Falling into fall

I just decided.  October is the best month of the year. And the foliage this year isn't that good. I just like the cool, crisp nights, the warm days, pulling out the hooded sweatshirts and corduroys, the sports, the Halloween decorations and more.

I know one person who likes Halloween decorations too. Thomas. Moving around his new neighborhood, by car, on foot or on bike, he was scouting out all the decorations.  With a little encouragement from his grandfather, he even was shouting out, "C'mon guys. Decorate your houses." 

We went down to DC last weekend to help out with Joe and Leonor's move to their more permanent home.  I've said it before and I'll say it again, it doesn't matter if you're moving across continents or across the street, it's still a pain in the neck. But their new quarters are very nice, so it's worth it. Our help consisted of grandparent day care, and it was fun, for us. We'd wake up each day, wondering how we would make it to the end of the day, especially on Saturday when it was raining. We did, and it was not always predictable, but included dancing in the streets, lunch at McD's, swimming, wet playgrounds, hanging with Simon, watching Luisa with her dolls, telling stories, the list goes on. We made it and so far, no colds up here.

Wish I could say the same for Annie and Sankar who have been battling -- and winning the war against --  a few indecipherable illnesses.  But they recovered enough to do a day of sightseeing, that turned into a couple of days when their car battery died. Anyway, here's part of her latest missive: "Tiruvannamalai is a spiritual temple town in the mountains, with Arunachaleshwar Temple being its main draw. It's one of the largest temples in India; the main structures date back to the 9th century, but it's been a spiritual hub for much longer. It took us about an hour to walk through, as we had to pass through 5 different structures before reaching the innermost sanctum, where we received a blessing from the priest. In other temples we've visited, I haven't been allowed to go very far as a non-Hindu, so it was special to be able to see the full site."

Out west, or, as far west as the family goes, Claire has finished up her volleyball season; Andrew and Lur went to a concert of Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66 (quick – what was their big hit?); don 't ask Jen about skateboarding; and Daniel is getting ready to join the crowd heading to India next month.

We've had some birthdays as well. This time Janet's – a great day. Claire's and Billy's and Kathleen's are coming up. I already mentioned Auden's birthday, but at her age, you need to celebrate it many times.

We'll be thinking of John Boyle this week as he goes in for his heart procedure. He's ready to get back to his exercise routines,

The book project proceeds, and I got advance copies.  I must say they look nice. Mary and I are going through one last time trying to catch small typos. Did you know that there never was a company called Procter and Gamble? It's Procter & Gamble.

On our way to DC, we took a detour through eastern Pennsylvania. A soccer teammate and captain (Tom Donley) from Princeton had invited us down to give a talk about my book on history and foreign affairs at his Rotary club. We stopped first at their "cabin" in the Poconos, not too far from Mountain Springs. Then off to York for the talk and dinner with his family. After, we headed over to Gettysburg. I think this was my fourth visit, and I am finally beginning to understand what happened, or pieces of it anyway. We were looking for the site of the famous photo during the visit with Pop and the boys, and then, on our way out, decided to stop at the spot where Lincoln gave the Gettysburg address. There it was, with a new sign up since the last time, "Silence and Respect." I wonder if that sign went up right after our visit in 1994.

I should add that Gettysburg took on a whole new meaning in light of our current situation. And, that's not only from me, as we heard it from a couple of park rangers as well. One more thought – the place was packed, and it wasn't even peak summer season.  So, thousands of people must be getting the same lessons, I hope.

And with that, we also hope all of you are happy, healthy and hungry!  Love from up here.