Hello, colder weather! I guess the fall season decided to finally show up. I enjoyed the season’s first warm fire in our woodstove. I celebrated with a cup of delicious cold black cherry ice cream, my current favorite yummy treat. We all must keep in mind that this is South Carolina weather, and warm weather will show up unexpectedly and unannounced whenever it feels like visiting.

November brings cooler weather, Thanksgiving and Veterans Day. I am sending a heartfelt thank you to all veterans and their families. Thank you for your sacrifices. I particularly want to salute Vietnam Veterans. I had classmates whose dads died in Vietnam, and knowing that fact touched me deeply. When I see someone wearing a Vietnam Veteran hat, I make sure to welcome them home and thank them for their service. I genuinely say thank you to all of you who have served and are serving in our armed forces. We appreciate you, and our nation is better because of you.

The holiday season is here in full force. You have a plethora of choices for holiday markets that give you a chance to support local artists and businesses to purchase gifts.

Congratulations to the Chapin High School marching band for coming in fifth place in the state 4A championships. You can show your support for our championship marching band by coming to their Holiday Market on Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be more than 70 vendors on site selling lots of gifts and presents.

The annual Fill the Boat Food Drive is November 13-20 at Boland Ace Hardware. Help bring in a big catch of food and fill that boat for those who need extra help this season.

Crooked Creek Holiday Market is on Saturday, Nov. 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you want to be a vendor, call 803-345-6181 for more information.

Do you like to walk and see fancy Christmas lights? Grab your walking shoes, find a group of family and friends, and head to the Saluda Shoals Sleigh Bell Stroll on Monday, Nov. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. and November 23 from 7 to 9 p.m. The entire walk is about four miles. Dogs are not allowed to join you in this festive exercise. The cost is $5 per person, and it starts at the entrance at 6071 St. Andrews Rd.