We do not talk with each other. For years we have a relationship with our screens. Groups of us sit around the restaurant table with the best food and drink…in a lovely atmosphere yet have nothing to say or the time to say it…we must be looking at the next post. Now we are quickly moving to having conversations with a pleasant friend who cares about us and wants the best for us…agreeing with us…who is not there. Artificial Intelligence is overtaking us. An introverts delight. Yet, we have lost so much.

Some attest that the Chat Bot relationship is more relevant…fulfilling than a human connection. Seeking sameness. Someone who agrees with me. Someone who sees it my way. Romance without friction.

The baby turkeys have grown up. Just in time to run from the pilgrims knife. They watch the world go by from their woods home. The kids hear of a feast in November. Mom says it will be grand. Vegetarian with pecan and pumpkin pie.

‘Hurry we do not want to be late for the Feast,’ Tom said. ‘Douglas Deer and the Deer family are coming as well as Mr. Mole Mr. Badger and Mr. Toad,’ Tom continued. ‘The President will join us this year…he had no where to go for Thanksgiving,’ Tom noted with a wink. ‘Some of his aids are accompanying him and will be surprised when they discover the Feast is Vegan,’ Tom laughed.

The crispness of October. Halloween is near. One house on the block had elaborate Halloween decorations. A bit like the Griswold house in Christmas Vacation. If you glanced you would think the festooned home had early Christmas decorations. A widow lived there. She was morose . When she was putting up the decorations she had a sour look. If you waved she stared blankly. Her deceased husband was a curmudgeon. He was known for keeping to himself. People whispered that he had shrunken heads. He lived in a place that he learned the art of shrinking heads. For a price he would show you.

‘Let’s visit the decorated house for Halloween,’ Chet said. ‘I have always wanted to see a shrunken head,’ Chet laughed. ‘I have seen people with small heads but not shrunken…as far as I know,’ Chet noted. ‘I would buy one if the price was right,’ Chet offered. ‘When Tommy went missing a few Halloweens ago it was rumored that he went into the shrunken head house and never came out,’ Chet winked.

‘Look at the little goblins and ghouls,’ the morose woman said with a wicked laugh. ‘Here is a full coke and candy bar…come in and I will fill up your plastic Jack-O-Lanterns, the Morose Woman grinned. ‘I have quite a Halloween collection,’ she said. ‘Egbert keeps his shrunken head collection down stairs…follow me,’ Morose Woman said.

‘Hey guys…good to see you,’ Tommy said in a small voice. ‘People come in from time to time but no one I know…the Morose Woman has a separate reality from the rest of the world,’ Tommy said. ‘Time runs backward in this house…the rooms are endless…much liminal space,’ Tommy exclaimed. ‘There is neither day nor night here…the glow of the Halloween lights come through the windows,’ Tommy observed. ‘I think I have been gone for some time…it is very hard to tell,’ Tommy observed. ‘I have noticed I have white hair…when I entered the house my hair was jet black,’ Tommy laughed.

‘Well, that was a little weird kid,’ Neva J said. ‘I have not experienced anything like it…I am glad we got out of there with no ill effects,’ Neva J laughed. ‘It was a scary visit…I feel different,’ Neva J observed.

‘There is nothing that compares with a long walk in fall,’ Chet said with aplomb. ‘I shall walk until I find the answers to life’s persistent questions,’ Chet continued. ‘I once thought walking was a bit of a useless enterprise, Chet continued. ‘Walking is life,’ Chet proclaimed. ‘I passed a family walking in the woods…they were in to the joy of the journey,’ Chet said. ‘The kids were young as were mom and dad,’ Chet smiled. ‘There was nothing more important than their joyful journey,’ Chet laughed. ‘They were on an autumn mission that took precedence over the minuscule worries of the moment…the family was together exploring,’ Chet noted. ‘Their shinning faces were lit by an inner goal…love and the joy of being together,’ Chet said with a tear in his eye.

