After decades of living in Alaska, the years and seasons blur together. The Betster’s memories might have gotten mixed up, but yours truly dimly remembers the progress of summer to fall goes something like this: August, rain; September, more rain and colder; October, colder, lots of frost and some snow. Betsteroids, something has gone out of whack here.

Holy Dia de Muertos! This week the temperatures climbed so high it felt like July. At mid-day, most people took off their jackets, and the punk kids who like to wear shorts into January didn’t seem so weird. Yesterday the Betster heard a plane take off from Beluga Lake — in October.

Fortunately, this freak warm spell also brought a good hard frost  this week. We will have frost on the pumpkin for Halloween and all is right with the world. Alaska has just turned into New England, except without the purple maple leaves. The world periodically goes through these geographical mix-ups, where one region’s weather slips its boundaries. It happens. Nothing to see here, citizens. Just move along.

Soon enough Homer will revert back to its normal, erratic coastal maritime weather. Meanwhile, it’s goblins and ghouls time this weekend, with all sorts of Halloween activities gearing up. Heck, there’s so much to do, Halloween runs two weekends, so check out the run-down on page 2. Whatever you do, be safe, take your rain jacket just in case and embrace this beautiful autumn, perhaps with these Best Bets:

BEST STEP OUT BET: Are you one of those shy, quiet types who has like a really awesome talent? Here’s your chance to shine with “Stepping Out,” the Homer Council on the Arts’ big show next January. Learn about how to participate and polish your act at a meeting and creative session from 5:30-7 p.m. today at the HCOA building.

BEST BOW-WOW BET: If you see a lot of polite, well behaved dogs around town, credit their owners and Homer Dog Trainers — and the dogs, of course. Support the cause with the Gone to the Dogs Film Festival at 6 p.m. today at the Homer Theatre. Showing is the classic buddy film, “Turner & Hooch,” and “Rin Tin Tin.”

BEST BE AFRAID, BE VERY AFRAID BET: It just doesn’t get any scarier when the Coast Guard transforms the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Hickory into the Haunted Hickory. Be ready for some Friday night frights for the annual tradition. Admission is two nonperishable food items, to be donated to the Homer Food Pantry. Can’t handle the chills? The fright-light version for younger children is 5-6 p.m. and the scary version is 7-10 p.m.

BEST BOOK IT BET: Stack up on your winter reading with the annual Friends of the Homer Library Book and Plant Sale. OK, smarty pants, the Betster knows you can’t read plants, so yes, get some greenery, too. Friends of the Homer Library get first shot at all the fine books and plants from 6-8 p.m. Friday — or join at the door. The public sale is 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, both events at the library.

BEST COOL KIDS BET: Are you a parent, child or someone who works with kids? Want to share concerns with your legislators? Meet Rep. Paul Seaton, R-Homer, and Sen. Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna, 11 a.m.-noon Saturday at Homer Head Start. Healthy snacks are provided.