What an abrupt change from summer to fall in Central Ohio. We can still have Indian summer in October or even November. I would say extend it into December as I’m not a fan of cold weather anymore, but that’s not too probable.

As I write this on early Wednesday morning, many folks are glued to the television watching Hurricane Ian as it approaches Florida. Actually, it is predicted to move onto land in the Ft. Myers area yet today. I have family in the area that I have spoken with this morning. They reported a lot of damage from wind ahead of the actual hurricane. The storm’s path is expected to go through the area where I usually winter in Central Florida. I’m not sure that will happen this winter.

In the meantime, if you believe in a higher power, positive vibes and prayers would be appreciated by our friends, family and neighbors to the south.

I’ve been on a soup kick since it turned cooler. I’ve made chili, vegetable and butternut squash soup in the past week. As most cooks know you can’t make just three or four servings of vegetable soup. By the time you add the vegetables — usually potatoes, carrots, celery, onions, corn, green beans, peas, diced tomatoes and cabbage — you fill up a large pan. The good part is I freeze some for later and it is just as good as freshly made if not better.

Every three months I get shots in my eyes to control the blepharospasms — a side effect from my rare eye disease. Once again, I’m sporting a black eye from the shots. I just tell folks I ran into a door jamb if they question my bruises.

On the brighter side, I am looking forward to the induction my dear friend, Mary Ellen Withrow into the Marion County Hall of Fame tonight. We have been friends for more than 40 years. She is the most humble, kind, friendly and generous person I know. Today is also her 92nd birthday. I am so happy they are honoring her while she is still living.

Election Day is also fast approaching for midterm elections. This is your opportunity to vote for the person you believe is most qualified for the position they are seeking. Although I am pretty loyal to my chosen party, I never vote a straight ticket. In fact, my ballot often looks like a zipper. May I encourage you to study the candidates and then do your patriotic duty and vote. One vote can and has made a difference.

Doctors offices — especially those of pediatricians — have been full of sick children — many with respiratory illnesses. I attribute that to the start of the school year and changing temperatures. Granted, I’m not an expert in the medical field, but just speaking from experience from raising five children. At our house, it was passed around like a basketball during a close game with just seconds remaining and a tied score. The military doctors finally wised up and prescribed medication for all when I had one or more at sick call. Some illness could also be COVID now that students are back in classrooms.

Let me leave you with this quotation by Tony Gaskins: “Everybody. Needs you, but you need you first. Don’t help everyone else and neglect yourself. Love your neighbor as you love yourself, not instead of yourself.”

Until next week. Be safe and go Buckeyes.

Brenda Donegan is a former Marion Star staffer. She may be reached at brendadonegan55@gmail.com.