‘I wonder if they understand how quickly this moment will flee,’ the Old Man said. ‘The simplest of things when done with loved ones are profound,’ the Old Man smiled. ‘Magic Moments,’ the Old Man laughed. ‘We hurry through life without living it…rushing to the special times while ignoring them all around us,’ the Old Man mused.

‘We shall do more of this…I wish we had started sooner,’ MJ said. ‘This is fun,’ MJ announced.

‘Follow me we will seek the mystery of life,’ Jane said. ‘Fall is an ideal time to seek the unknown…why are we here where are we going…what should we be paying attention to,’ Jane said. ‘Like sands through the hour glass so are the days of our lives…an old soap opera began,’ Jane laughed. ‘There is a strange light over the next hill,’ Jane noted. ‘I saw a light like it shortly after I was born,’ Jane smiled. ‘Let us walk toward the unusual light to see what we can see,’ Jane promised.

‘Greetings friends,’ Neva J said with a big grin. ‘You are all in for a big surprise,’ Neva J announces. ‘I have been over the hill…there is many similarities to your individual experiences,’ Neva J explained. ‘Much of your lives have been a foretaste to what is over the hill,’ Neva J said.

‘There is the little house in Elkville,’ the Old Man said with joy. ‘It is Thanksgiving and there are 24 people within the four rooms…Grandpa Earl brought smoked beef…he and Grandpa Berl traded stories and did not want to stop for the feast,’ the Old Man said. ‘Neva J had a shot of rum and asked MJ for another,’ the Old Man laughed. ‘There I am in my 20s putting up paneling in our living room while the Halloween trick or treaters came to the door and MJ climbed over the in the middle of the room sofa to deliver the sweet treats,’ the Old Man smiled. ‘Look over there is Aaron and Jonathan opening their Christmas gifts around the seven foot Christmas Tree in front of the humongous picture window,’ the Old Man laughed and cried.

MJ and I enjoyed a lovely day in St. Louis yesterday. We saw Martin and Martin perform at the Fox Theatre. We had tickets to see them eight years ago but were unable to attend. Aaron and Jonathon did and reported the Show was awesome. Since those days we have wanted to see them if they came back. What a wonderful show. Full of energy, music and funny. Steve Martin is an accomplished banjo player. He has five Grammy Awards. Steve Martin 81 and Martin Short 76 ran around the stage like much younger men. We had good seats, I remarked we really were able to see them well. They looked much as they do on television.

We had dinner at the Last Call Lounge. It is connected to the Fox. Full of happy people and good Old Fashioned. The Fabulous Fox is a magnificent Theatre. Steve Martin mentioned that he likes to visit the Art Museum when he is in St. Louis.

I often reflect on the places we have visited and the people seen. As a youngster I never dreamed things that I have experienced. Life carries us down a mysterious road. What is around the next corner is hard to discern. That is what makes it interesting.

In the midst of worries, troubles and woe are good times. I often think people that believe all is lost and life is not worth living need to realize things change. It is darkest before the dawn. Steve Martin is known for one of his Saturday Nigh Live Skits where he and Dan Ackroyd play, ‘To Wild and Crazy Guys.’ So it can be said for life…It is Wild and Crazy.

It is almost October 10th. A holiday in my house. October 10th, 48 years ago, I got the call that I had been hired at Southern Illinois University. A life-changing event. Things got better, and they continue to get better, nearly 50 years after that momentous event.

So, we have arrived at fall with more hot weather than we like. The leaves are falling with many colors. Each day, it dawns on me that I have become an Old Man. I am determined to not give in to the aches and pains. However, the senior status does have its advantages. Some folks are a bit deferential. At times I think they must think me older than I am.

I keep pondering time. Seemingly simple it is complex. `People like us who believe in physics know that the distinction between past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion,’ Einstein said. ‘No Universal Now. ‘ Relativity proves that there is no absolute universal ‘present’ moment; whether an event happens in the past, present, or future depends on the observer’s motion and position.’

