The weather is starting to turn here in Pennsylvania. While the trees are still green, the temperatures have dropped into the 40/50s at night. This is my favorite time of year, and I truly miss traveling now. Mom and I considered a long weekend trip to New England, for some whale watching, leaf peeping and lighthouses. We’re still cautious and concerned about being around too many people, and increasing our exposure. It’s still not safe enough to get on a plane, and since there are only a handful of countries in the world allowing us to enter, it’s really not necessary. The farthest I’ve traveled is New Jersey and Pine Beach over the last nine months.

As of October 3, the United States has over 209,000 deaths from coronavirus. Last night we learned the president and his wife tested positive, and there are over 7.3 million cases in the United States. With kids returning to school, whether it’s university or below, more people are physically gathering. Fortunately, I see most people in our town wearing masks in the grocery store, in public, and being respectful of one another. I can’t say the same for our president. This week was the first presidential debate between Biden and Trump. Let’s just say not a proud day to be an American. But politics isn’t really what I want to talk about.

Many people are waiting for 2020 to be over. With the virus, racial tension, economic recession, layoffs, fires in California, RBG death, anticipation of an election from hell, and the Eagles suck. It’s been a rough year. Exhausting. Depressing. Lonely. Fearful. At EY there’s not a good estimate on when people will physically return to work. Some companies are estimating June 2021. While many of us are working effectively remotely, it’s taking a toll on families with young children. But we’re all experiencing our ups and downs. Including me. One of the things I miss the most are hugs. Simple little thing we do when greeting a friend you haven’t seen. Being a single woman physical touch comes from cats and massage therapist right now. Which feels pretty sad. The cats love having me home all the time and Malina has become somewhat of a lap cat and a mindfulness breathing cat.

I wanted this blog to be about fall fun – going to the orchard, picking apples, selecting pumpkins, gourds and mums for the yard art, eating warm apple cider donuts from the farmers market, opening the windows to let the cool crisp air in, but I needed to get the other stuff out first. I’m grateful for everything I have – family, friends, job, furballs of love, health (kind of), the comforts of home. And yes the year has had its toll on me but I’m still better off than many people and I can’t/won’t take that for granted.

Happy fall everyone!