Clinton Township Newsletter

According to History.com, "Straddling the line between fall and winter, plenty and paucity, life and death, Halloween is a time of celebration and superstition. It is thought to have originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints and martyrs; the holiday, All Saints' Day, incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows' Eve and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a secular, community-based event characterized by child-friendly activities such as trick-or-treating. In a number of countries around the world, as the days grow shorter and the nights get colder, people continue to usher in the winter season with gatherings, costumes and sweet treats." I lost a dear family member last month, and Ruth lost someone who was very close to her as well. Daily we discussed the lack of progress and slow demise of our loved ones – helpless do to anything about it. Both men died within days of each other, both funerals were held the same week. This summer, each of my children lost a classmate as well, and then I lost a sweet former neighbor and friend. Our otherwise cheery late summer weather was darkened by the reality of life, and the mysteries of death. I was grateful to have my incredibly strong friend Ruth to share the situations with, however. After 90 years of life, her resilience is amazing. In yet another instance, Ruth is a role model for getting older. According to Wikipedia, "Halloween – the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows' Day begins the three-day observance of Allhallowtide, the time in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs and all the faithful departed." A time of remembrance, surrounded by my family and loved ones was somber and sorrowful, but it was also sweet and suprisingly joyous to be united again. Tears and laughter filled our days – our dearly departed loved one would have absolutely loved it. While October is the month of enjoying Halloween parties, traditions and trick-or-treating, I hope you take some time to celebrate and honor those you love who are still living, and those you love who (sadly) aren't. May your October be peaceful. – Julie Fl�nn It happened again! Four white cotton socks went into the washing machine and only three made it to spin-dry. One simply never made it to the dryer. Alas, yet another sock has lost its mate and chances are will not make an appearance again in my lifetime. I find there are a number of similar mysteries in my life that cannot be logically solved. Harold has a half tank of gasoline when I head to the supermarket in the morning. He sits quietly in the driveway doing whatever Hondas do at rest, yet when I head out for a lunch date, Harold's gas tank registers precariously close to the "E" mark. Is Harold driving somewhere without me? Or maybe drinking on his own? When my daughter and I arrived at the Minneapolis airport for our flight to Newark we were happy and relieved to read "On Time" on the scheduling board. I made a quick trip to the Ladies' Room and returned to find a two-hour delay message on that same board. Few incidents cause me as much anguish as another 120 minutes in an airport terminal. My sleep habits leave a lot to be desired. If I finally conk out around midnight I wake fully at 1:00 am, when I'm certain it's time for my morning walk and breakfast. Not so much. The Sandman seldom returns to my bedroom. I may wake with an idea for a Newsletter column but, foolishly, neglect to write it down on the pad I keep bedside. When morning shows up, that idea has completely vanished and no amount of memory prodding brings it back. I've been writing 12 columns a year for over 35 years, so I really can't afford to lose a single idea. I grocery shop with a written list of items and check each one off as I cruise around Bishop's. Only then, when I'm home unpacking my $100 bag of food (no meat, either!) do I realize the Sargento swiss cheese is missing. How can I construct a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich for lunch? Did I pay for the swiss cheese? Drop it in the parking lot? Or, heaven forbid, never put it in my cart in the first place? The biggest mystery of all occurs in the depths of my wallet. Somerset Bank fills it for me on a Monday morning. I stop for some eye drops at Walgreen's and an item or two at King's – then go to lunch with a friend. By Tuesday morning all the 50's have turned into 1's. I kid you not! I need a live-in financial advisor. Does Sherlock Holmes make house calls? "The dust was antique spice, burnt maple leaves, a prickling blue that teemed and sifted to earth. Swarming its own shadows, the dust filtered over the tents." ~ Ray Bradbury, "Something Wicked This Way Comes" Since 1982

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