I used to like Halloween until I got older - in my 80s that is. But I still look forward to seeing the little ones dressed up.
I had two bags of candy ready, but thought that might not be enough. So off I went to CVS to get another bag. This time I bought Reese's Peanut Butter Cups because if they didn't all go my husband and I could eat them.
Well, the lights were on. The fake pumpkin was swinging on the light pole and now we were ready. I did know the kids in our small neighbor were growing up, but there may be more I didn't know about this year. Last year we only had about 24 stop by. But you have to be ready. The doorbell rang at 5:30 p.m. My husband said they're starting early this year. I was on "open the door duty" while he was taking over the cooking chores. I opened up the door and there were two mommies and daddies and 4 or 5 (I forgot) small kids. They put out there bags and I tossed a Snicker's bar into each one. Then the moms and dads said "Say thank you." In unison, they all did except for the littlest one who really didn't know what the heck was going on.
Well, the bottom line was five more youngsters came to the door and that was the end of it.
I was kinda disappointed but I still had the Reese's Peanut Butter cups and another bag of Snickers left.
And if I waited,  Walmart's had all its candy bars at 50 percent off the next day. But I thought twice about buying it. First, they wouldn't keep until next Halloween and they'd be too tempting for me and my husband.
So, 10 children showed up. And, I thought next year I won't buy so many candy bars. You guessed it, probably then 40 will knock on my door in 2015. Isn't that how it works.
A belated "Happy Halloween" to all.

Sorry folks. I know it has been awhile since I brought you a blog. But I've had a reason and still do. I spent the last 2 months battling problems with my heart. I'm still not up-to-par, but I'm trying hard.
Every season I get a little teary-eyed. I'm definitely a lover of the sunny, warm weather. Although the fall has lots of beauty with its stunning color changes especially on the leaves, it also reminds you of what's ahead. .
I guess that's why I like summer so much. In the spring, you know the sunny, warmer weather is ahead of you. OK, before you all start to sigh I know there are days that can be unbearable in the heat department, but you know snowflakes and cold weather are next.
When I was young and I mean in my youth I didn't mind the winter. I attended St. Peter's Academy (now Saratoga Central Catholic) and because of where I lived had to go through the part of Congress Park that was hilly. It also had and still does have a large circular cement staircase with wide cement rails around it. One of my favorite things to do during the winter months was slide down the somewhat icy rails. One time I slid so hard on the ice it took some of my skin off from you know where.
When I got home I could hardly walk, but knew my mother would be upset with me knowing I had slid down the cement staircase.
 She asked why I was walking funny. "Oh, I don't know," I sheepishly responded. Come over here she said and lifted my dress and started to pull down my panties until she realized they were stuck with blood. She never scolded me as she very carefully took them off along with some skin, as well.
That's how my mother was. She knew I had learned a painful lesson and wouldn't be sliding down those wide, cement staircases again.
Maybe, unknowingly that's why I'm not a big fan of winter. But right now I'm looking out the window and can see the beginning of the leaves turning to beautiful hues. So I'll enjoy what nature brings.
But I'm still a summer lover and I don't think that will ever change.
Now, where did I put my sweater? Today's got that autumn chill in the air.

One thing's for sure: I'm not going to tell you about how I feel. I'm going to be positive.
Race season is always - or used to be - busy for me. When I was writing my Inside Saratoga society column for The Saratogian for 25 years I hardly missed a beat. I did slow up in my latter years and finally signed off - much to my dismay - at the age of 79.
Now I go to what I can, which is not too much anymore. I celebrate my 82nd birthday in September and sometimes wish I was back party-hopping. But that is now for the younger ladies, who are doing a fine job.
Today I sit at my computer looking out the window at the glorious sunshine. Other than a couple of 90-degree days and a few showers it has been ideal.
I haven't been to the Saratoga Race Course yet. Not because I wouldn't like to be, but I just don't get around as much as I used to. I'm envious of a few of my friends who bounce around like they are in the 50s or 60s. And mind you, they are mostly in their 90s or close to it.
I'm not an overly religious person, but I believe God has a slate with names on it and the dates that we will go to meet him. I just hope he waits a few more years for me to meet him. There are still things I want to do.
I want to get well enough to go back to volunteering at Treasures on West Avenue. For those who don't know what Treasures is you're missing out. It is run by Saratoga Hospital Guild volunteers and is open every Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The store is filled with consigned and donated clothing in pristine condition for the entire family. As well as having household, books and other goodies.
I was volunteering every Tuesday up until some health issues set in. But don't worry I'll be back greeting you at Treasures as soon as I am able.
In the meantime, enjoy every day you can and give back to the community and don't forget to lend a hand where needed. It is so rewarding.
Until next time I'll keep chugging along.

