Bit and Pieces: October 2026

I did a Bits and Pieces post last month, but since I'm not sure what to write about today, it's time for another one. 

Fall may be finally here to stay. We had some thunderstorms on Friday, temperatures dropped 25 degrees, and we had our first frost. John is all ready to turn on the heat, but since I just filled our oil tank at the slightly exorbitant cost of $5.86/gallon, I'm going to be wearing sweaters, putting flannel sheets on the bed, and delaying turning on the heat for as long as possible. Can we make it to Thanksgiving? We'll see!

 

John has finally listened to my nagging recommendation that he sell the old Jeep he had been trying to restore for the past four years. I don't begrudge him a project, but this vehicle was some sort of Frankenstein cobbled together from parts of various model years. As a consequence, nothing fit. The drive shaft for four wheel drive never got installed but had a permanent place in the back seat. A very pleasant man bought it two weekends ago, and the good news is that this frees up a garage for my car when it snows. Last weekend John sold the top he bought for the Jeep (that didn't fit) and a leaf blower that he restored. He said he's glad that he's cleaning out the barn. Since I'm a supportive wife, I didn't burst his bubble by pointing out that there are probably 30+ other things in there for him to sell. At least he's started!

 

 

I got a letter from the president telling me about how hard he has been working for better, more affordable healthcare for people and how he believed in returning money directly into the hands of the American people. I call BS, and I'm also lucky enough that I don't need the $90 and wish he hadn't decided to do this. It hasn't actually shown up yet, but it's possible that it will be there with my Social Security direct deposit next week. But when and if it does show up in my bank account, I'm donating it (plus a bit extra) to someone who needs it more than I do. I haven't decided yet, but I'm considering the library, our local food bank, or possibly Planned Parenthood. Maybe all of them because that might help with my simmering rage. 

After chatting with our County Clerk, I decided that voting in-person might possibly be safer than voting by mail. She said she could guarantee that ballots would be sent out but couldn't guarantee that the USPS would deliver them. Voting by mail used to be so nice and easy, but I'll be trying to figure out how to work a voting machine this year. Early voting starts here in NJ on October 24th, but I'll be busy that day.

 

Next Saturday, October 24th, Justin and Jess will be getting married. It's at a venue in northern PA, Tall Timbers Barn. Justin had very few opinions concerning the wedding but didn't want to get married at a fancy hotel or country club. Weather permitting, the service will be outside, so half of our family has been calling to ask whether they'll be warm enough. I don't know; dress appropriately! I honestly haven't had to do too much for the wedding, but as it gets closer, I'm surprised at the amount of manufactured drama. Weddings seem to bring out the the worst in people (and sometimes the best, too), but I've decided that I'm just going to smile, pay attention, and enjoy myself. I wouldn't mind if you sent good thoughts for a good time and good weather. (Maybe then the family members that want to wear sleeveless dresses won't freeze!)