KNOWING THE SCORE… I sit here realizing that summer seems to have neglected us this year. It is beginning to get colder, the days are noticeably shorter, yet I don’t remember any extended stretch of warm weather to speak of. I believe that was a good thing for beleaguered firefighters worn out from this year’s early and ferocious string of wildfires. With fall fully here, I guess I’ll have to move my planned activities from lounging on the beach to spirited games of touch football.

Ahh, those weekend mornings on an open field, over-the-hill and never-been-up-the hill, soon-to-be arthritic warriors ambling up and down temporary sidelines, shuffling, struggling, wheezing and whoopdy-dooing. Afterwards, heading over to the tavern to boast and brag, needle and insult, knock down a few while arguing about the real players on the tellie. That’s Americana, just the way it oughta be.

Will we ever feel that ease of daily life, that confidence in what we know is possible, expected, deserved in this increasingly polarized world run by lunatics? I sincerely do hope our children and theirs will someday taste the peacefulness of day-to-day activities supported by hope in all our futures.

It is testament to human greatness that drives us ever upward, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable circumstances, to acquire our individual independence from tyranny. Difficult times provide each of us with daily opportunities to behave with dignity, courage and conviction.

KNOTTED UP… If all goes according to plan– and we all know how fickle that can be– our local boy Kevin Walter, son of Cindy and Ted of Passionfish fame, should be married right now. The big event was scheduled between now and press time and was contingent upon Kevin’s being able to get the time off from his military obligations. Next year, after his release, he’ll be in charge of running the new Bath House redo– which will of course be named something else. I’ll keep you posted about the developments.

WINNING DINNERS… Oh yes, Chef David Frappiea at Melange in PG knows what I’ve been saying here for a long time. Good beer goes as well with food as good wine. Check out his special dinner on Tuesday, Oct. 28, featuring the great Quebec beers of Unibroue. Five courses, five different beers plus dessert, this is going to be good, 333-0301.

Up the way on Forest Avenue at Alberto’s, the big man is doing Monday night Vinoteca nights from 5 to 6:30pm. Go on in for a glass of wine, he’ll serve up some free tastes to go with it. After that, you just let the magic happen, 373-3993.

GO BOO… Halloween is just around the next corner. Normally, I’m not that big a fan of the holiday. To me it conjures up fairly unsavory memories of getting mugged for our candy by the bigger kids in the neighborhood, then when I was older we would buy every egg, flour and other messy ingredient in stores around the area and bomb each other and all forms of property with what amounted to an all-out cake ingredients war.

Oh yeah, Halloween. This year, I’ll be acting in a more dignified manner (yeah right) by judging the first annual Bahama Billy’s Costume Contest… for dogs. I assume that, due to limitations in the design of their paws, the dogs won’t be egging me if they’re disappointed with my decisions about their costumes (although I’m not so sure about the owners). It takes place at– duh– Bahama Billy’s on Halloween (that’s the 31st), beginning at 4pm and running until the last little bow-wow struts his/her stuff. Of course there will be libation, eats, treats and weird canine feats (feets?). Luckily, I’ll have my two bow-wow guards and mascots, Gino the Wonder Dog and Lulu. This is going to be B-I-G Bow Wow Big, 626-0430.

TAKE TO THE FAIRWAYS… Brett Wales, a really good guy and one of the core staff members of Cantinetta Luca in Carmel, is throwing a wonderful fundraising golf tournament on Friday, Oct. 24 at Quail Lodge. It is a benefit for the firefighters who protect the area in which we live– and as the earlier incidents of this year attest, this is as important a group as we have. It will be a shotgun start at 1:30pm, with a Bloody Mary reception (oh yeah) at noon. Of course there will be beverages available on the course, as well as prizes for golfing prowess. Immediately following the tournament, on the patio at Edgar’s, there will be a reception and silent auction. Call Brett at 601-7207 to sign up or find out more.

Hey, speaking (writing) of Quail Lodge, on Sunday, Oct. 26 you can get your dog ready for prime time at Bahama Billy’s by joining the fun at the Second Annual Howl-O-Ween (weenie?) Dog Party, from 11:30am to 3pm at Quail Meadows. This one features a costume contest for kids and dogs so you know the action will be lively. Registration is $30 for adults and $8 for children 12 and under. It includes a delicious farm fresh lunch, beverages and a goody bag with spooky treats. Contact the Quails at 624-2888 to find out about stay and play packages and all the other aspects of this benefit for the SPCA.

BIRD MAN… I don’t know about you, but I likes Thanksgiving turkey dinners– anytime. Thankfully (hey) Rosine’s in downtown Monterey has just that available now through the holidays. Nothing says comfort food like a good old-fashioned turkey dinner, 375-1400… Eddison & Melrose, from Sand City, is known for its gourmet fine foods and hospitable personalities. They have made their award winning granola, which is available at fine stores like Clementine’s Kitchen, Grove Market, Monte Vista Market (and of course E&M) available to charitable organizations at a huge discount for use in fundraisers, etc. Call Karen Anne Murray, 393-9479 to find out what’s happening… Woof woof baby.