Fall

It’s the first of October and the day after Hurricane Ian passed by us dumping several inches of rain. North Carolina fared pretty well but I feel for the many Floridians who have suffered significant losses. It’s so comforting to have a president who puts politics aside to support a governor who toys with human lives for the sake of politics.?

It’s the first of October and cooler weather is certainly upon us. Admittedly, I’m a bigger fan of spring when warming heralds fresh leaves, greener grass and warmer temps. As lovely as the foliage might be this time of year, I know that the cold of winter (an NC version of winter, to be fair) is coming.?

It’s the first of October and that means that the upcoming elections are next month. In a few weeks, we’ll know where this country stands and whether or not progress or regression will prevail. I have so many fears..

What else is on my mind?

• We’ve enjoyed considerable travel in the last few months including two trips to the NC and Tenn mountains, a week in Luxembourg and Paris, visits with the kids and grandkids in Denver and a work gig in Philly. We’re about to get on the road to NH where I’ll officiate at the wedding of our wonderful niece and her terrific fiancé. Our Nashville family will be there (as well as our son…but his kids don’t get the same week off from school) and we’ll spend a week in Lake George (NY) with them after the wedding. Overall, travel has been pretty easy and I’d guess that 90% of the people we’ve seen no longer wear masks.?
• We have trips coming up to Denver for Thanksgiving with all the kids and grandkids, and in 2023 to SE Asia and Norway, but more about those trips later. We’re just excited to have the opportunity to travel again!
• This morning’s episode of CBS Saturday Morning featured several stories that caught my attention. They included a poignant history of immigration in America, a promising account about alternatives to real leather, an eye opening expose on sports gambling and much more. I usually find these shows to be trivial and boring, but this show often offers in depth accounts of pertinent and critical topics. You can find today’s episode at https://www.cbsnews.com/cbs-mornings/saturday/.?
• A new colleague, Aaron Knox, has written a small book which complements my PDF, “Doing Business with US Higer Education”. Entitled, “The Higher Ed Sales Playbook”, it offers valuable insight into many of the issues I raised and much more. Get your copy at https://lnkd.in/ghjpAMwU. You can still get my PDF at www.larrymoneta.com
• Beans, beans and more beans! Judy and I belong to the Rancho Gordo bean club and twice a year get 6 pounds of heirloom beans sent to us. These dry beans are fantastic and we’ve enjoyed making (and eating) amazing soups, stews, and more. Stormy days (like yesterday) are great for soup making and Judy made her amazing French Onion Soup and another lima bean based soup (Rancho Gordo beans, of course). I made https://healthyhappylife.com/snow-cap-bean-stew-quinoa-veggies-herbs/. It’s delicious!?
• Maintaining fitness while aging has its challenges. I’m walking more than ever but running far less than I used to. Thrice weekly basketball games kept me (relatively) in shape until my 50’s and running/fast walking served as poor but necessary substitutes until my 70’s. Now, I occasionally use a rowing machine at home, walk the golf course 4-5 times a week and intermittently do push ups and other strength sustaining exercises. Judy and I chose to become vegan more than 15 years ago (very smart move, I must say). I’ve been fortunate to avoid (for now, I guess) any serious ‘malfunctions’, but the body shows its ongoing wear and tear and aging consequences. I hate taking meds but do as needed. I guess the trick is to push forward, deal with the shit that happens and find happiness wherever and whenever you can.?
• Earlier, I mentioned my trip to Philadelphia. I was there to teach my annual module on Student and Campus Services to Cohort 21 in the Executive Doctorate Program in Higher Ed Management at the Univ. of Penn. I absolutely love teaching in this program and came away from this trip energized and enlightened. What a blessing to be in the company of such extraordinary students…all of whom happen to be accomplished professionals seeking a terminal degree (some working on second terminal degrees).?
• We’re watching Extraordinary Attorney Woo on Netflix these days. I’m generally loath to watch captioned shows (this show is South Korean) but the premise (an autistic attorney) and the stories have been remarkably compelling. Park Eun-bin, who plays the lead role as the autistic attorney, does an amazing job with incredible expressions and movements. I highly recommend the show.?
• My sleep sucks…I’m in a pattern of falling asleep between 10 and 10:30pm, waking at 4am and, if lucky, dozing for another half hours or so at 6am. And, yes, I end up looking at my phone after futile attempts to get back to sleep at 4am. This is a problem.?
• My Red Sox had a terrible season; My Celtics are in the midst of an ugly situation with the suspended head coach; My Patriots seem destined for a miserable season; My Bruins? Hope springs eternal!?

I still have politics and the upcoming elections mostly in my mind. I can’t believe the number of incompetent people we have in state and federal government (looking ay you, Greene, Boebert, Hawley, Gaetz and more. I can’t believe the number of incompetent people running for office (Oz, Mastriano, Walker and so many more). I can’t believe how many of these incompetent people are actually competitive for election. What a mess! Please vote! Please get others to vote!?

Until next time….Larry