When you think about it, it’s really astonishing. In early civilization your labors were directly connected to your survival. You worked all day to live. Today, the production of food and goods we consume is antiseptic to our daily lives.   We’ve lived through a pandemic where millions died and we survived by going online. From food to toilet paper to cars. Everything available at the touch of a screen or click of a mouse and delivered right to our front door.

I can’t explain how or why it started, but for quite some time now I have been running my own Social Media version of a Bingo Game.

The headlines are startling, although not unexpected. Among students in grades 3 through 8 on Long Island less than 40% passed Math and less than 50% passed English in recent standardized tests. Although I’m not a fan of standardized testing, the results are undeniable.The effects of the pandemic are many. We have suffered personally - directly and indirectly.

A fascinating photo exhibit is available for anyone interested in getting a remarkable look at pre-war Europe.  A young man was taken on a summer trip of 8 European countries.  Richard Scheur took multiple rolls of film and had an incredible knack of connecting with the people and places on his journey.  The photos of life in the cities, countryside, and artistic settings makes for an enlightening walk through history.  

It is now less than a week away.  Will you celebrate? Will you dress up?    When my kids were young, Halloween was a glorious spectacle.  Lots of costume planning and changing.

My husband and I  have recently realized that, other than the national and local news, the only network television show we watch is Shark Tank. Everything else we watch is available through the networks that we stream. Technically so is Shark Tank but we still watch it on  cable.   

My office includes more than the usual accoutrements.  The same space includes my wardrobe in a dresser that was once dad's (really!) and a closet.  So when I wanted to change my garb and get ready for the day, I need to be there.  I was up early and my MacBook and other devices were all upstairs in the dining room "anticipating" a possible move to the outdoor office (a feature of several past commentaries in this space and which may be "closing" sooner than later until warmer weather becomes the norm again.).

I must admit, sorry pumpkin fans, but this pumpkin spice thing is over the top.