The days are getting shorter and the leaves are making their descent to the grassy covered ground. Pumpkins are ready to be carved and baked. Halloween candy fills the shelves in the stores. Neighbors have decorated their yards with ghostly scenes.

It has become a tradition for my family and me to go apple picking at the beginning of autumn. We decided to try an orchard in Hiram. My kids and I were very excited. We heard they had cider, face painting, apples and pumpkin.

I recently came up with a new word that is probably something everyone can relate to:

Fativity — being active in the mental state but grazing on snacks throughout the mental activity.

I, like most people, do some very silly things occasionally. So, I thought I would share a few of my very human moments with you today.

I decided to venture out to Kohl’s Department Store on Route 46.

It all began in the fall of 1978. I was 6 years old when we moved out to Hartford from Niles. We went from a postage-stamp sized front yard to a vast, three-acre, open yard containing a pond and a pole barn. Woods and wildlife surrounded us.