It’s October 2 and I’m already a little on edge.
I should say up front that I love fall. Walking around the neighborhood, I'm starting to see pumpkins and mums out on the stoops, and it makes me happy. I'm planning to decorate my own front stoop this afternoon.
The trouble is what I catch out of the corner of my eye. An 8-foot skeleton tucked in an alley. And this year's new trend, which is monster arms hanging out of windows. I'd like a word with whoever started that.
Here's the thing: I have an outrageous fear of people in masks. I know it's not rational. I also know it's not going anywhere. So October takes some planning. I avoid the Halloween-themed bars. I cross the street at the costume stores. And if you're wearing a mask, I'm sorry, but we're not talking until November. Everyone else can lean into spooky season. I'll be over here with the pumpkins and hot apple cider.
Luckily, the rest of my fall has nothing scary in it. There's plenty of work, a trip to upstate New York, and a visit from daughter #1. And yes, the guest room is getting the Airbnb treatment again.
Happy Friday.
TODAY’S PICKS
THE FEATURE
What Our Marriage Needed to Improve Was for Us to End It.
They finally got good at listening to each other. What they heard ended the marriage. Then they started having fun again.
THE REFLECTION
The Joy of Less.
She only meant to clear out the kitchen before the renovation. It started with the fondue pot. It did not end there.
Hot Take.
I am particular about my coffee. Hot coffee, hot milk, no exceptions. This frother handles the milk. This Yeti handles the rest.
THE WILDCARD
How Your Favorite Apples Got Their Names.
Granny Smith was a real granny. Honeycrisp was nearly tossed. And one apple is the reason your laptop has its name.
My answer:
The belief that I had to have things all figured out before I started. I didn't. I just had to believe I could succeed.
…AND my chocolate fondue set. I only used it once.
