October has been colorful around the Smyrna, NY area

October has been a beautiful month for colorful leaves on the trees. Knitting Club member Pam Simmons has captured many wonderful scenes of these trees at their peak. And even though the weather was gloomy on Friday, Oct. 16, the sun did try to peek out and light up the foliage. 

I drove out to Elbridge to see our family and it was an easy trip to make because of the beauty of the day. Nice to see cousin Diane and hubby Alan up from Virginia for a brief visit. Had lunch, delicious, and then the menfolk left and we ladies chatted and I got ready to go home.

I'll tell you a secret. Lee always stayed, as the family tells it, 'till the last dog was hung! I got my tush home before dark.

OK, here is the scoop on Halloween. I will tell you what Lee and I would do if he was still here. Because safety is the paramount concern for kids in school and they have to deal with so much trying to get their education, I am not going to turn on my porch light to announce that I am ready for the business of trick or treating. 

Will miss it terribly but better not to do it than put some child in danger by encouraging them to go trooping around together in groups. It is dangerous. Tell me something that isn't, but trick or treating right now is not something I want to be part of now.

If you all agree, do not turn on your welcome lights. Keep your front door dark. Help keep our kids safe and well. 

In other news the Smyrna Fire Department received a grant from Homeland Security and have a new tanker truck on order. They will publicize its arrival when it is ready for duty. Then you can stand back, safe distance, wear your masks and admire this new addition to the Smyrna Fire Department’s equipment. HURRAH! Good job!

The Smyrna Fire Department decided that it was in the best interests of the children and adults who accompany them on their trek to collect candy on Halloween to cancel the treats they planned to hand out at the Smyrna firehouse. They really would have liked to have had an event like they always have had in the past, but prudence dictates no way, Jose! 

Next year we can all make up for lost time. Pam was remembering that for years her family did a haunted house. What fun! Remember we can muddle through this and WIN!

This is an official notice from Smyrna mayor Bob Wright. There is to be no trick or treating in the village of Smyrna on Halloween. This decision was made in concern for the safety of our residents and all the potential visitors that have been welcomed to Smyrna previously. Thank you for your cooperation.

Not going to lie to you and will tell you that Lee went for this bladder surgery with the highest of hopes that he would manage to get some more time before he left this earth. From May 22 until Oct. 12, he was never without pain.

Pain medication didn't work; he was in the process of having honey treatments and then silver patches. Between Lee and I there was no touching, no hugs, no kisses. Window visits only.

He had a rough 31 hours at home. We stopped for a vanilla milkshake at Gilligan's on our way home and then I took him up to Upperville Falls for a looksee. He had me call 911 at 3 a.m. Friday. He went to be with the family at 4:40 p.m. Keep Aug. 1, 2021 open for Lee's Celebration of Life. The End.

Until next week folks, remember make your eyes crinkle when you smile from behind your masks. Safe distance when you are out and about and wash your mitts, paws, hands, whatever you want to call them. Be proactive in protecting those you love and who love you, not reactive saying I should have handled myself differently. Hugs to all.

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