It appears that we have made it through the middle of October, as well as already expending the first third of the Fall season. We should take care as to not be pessimistic with whining of something being gone before it’s really over, but the time does seem to be sliding by fairly fast, now-days. I do know that many folks approaching the fabled senior citizen status speak often as to how time wheels by us at a more rapid rate than it seemed during our younger years. It all became somewhat more apparent to this humble scribe on Monday as I turned another page on my annual calendar. Birthdays are not all that much to celebrate when you’ve had as many as I, but more of a celebration of still being around to notice them. I was mildly surprised at hearing from several friends and kin, a few of which I had no idea they would even know of it. Probably something having to do with these blasted computers that we fuss with so much.

Anyhow, Lady Z, was nice to me the whole day, as she enjoys any kind of Holiday and I heard from both Will & Katylee. Shaw called & razzed me about being so old, but Patty Sue one-upped him and sent me a homemade Apple cake with a new recipe she found. I’m usually not much of a cake person, but it was about as good as I’ve ever tried. I got several of those "crank" cards that have a picture of a dreadfully old, tired looking cowboy, as well as a few e-cards, that they can send via computer. Helen Harkey called to wish me a Happy day,as she keeps up with several family members, and Ms. Amanda Jackson had to let it out down at the Senior Center, so they sang the birthday song. I got a nice card posted from Peggy & Richard, as did Carol Ann the week prior. I think Peggy might send more greeting cards than just about anyone around these parts. I’d like to know what her annual card budget is, as well as how she can remember so many. Heck, I’ve even forgotten my own a time or two. Anyhow, we got through it, and that’s that.

There surely was a lot of activity down around the Courthouse on Tues. morning, what with the driver’s License lady having all the benches full, and the early voting booths were right around the corner. Mix that up with your usual Courthouse traffic and it looks like a jury call day. It will be pretty busy around the Square the next few weeks what with all the hunters coming in and the added activities of Peddlers’ days, as well as some of the Hunter Appreciation activities that herald the opening weekend. Speaking of activities, we hear that the Steak dinner on Friday evening will be put on by the folks that all volunteer for the EMS. I’m not sure as to the identity of all the cooks, but J. Shaw & R. Verette usually sizzle the Sirloins for that group, so I can testify as to their expertise relating to such said subject. They have such a famed history that band groups from opposing teams have called in to reserve steaks for the entire band and staff. You can drop by and get "carry-out" or they have tables and chairs for your dining pleasure prior to the football game. The donations go a long way toward supporting the excellent EMS facilities and care that we receive in the County.

There has been evidence of increased activity around all the Pecan houses and stores around Town the past couple of weeks as some of the early varieties of the New Crop are beginning to come in. We’ve also noticed a lot of tractors, trailers, and harvesting equipment being moved to orchards and bottoms as the nuts are beginning shuck-split. Daddy’s Pawnee has been open in the garden about 3 weeks, now, and the Schley over in Tony’s yard next door has been opening for about a week. Dale Barber peeled a few with his pocket knife, when he and Mary came by this past weekend as they were down tending to some left over Bull business following their Production Sale out at Jordan’s. Guess it’s about time to check with the Mayor and find out what’s next on the docket out around——Harkeyville!!!!!!!!