We’ve entered that weird space in time where we’re done with the craziness of harvest. It seems like life will slow down, but we haven’t started the most insane part of the yearly schedule, otherwise known as hockey season. We’re still running to volleyball games, Bison games, concerts and plays, but the real challenge of juggling the schedule hasn’t yet begun. I made the mistake of checking both the upcoming hockey and basketball sports schedules the other day, and I started to sweat a little. Yes, my old friend Perry Menopause may have something to do with my excessive perspiration, but this was more on the level of basic anxiety.

How did Halloween go for you? It was a different year for me since we opted to creep out in the Lawn Lounge at Sip Happens rather than stay at home and hand out candy there. I hope you enjoyed it, I know our characters did! My favorite was the skeleton riding a bicycle that really moved, while playing “Puttin on the Ritz”, a classic Halloween tune with an eerie vibe.

Bob and I both turned 65 this summer, meaning only one thing… it was time to apply for Medicare. Soon our mailbox was full of direct mail pieces from everywhere in the United States wanting to sell us supplements; we hadn’t even signed up for Medicare yet.

It is my favorite time of year - spooky season! What are your plans for this year’s festivities? Lord knows there are plenty to choose from; you will see a variety of celebrations as you’re flipping through this week’s issue of your favorite newspaper. I do not have an elaborate costume planned out for this year, but I’ve been tempted to just spend the day with my prosthetic out; that’s scary enough…perhaps too scary for the cute little trick or treaters I’m expecting to pass by my house on 4th Street, where I actually ran out of candy last year! I was so tired by the time I ran out, and it was almost completely dark, so I turned my living room and porch lights off hoping to not entice more little ghouls and goblins.

Last Friday we attended the funeral of a life-long friend and neighbor, Jerry Lykken. A friend to all, a wonderful husband and grandpa, Jerry will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Jerry and his wife, Lois’s, farm is a mile straight west of our farm. We have driven by their immaculate farmyard thousands of times, and our to see Jerry out mowing the lawn or tinkering in the yard, it was a double bonus! Whoever saw him first would shout “there’s Larry Jykken!” We’d honk and wave and laugh, and Jerry would smile and wave back.

By Bob Simmons, CEO, Simmons Multimedia Stupid things I won’t do again. Pt.

I must start this week with an apology. I’ve let you down.

As I sit here watching the sun rise from my parents porch in Kingsport, Tennessee, I’m getting a bit of relaxation in before heading out for the day. Last week I told you the stories of the first three properties I made it to while down south helping with relief efforts after Helene.

I know you’ve all been waiting on pins and needles for me to report back on my colonoscopy procedure. If you’re sick of me writing about this, don’t worry, I promise this is it.

Multimedia Have you ever noticed the number of security cameras that are in use locally? When you’re at the four way stop in Langdon, you’re being watched from three different angles - the courthouse, the Mostad all have cameras. We have video of a combine blowing through the stop sign and nearly causing a serious accident at the intersection last weekend and countless other vehicles that do a rolling stop. It’s frightening.