Dear Ones,

Well the Fall came to Michigan with the most glorious colors that I have
seen since I have moved back here three years ago!

I think that this year our color display rivaled that of Vermont or any
New England state, for that matter.

The air grows crisper in the mornings and I watch the squirrels,
rabbits, and hares build their nests for the coming winter. My pumpkin
patch grew a bumper crop just waiting to be carved for Halloween!

just before Halloween the leaves started falling...and falling...and
FALLING!!!!!!
After a while raking didn't even work, so we had to get a leaf
"sucker-upper"...and even then it was a never ending job.
Day after Day, from dawn to dusk was spent, it seems, trying to stay
ahead of the falling leaves.

We did manage to harvest our pumpkins, carve them and " lay in " tons of
candy treats for the goblins and masked figures that that were soon to
visit. We even managed to clear up all the leaves the night before and
had a huge bonfire.

On Halloween night ( this year we celebrated on Saturday night in Union
City ). The endless parade of costumed youngsters hopped, jogged,
crawled and skipped up my long drive way to "Trick and Treat "...
We estimated over 1000 children came to my door this year!

Another highlight of my fall was an appearance that I did at Central
Michigan University in Mount Pleasant Mi. ...It would have been a very
routine appearance until a student brought an old friend up to the
podium...
IT WAS MRS. MACK ...IN PERSON!!!!

This dear lady is almost 90 years old ( in April ) ...she was still
"breaking horses" up until 4 months ago.

It was such a moving experience or me to be surprised by her visit. The
audience was also deeply moved to see that Mrs. Mack is a real
person...and such a remarkable person!

Now it seems that the fall is coming to an end...winter is almost upon
us. ..Thanksgiving is this week and I already have our turkey with all
the trimmings. Our plans for the holiday season are to have a "Santa's
Forrest and Christmas Tree Land" at the arts center as well as an
evening of telling holiday stories. We will pop popcorn, warn cocoa and
perhaps even a visit from Ole St. Nick himself.

And so, for all of you I am hoping health, happiness and a glorious
winter and holiday season to come!

much love,