It’s the last week of October. We’ve made it this far. At the same time, like me, you’re probably wondering how much longer we’re going to have to keep going. Is there an end in sight? Are you losing hope or are you still optimistic that this pandemic will end soon? Have you just given up and just said…to hell with it.

Me, I’m still holding out hope that this won’t go on much longer…even though most of the world is entering its third surge and countries, cities, states are all starting to put some restrictions back in place. Positivity rates are going back up. The number of cases are on the rise. But many companies are working on a vaccine and that’s getting closer to be approved. My life has been on hold since the start of this whole thing and I’m sure some of yours have been as well.

My plans for Thailand…probably will be on hold until sometime in 2021, but it’s still the plan. However, other parts of my life need to be figure out before then. I can’t stay “retired” forever…if only I could. Not my reality, but that’s okay. Let’s get on to happier things…

HALLOWEEN 2020

Halloween this year will definitely be different. The snow has already started to fall here in Chicago. No accumulation, but the temperature drop deems it’s cold enough of snow. Will there be any trick-or-treating? Will there be any parties (there shouldn’t be)? The bars are definitely not open for celebration here. So, is it even worth it to dress up? What about other activities? Will it all be virtual?

Well, some things are still open to help you get in the spirit, you’ve just got to practice safety. There are still corn mazes. There are still pumpkin patches. You can still make Halloween-y foods and snacks and desserts. You can still carve pumpkins and make delicious fresh roasted pumpkin seeds (adding Everything Bagel Seasoning is awesome). You can take autumn hikes in nature to see the fall foliage and make the most of the “nicer” weather and do some end of the season camping trips.

So, what will I be doing…because I know for sure there will be no house parties or gatherings for me this year. My costumes have been sold or packed away (and I’m trying really hard not to acquire and accumulate things). I went to a corn maze, but didn’t do the corn maze. I went to buy pumpkins from the pumpkin patch because pumpkin carving time! And of course, fall cocktails. I carved pumpkins with my social bubble humans in Minnesota. They had never carved pumpkins before, so we had to do a mini-lesson before they got started, but overall, it was a success and we ended up with cute pumpkins and delicious roasted pumpkin seeds.

The holidays are coming up…what will our next fun activities include? Maybe some gingerbread house construction? Let me know if you have any ideas.