I’m not a travel blogger nor do I plan to be, but I’ll share that I fled “the rock” for the Rocky Mountains with my remarkable daughter and steadfast 87-year-old mom. We checked off three more national parks on my list. A goal is to see them all.

The crunch of the fallen leaves on a crisp morning, breathing in the dry high desert air, seeing elk, bison, bald eagles and more, and days of being disconnected from the daily comings and goings of every day life are all sights, sounds, smells and feelings that will stick with me for more than a while.

I am now back. I have returned feeling refreshed, enlightened and full of joy. My one small regret is not having time to dote on Adelaide Keene and Baxter Geyer as we passed through Jackson, Wyo. Although I still have a desire to see more, I am grounded in every day life ready to greet little trick or treaters Friday night.

Let’s hope the weather cooperates, but there’s no reason one can’t trick or treat from under an umbrella. Don’t forget the Chilmark firefighters will have the doors open at the CCC as a gathering place on Friday, Oct. 31 from 5 to 5:45 p.m. All are welcome to pop in to catch a glimpse of some of the best homemade costumes around. Pizza and cider will be served to all littles in attendance.

A Chilmark firefighter truck, Tri-Town Ambulance, Chilmark cruiser and a Coast Guard vehicle will be staged in Menemsha along with a scattering of others to dish out treats. Thanks to, among others, Jeremy Bradshaw, Manny Rose, Heather and Vincent Maciel, Jon and Kristie Mayhew, Sean Slavin, Liz Rogers, Ben Retmier, Nick Sedberry and more for protecting, serving and goblin-ing the Halloween.

If you’re new to Chilmark trick or treating please give me a shout. I’m happy to give you the insiders scoop.

The Chilmark Town Affairs Council will host a community potluck at the CCC on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. All are welcome to gather, share, laugh, listen and plan for future CCC programming while breaking bread together. It will be a great opportunity to reacquaint and meet CTAC board members Michelle O’Connor, Morgan Baker, Robin Rivera, Keith Fenner, Mathea Morais, Miles Brucculeri, Jay Brelis-Farrell, Ismail Samad, Cory Medeiros, Katharine Poole, Lee Berresford, Anne Mayhew and me. Check out the CCC website for a Zoom link if you can’t join in person.

The UK kids have come and gone. A high note for Marshall was being the designated concession stand for the groups beach viewing of Jaws. Liz Gale, mom to Riley, and Susie Anderson, mom to Charlotte, were a couple of the awesome moms in the mix, facilitating the event. Fun was had by all and, perhaps, the most by Marshall.

Abby Karlinsky and her family also hosted an exchange student. It was great to have a little extra hustle and bustle under their roof since both Andrew and Matt have flown the coop.

With parents Juan and Michelle and Chuck and Pam by their sides, Katie Loveluck and Sarah Colbert tied the knot in the intimate setting of their Pepperbush backyard. Festivities began with Friday night family dinner prepared by Sarah. Saturday was very much a family affair with decorating, flower arranging and setting up for the exchanging of vows with Katie’s brother Andrew and Sarah’s sister Rachael officiating. Rachael’s husband Eric was also in the mix cheering everyone on. The day wrapped up with the group dining at State Road after some sweet Menemsha photos were taken. Of course, my favorite is of the happy couple on Squid Row. Katie was one of my Texaco “kids” back in the day. Congratulations and hip, hip, hooray to all.

Just a few short days later, Paul and Beth Mayhew celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. If you recall, their anniversary is also Paul’s birthday. Happy 85th. A very happy Oct. 27 goes to Mitch Posin and Patty Rossi, too.

Also celebrating on the 27th was Charlotte Coutinho. She’s now a whole year old and parents Izadora and Zach couldn’t be happier.