On Monday we turned our oil burner on for the first time since last Winter. We heat our Long Island home with diesel oil.  At this writing the cost of diesel oil is $6.28/gallon. Last year it was $3.754.  There may be a deal to purchase diesel oil from Russia (a gas station with an army), supposedly to alleviate the above situation.I am a member of the NYPIRG Fuel Buyers Group which insures me that my "ceiling price" for heating oil with my home heating company is $6.249.

This is the season for noise — political noise. Television and internet advertising abounds. Negative ads, sponsored by PACs, are prevalent and clearly outnumber the positive ads offered by the candidates themselves.For me, it’s all just noise. Offering very little except for the unfortunate observation that it’s easier to attack than promote (although it is often hard to ascertain the truth of the facts advanced).There are many ways to make decisions before casting your vote.The noise doesn’t help.

 “Summer is over!” The kids are back in school, the pools are closed, the Halloween candy has appeared in the stores and skeletons are appearing in my neighbors' yards. I’m not ready to surrender. As far as I’m concerned, it’s "summer' until I’m forced to dig out my winter running gear. I've even decided that my yearly Gratitude Pumpkin will begin in November this year - not in October, Why rush? Of course, Mother Nature is starting to drop hints. I’m awake and ready to head out for a run at 6am and have to wait until the sun is up to light the trails. 

Time management is important for all us.  In a particularly busy time though, it can feel like trying to carry water in a colander and so, the busier the day, the more the structure helps. I’ve found that the key is starting small.  Make a list, prioritize and then pick the three things that truly need attention and give each a spot on the calendar.A little breathing room matters, too. Ten minutes between calls can be enough to jot down a thought, grab a cup of coffee, stretch or simply look out the window. 

Columbus Day is here, giving us a chance to celebrate exploration, discovery, and the courage to sail off into the unknown. Of course, these days, most of us consider it an adventure just to drive somewhere without GPS. I am not the adventurous type.  I even have the GPS on every morning on my way to work, just in case. . . .

My daughter provided another proud parent moment -- perhaps two in one day this past Wednesday, 16 days after her last one, chronicled here two Sundays ago.

When I was growing up, political candidates seemed proud to tell you which party they represented. Their campaign signs displayed their name, the office they wanted, and their party.These days, I look around and see lots of names. Plenty of red, white, and blue (and some yellow). But most signs don't mention a political party.Apparently, there’s room for “Leadership,” “Experience,” and “A Better Tomorrow.” Just no room for “Democrat” or “Republican.”

We all have support systems and, after Family, if we are fortunate, we have friends.  Be they best friends, old friends, new friends, good friends or just plain ordinary friends.  To be sure, one is fortunate if he or she has a good sprinkling of each!I could go on and on, but suffice it to say, you know who you are, and I thank you for your invaluable friendship and support!