Hi everyone. I know it's been awhile, but "The Golden Years" have been acting up again.
I like to remain active, but sometimes nature gets in the way. A little over a week ago I had to make an emergency trek via ambulance to the ER.
Of all things, I was having a massive nose bleed that would not stop. My blood pressure had spiked to a ridiculous high number indicating a problem somewhere. Of course it had to be around midnight. Nothing seems to happen to me in the daytime.
Since I am on a blood thinner because of my heart problems (doesn't it ever cease?) it took a few hours to slow it down. They called in a doctor who had them pack (my nose), which wasn't fun.
I am now on antibiotics for a urinary track infection. And still feel quite lousy. But this too will pass.
I wouldn't bore you with this if I wasn't following the name of this column.
In no way am I saying old age is not fun. It just has a lot of bumps in the road. And, when you've always been an active person it's difficult to accept at times.
In the meantime, I have to hurry up and get better because I have family members coming from across the southern states and western part of New York. Of course, they take over and make themselves at home. I just enjoy their visit.
But it may be hard for them to understand it is more difficult for me to sit back and watch them wait on me and their father.
If any of my friends have an in with the man upstairs will you ask him to get me on a wellness trip.
Thanks!
Everyone have a fun holiday with family and friends. Happy Fourth!

Here it is May 19 and I'm still freezing. I know age has something to do with it, but I haven't even got into my short sleeve golf shirts yet.  Ok, maybe once or twice.
I promise not to complain if I get a week or more of 80 degree weather.
Each day I wake up with plans. Sometimes it works out - others not so good. Today, I'm hoping for a good one.
My schedule isn't that exciting. I have a nail appointment followed by grocery shopping. I'm probably one of a few who likes to grocery shop. I sit down at the dining room table after I've read the Sunday paper to make out my list. I'm not one who runs all over town looking for bargains, but I am selective with what's in the ads.
I'm planning ahead for Memorial Day. Not because I'm expecting a big crowd - three at the most, but I'm still a planner.
Yesterday, I made blueberry muffins - a double batch. Then came two loaves of banana bread. I had a lot of ripened bananas and I try not to toss anything. Some of the muffins are in freezer bags and both loaves of banana bread are too.
If I had a choice of making a big lavish dinner or baking, baking would top my list. In fact, my husband still kids me about the baking because when I was younger - a lot younger - I said I'd like to open a bakery.
But believe me, my baked goods are just your homespun variety not anything lavish. However, we recently spent a weekend at my daughter and son-in-law's home in the western part of the state. We went to a mammoth market that has everything fresh. Well, needless to say on the way home I was buried in the back seat of our son's car along with bags of the freshest fruits and veggies.
Apples were a priority on my list. I always tell my husband he's going to turn into an apple. There isn't a day he misses eating one. In fact, I think he knows about every variety. Well, we came across some Jonagolds (hope I spelled it right) and purchased more than we needed.
The first thing I did was make him his favorite apple pie. I thought it was a little too sweet. He thought it was perfect. I'll take it because he isn't one to give out compliments very often.
So here I sit looking out the window at the not-so-sunny day and yearning for that sun to shine brightly.
I promise if it ever reaches 90 degrees this summer, you won't hear a complaint out of me.
Here's to warmer, more sunny days. They can't come sooner for me.

Well Easter and Passover have been here and gone. What a joy for everyone.
With me it was small but a wonderful gathering: my husband and my son Dan. All the rest of my family 2 daughters and 1 son and their significant others live too far away.
But I'm the type who likes to celebrate regardless. So out came the best china and silverware. My son brought a delectable fresh fruit cup to go with my sour cream mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus  and oregano fresh tomatoes (as fresh as they can be this time of year) with black olives and extra virgin olive oil. The meat course chosen by the two men was strip steaks on the grill. Grilled perfectly by my son.
The dessert consisted of my homemade chocolate cake surrounded by yellow peeps. Delicious!
Before sitting down at the dining room table we watched the Mets beat the Braves and Matt Kuchar (my favorite) win the golf tournament at Hilton Head.
To add to the fun day, I proceeded to wear yellow slacks, a lavender golf shirt and yellow cardigan. And much to my surprise my hubby even put on a yellow golf shirt. All that was lacking was our bunny ears.
Now I'll have to try to outdo myself next year.
Here's hoping everyone had the best holiday as I did. The only thing missing was the rest of the family. However, most of them are planning a visit the opening week of the racetrack. Hurrah!