We're heading into an odd season. This next month has most of the usual work challenges. I have an important deadline on Friday and I'm quite anxious about it. At the same time, however, many people, adults and children alike, have already checked out in anticipation of the holidays. People at work are talking about decorating the office area. It isn't often that the outside world infiltrates the workspace.

We had a delightful holiday, including another Thanksgiving dinner that couldn't be beat. We met Jennie's father, step-mother, brother, and sister at the Publick House in Sturbridge. The meal and service were good, but the restaurant did a less than stellar job of scheduling. We arrived early and were seated right away. Others, though, had to wait a long time, filling up the hall and stairs. One of our party has MS and gets about with an electric scooter. Navigating through the crowds was quite a challenge.

Sandra and I stayed overnight in Northampton. We booked online and chose one of the better rooms, with a promised view of the park. When we arrived, we discovered that we had a view of the alley. After a discussion with the front desk, we were given another room. This time, we could look over the air conditioning units and vents from the restaurant and see the park - ing lot. We had good time in town all the same. It's refreshing to be in a place where not everyone is white and straight. We visited with Adam, Jennie, and Lily for Friday night supper.