It may be cold, but the sun is shining. The sun is shining. The sun is shining. The Betster can’t remember the last time we’ve had such a long string of beautiful sunny days and crystal clear starry nights. Who cares that it’s not the end of October yet and we weren’t quite ready to get out all the winter gear? The sun is, indeed, shining. At least as of this writing. Let’s hope we didn’t just jinx it. It’s not just those beautiful, blue sky days that have put a smile on the Betster’s face as he layers on the vest, the jacket, the mittens and the hat — and the boots with ever so many grams of Thinsulate. It’s those starry, starry nights that have him singing the praises of the change in seasons. Words don’t do the night — or early morning — sky justice. If you haven’t been out to revel in the beauty, don’t wait another day — or night. You might get lucky and see a shooting star or some other astrological wonder that will make you forever grateful that you braved the cold and looked up into the heavens.

It’s something you can do — and still have time for these other Best Bets:

 

BEST BE AFRAID BET: If you can’t find anyplace to celebrate Halloween, which is Wednesday, you haven’t looked very hard. Just take a gander at pages 2 and 3 of today’s paper for all the fun, scary stuff. While some of the happenings are for adults only, there’s a lot of kid- and family-friendly events.  This year kids 10 and under are being invited to the Great Candy Exchange from 2-5 p.m. Nov. 1. If that’s not a sign of changing times, the Betster doesn’t know what is. 

 

BEST HALLOWEEN TRADITION FOR A GOOD CAUSE: For a lot of folks on the southern Kenai Peninsula, it just wouldn’t be Halloween without the Haunted Hickory. This year the Coasties will be at it again, turning their ship into a ghoulish good time, while collecting nonperishable food items for the Homer Community Food Pantry. The event happens Tuesday. The very young and easily frightened can visit the ship between 5-6 p.m. The tougher among us can visit between 7-10 p.m. The requested donation is two nonperishable food items. They’ll be collected at the entry to the pier. 

 

BEST CAN’T HELP TOO OFTEN BET: While the Haunted Hickory will help stock the food pantry’s shelves, there’s also a Food and Fund$raiser Dinner for the pantry from 6-730 p.m. Friday at the Homer United Methodist Church. Tickets are $15 for adults or $7 for kids and are available at the door. Or, diners can donate an equivalent number of nonperishable food items at the pantry. Homer’s helping organizations are bracing for a tough winter. If you’re able to help out, please do.

 

BEST BIG SPLASH BET: The Mariners are hosting the Region III Swim and Dive Championships beginning today and running through Saturday. It’s a big endeavor with nearly 275 athletes coming from as far away as Nome to participate. Volunteers are needed. If you can help, contact Mo Wilkinson at mokibay@yahoo.com or call her at 299-3573. We’re sure the athletes all would appreciate supporters stopping in to cheer for them as well.