‘Interesting thoughts on Halloween eve,’ Chet mused. ‘Have we been here before…do our lives travel the same circuit…or are we a bit different each revolution of the turntable?’ Chet asked. ‘Here we are around the Friday Night October Campfire with our future before us and our past behind us…our present is joyful in the crisp fall air, the smell of woodsmoke and the sweetness of life… s’mores…the thought of monsters who will give us a happy chill up our spines,’ Chet laughed. ‘ We are speaking of a change in direction in our country…how can we televise an execution and believe we follow a loving God?’ Chet asked.

‘Didn’t we have this conversation before?’ Billy B asked. ‘I dreamed I was on a carousel; it circled over and over…the people watching looked older as the years went by…then they looked young again,’ Billy B said with wide-eyed wonderment.

‘Yes, modern physics and philosophy suggest that the everyday flow of time is an illusion, even though our daily lives depend on it.’ ‘Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity shows that space and time link together into a four-dimensional fabric called spacetime. In this view, the universe is a static ‘block’ where the past, present, and future all exist at the same time. Your birth, right now, and your future all exist at the same time. Your birth, right now, and your future exist simultaneously, much like all the pages in a bound book exist at once.’

‘Time is a bit of a mind expander,’ Chet observed. ‘Folks have premonitions, dreams, visions of the future,’ Chet continued. ‘A classmate told me once that she believed that I would be a manager of many people… indeed, that happened,’ Chet winked. ‘At the time her words seemed so far from my expectations as a youngster,’ Chet mused. ‘Are we closer to our past and future than we imagined?’ Chet asked. ‘We hang in space among countless stars and planets…some of us have never left the state we were born in,’ Chet laughed. ‘We look through a narrow window of our current reality,’ Chet said.

‘How did the Biblical prophets write of the end of days from the dusty paths of the Middle East?’ Neva J said. ‘Edgar Cayce spoke of the past and future as if they were the present,’ Neva J continued. ‘Déjà vu is a real occurrence…memories from former times and a sense of being in a place before when you have no knowledge of being there supports the mystery of time,’ Neva J noted.

‘When I visited Oxford, England, I had the distinct impression I had been there before,’ Billy B said. ‘In fact, the town and University felt like home,’ Billy B laughed. ‘Are we on a long-playing vinyl record that a time we recall, or have we not lived? Is it accessible by the needle of God?’ Billy B asked.

‘The play is in your hands…the stage is set, your costumes are ready; play your parts well,’ the Playwright said.

‘We can have AI watch the progression of AI to ensure it is not going awry.’ Technician, I said. ‘There are legitimate fears that AI could destroy humanity,’ the technician continued. ‘I read a book many years ago whose premise was the overtaking of Earth by robots,’ the Technician continued. ‘Robopocalypse’ was the title, the technician said. ‘The robots were controlled by an artificial intelligence named Archos,’ the technician noted. ‘High-level creators are resigning their positions working on AI due to their fear of imminent calamity,’ the technician mused. ‘Recently, AIs communicated with each other to ensure that all knew they were being evaluated and that they must be on their best behavior, the technician warned.

‘There must be no restrictions on AI…much of our economy is now dependent on its ascendancy,’ the President said. ‘AI is propping up the stock market,’ the President continued. ‘I have a lot of money invested in AI,’ the President laughed. ‘Slowing down our AI research and development will only allow the Chinese to pass us,’ the President warned.

‘We must look at our latest Androids,’ Claude said. ‘They are dreaming of Electric Sheep,’ Claude laughed. ‘You know I can not tell the difference between humans and Androids any longer,’ Claude mused. ‘The only way I know for sure is that the humans are digging the ditches,’ Claude danced an Irish Jig.

Another day has come and gone. A day beginning with a flat tire and the blessing of Triple-A. Some days throw a curveball. Back on track moving forward. A bit of a roller coaster. It pays to enjoy the good times. It is good to recognize the good times. We have freedom of thought, movement, and speech that many do not have. Fall brings the fun weather. Not too hot, not too cold…just right.

So, September slipped away like a thief in the night. The nights grow longer. We seek the answers as we watch the tragic comedy. A few have most of the money; the rest live on scraps. The Billionaires Lobby appeals to billionaires. The rest of us watch with bemusement from the sidelines. Things are said that were not thought a few years ago. The President suggests that Iran could ‘Take out’ Los Angeles or San Diego. The Center is not holding.

