 28 is the cutoff date), so step into your sneakers and join us!

For this year’s trek, I traveled to Lake Shelbyville, a reservoir located in Central Illinois formed by damming the Kaskaskia River. Some $57 million was set aside (a hefty chunk of change back in 1963!) for the project, which was dedicated in 1970.

Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Lake offers 11,000 acres of surface waters, 172 miles of shoreline, and 23,000 acres of surrounding public lands dedicated as state parks. More than 4 million visitors a year come here to swim, fish, boat, hike, camp, picnic, or sight-see.

What are we waiting for? Let’s start walking!

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Giving and Receiving

It is more blessed to give than to receive ~ The Bible

Most of us, I imagine, are more comfortable being on the giving end of things than on the receiving.

We donate to our churches, political parties, schools, charitable causes. We give freely of our time and talents to our families and communities.

But what happens when we’re thrust into the role of receiving help?

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Sunday’s Gem — Opal

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. ~Albert Einstein

You’d be hard pressed to find a gemstone more clothed in mystery and superstition than the fiery Opal, birthstone for those born during October.

Australian Opals in rainbow colors, thanks to http://www.jewellermagazine.com

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