I remember we used to have a big bonfire before the Mount Juliet High School football games. I had a crush on one of the cheerleaders, but I never told her so.

Black and Gold all the way! I still have my football jacket, but I think it shrunk. Heading out to the games on Friday night was always exciting.

My neighbor and one of my best friends, Don, had a black and gold ’56 Chevy that was so cool. We would go cruising around the Donelson Shoney’s…around and around and around. That’s what we did.

As a high school football team, we did very well. We may not have won all the games, but we sure put on a show. There was great support from friends and family. That made us feel good and gave us the power. This time of year, you know that the hot temperatures will be leaving, and we will be going into the best season of the year (not forgetting about spring, of course).

The leaves will be changing soon. When they change to red, yellow, and orange and mix with the evergreens, that makes me smile. It’s also time to get out and have an old-fashioned bonfire. Make sure that you don’t do it if things are dry! The best time is right after a good rain. Have the family and friends over, grill hot dogs and burgers while we sit around the campfire telling stories and playing music. Don’t forget the S’mores!!!

Mt. Juliet has changed a lot from my younger days. Back then, someone was always having a hayride somewhere. In the fall, I also remember the turkey shoot-down at the SW corner of Mt Juliet Road and Highway 70. At that time, it was just a big field. No, we did not really shoot turkeys, we shot at targets. Usually, it was about raising money for a charity. Everyone would shoot and the winner got a prize turkey.

Halloween is coming soon. I know that a lot of kids want to get dressed up and go trick-or-treating. That was always a big time for us. We would decide what costume we wanted and who we would pretend to be. Then, with a lot of help from our mom, we would create our costumes. Boys liked to be pirates, policemen, firemen, monsters, or cartoon movie people. Girls wanted to be princesses, movie stars, dancers, gypsies, witches, or hippie chicks. All for fun! My mom always made the best caramel popcorn balls. They were a big hit in our neighborhood. Our house was always on the route for many people. When the kids showed up at the door, we knew what they were after! Mom would proudly present her special treat. They would come back every year for mom’s famous popcorn balls. Years later, they would bring their own children. Mom loved that and it made her smile.

Remember to carve a pumpkin and put a candle in it. I think the kids love being creative. I know I did. Times have changed though. These days, most of the trick-or-treating is done in a parking lot. Hopefully, everyone will have a good time this year.

Enjoy this fall.

Get out and explore the many parks that are within a day’s drive. Make the best of it. And just do it… Get out and enjoy this fall…I will!