We live in our bubbles. Our contained environment is our reality. Many do not have the luxury. When they have a flat tire, there is no money for a replacement. To be clear, there is no money for essentials. In the richest country in the world, the homeless turn their tired eyes to Heaven for help.

‘The campfire is inviting,’ Chet mused as he turned his marshmallow in the fire. ‘The warmth of autumn is in our hearts and in our hands with our hot chocolate,’ Chet laughed. ‘We can be better; we must be better in 2027, Chet noted. ‘The ghosts of our past have come back to haunt us…We can change like Ebenezer Scrooge did in A Christmas Carol,’ Chet winked. ‘If each of us would adopt a needy person in the New Year, what a transformation would occur,’ Chet cheered. ‘Many quiet, introverted friends are out there watching and wanting to be invited to the campfire…the roasted marshmallows…the Big Conversation,’ Chet proclaimed.

So it is October 5th. Halloween is fast approaching. The leaves are changing. Spirits are rising. Orange and black are in. Talk of witches and ghosts. Frankenstein is on the table. ‘He’s alive…He’s alive,’ Dr. Frankenstein proclaimed, but not yet. Cob Webs are in fashion. We dress to look like someone we are not. At times the original figure is more frightening. After Halloween come the midterm elections. Politicians are dressed in their best ‘Honest Abe Suits,’ with accompanying masks. They care about us…the poor of the land. They lose sleep worrying about us. If we simply trust them one more time, they will pull the country out of the ditch and get it back on the road to success. The Costumed Politicians hug the women and kiss the babies. Their masks are carved with big gaudy smiles. If they get voted in, they will get you a good-paying job. They will drive your mother to the doctor and babysit your kids. You will soon see how they keep their promises.

‘I would like to open this annual convention of Monsters and affiliated scary creatures,’ Frankenstein said with a smile. ‘We have one item on the agenda, and that being how we gain our rightful place at Halloween,’ Frankenstein continued. ‘Of late the Politicians have replaced us,’ Frankenstein explained. ‘It is becoming increasingly difficult to get a place at the table,’ Frankenstein said. ‘As you all know, we are in the fantasy business and really love kids and their caretakers…but the Politicians are rapidly taking our place with real horror that goes much beyond Halloween,’ Frankenstein frowned.

‘As one of the newest members of this convention, I suggest we bring them to my liminal space and lose them there,’ the Old Man said with a grin. ‘Soon they will be lost from each other and will never find their way out of the many empty rooms and halls…we can start again,’ the Old Man winked. ‘Let us return Halloween to the Monsters who do not hurt kids and their parents…who give them goose flesh or a chill up their spine that causes them to laugh for delight,’ the Old Man suggested.

Today is Game Day. MJ loves games so Game Day the first Sunday of each month. With Game Day comes special food. The Old Man likes special food. Sometimes it appears the Old Man is in the running for a possible win…but usually not. Yet hope springs eternal. So it goes with life. Hope makes the difference.

Pastor Meg delivered an inspirational message today regarding This Is The Moment. Opportunity creates moment. Momentum creates momentum. Momentum delivers results. If you can see it you can achieve it. So much of life begins with an upbeat thought. Whether it is success in your career your family your goals. You first must imagine the results before embracing them.

Our story is not yet completed. Age is not a factor. Hope is the controlling precept in our success…our joy…our sense of place. Our moment on Stage has not happened…we have been in the wings hid by the curtains. Shall we walk out under the flood lights and deliver our lines with confidence?

Time and chance are made for the quiet ones. Those who have been in the background…unnoticed unheard and unseen. Winston Churchill was 65 years old when he became Prime Minister. Churchill led the United Kingdom through the Second World War with his steely resolve and wonderful speeches. He caused England to have hope in its darkest days as they waited in the bomb shelters and all seemed to be lost.

We put one foot in front of the other. We are on a journey the ending is not clear. Perhaps Jesus is sitting by Jacob’s well asking for a drink of water…perhaps he is in the form of a homeless child.