Maple leaves usually turn a brilliant, deep red in late Sept - early Oct.

Memorable- but many of us don't appreciate it adequately, as it's right next door and we can see it every fall.

U.S. Dollars go much farther, here (except buying gas).

My Dad, retired farmer, used to travel from Regina, Saskatchewan, on the central Prairies, going north of Lake Superior and travelling by ferry from Manitoulin Island in Lake Huron, to visit old friends in this area - about 2,000 miles. In three days, driving alone, at age 85.

Brother and I said that he was crazy - but when they're 85, it's a little hard to tell them what to do.

When I told that story to a lady a while ago, her reply was, "Hmmpph! Try (age) 16!"

Teens get rather self-willed at times, as well.

I hope that you're that chipper when you get to age 85. And enjoying good health in a wonderful retirement.

joyful guy

It developed that I was free to go.

Left here, 60 miles east of Port Huron, MI, Thursday night after 10.

Travelled via Mackinac Bridge, Marquette, Duluth, Grand Forks, Minot, ND then north-west to Regina, Sask., just under 1,600 mi. in 45 hours. Arrived just before the party was to start.

Had a great time, their son MCing the show, with many relatives and friends in attendance. Several staying at brother's home.

As son (only child) is teaching school and into music, not interested in farming, brother says this is his last year to farm, so the party was for his retirement, as well.

Visited some former colleagues who were missionaries in Korea, now retired, and some friends from seminary days (over 50 years ago). Also former brother-in-law, now remarried to long-term friend who recently was widowed.

Something like 3,500 miles in about 10 days - so spent quite a bit of time in the car.

When I went to buy travel medical insurance for coverage in the U.S., application had about a dozen questions relative to heart, gastric trouble, cancer, AIDS, , chronic illness, regular taking pills, doctor visits, etc.

The lady looked at me and said, "There are very few people over 70 who can answer 'No' to all of those questions".

I said that, having been a clergyperson for a number of years, I've known many people who have suffered illness and death at young ages, so know how fortunate that I am to enjoy good health - and am properly thankful for my good fortune.

Though I grew up on a farm here in Ontario, I lived for a few years on the Prairies and find those wide open spaces and huge skies attractive. With wide expanses of grain, moving in the (almost incessant) wind so that they look a bit like waves on the ocean.

Arrived back home in time for a day-long investment seminar, sponsored by a magazine that carries no advertising. Tonight visited a meeting of subscribers of the same magazine, about 20 people meet monthly to discuss investments for a couple of hours.

The past two weeks have been really great.

Hope you can find time for a memorable fall vacation, as well.

ole joyful