Angel Reese, Halloween, Chicago Marathon, October weather, and the White Sox

Some quick thoughts on a “five-topic potpourri.”

1)    Angel Reese: Got to admit, even thoughI really don’t like her, she has proven to be the goods on the basketball court. She has helped to lead her team, the AtlantaDream,to the WNBA finals, averaging over 20 points and 10 rebounds a game. As a coach myself, I always respected the players who battled and played hard, while relentlessly going after rebounds. Angel does that in abundance! So even though I don’t like all the drama, I have to give her credit for her play on the court.

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2)    Halloween:  If you are handing out candy at my house, here are my preferred items (take notes here): The 3 Musketeers candy bar (put in fridge for 15 minutes before eating), Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, and Hershey’s Semi-Sweet Dark Chocolate Bar. My personal kryptonite? Candy Corn. Those orange three-colored, triangle-shaped pieces of corn syrup and sugar. I stay away from them… but if given one or two, I can no longer resist, and the bag in my possession may be emptied.

3)    Chicago Marathon: Never fails to inspire! How wonderful it is to see so many people—fans and runners—of all ages, all shapes, all sizes, all colors, all nationalities, and all cheering for each other. The feeling of sharedpositivity so badly neededin these otherwise very trying times.

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4)    October weather: Stop being surprised that it is so nice and warm and beautiful outside even though it is October. The weather patterns have changed over the past ten to 15 years, and this is the new normal. October used tobe a colder month, but no more. It is now a consistently gorgeous month full of sunshine, warmth and some of the most pleasant and beautiful weather you can ever experience. In fact, as I’m writing this column, I am sitting outside in80-degreesunshine.

5)   The White Sox: Ouch. Great season came to a crashing halt with 21 strikeouts in one game and53 over the three games they lost to Cleveland. Wow. I haven’t seen so many missed connections since being at the airport the day of a huge snowstorm. But still… great season, guys! Lots of thrills from the boys in black and white.