On Sept. 10, our neighborhood lost its oldest resident. Freida Johnson was just two months short of her 102nd birthday. She has lived on 10th Ave. since she was five years old, as far as I know. At least she’s been in Seaside that long. There were a few years when she and husband Howard and their family lived in Arizona, but they always came back to Seaside. Freida went to Seaside High School with some of my siblings. Her kids attended school with mine and our families were related by marriage. She will be missed in the neighborhood. We offer our condolences to her children Ron, Larry, Bruce and Bonnie and will always have fond memories of Freida’s contributions all over the county with her accordion.

On Sept. 15, I had to get up from my chair and raise the window blind to sing, “Shine on Harvest Moon” before bedtime. It was full and gorgeous and something we don’t see to often. It happens, sure, but many times at the seashore fog or clouds — or rain — obscures it. I should have paid attention when the moon rose over the eastern mountains. Then it’s usually orange and appears much larger. I couldn’t see the flag from my window, although I do have a snapshot of that moon when an astronaut was spending his last night (or day) there. What I like is that it connects you to your loved ones. However you are separated, the same moon shines down on everybody, Yes, I know there is such a thing as time zones.

Did you see the flu sign on TV where they spelled coming with two “M’s” (comming)? I give that guy a grade of 70 or 69 in spelling because it’s such an easy word. So the flu shots are coming. I’m waiting till late October.

Sept. 18 was the occasion of a musical program at the United Methodist Church. There were several piano numbers from Broadway shows played by Carey Buerk in his inimitable style, as well as a few selections from the choir. This was the third annual performance for the benefit of the local food bank. Mary Blake, emcee, explained the situation for our homeless and hungry residents. There are pockets of privation all over our county, which, may I say, is deplorable. Mary told us that if everyone could give $10 a year, the 1,200 person needing assistance could be taken care of. We are our brothers’ keeper and concerts are a great way to approach the problem. This one was a treat.

I really like the Spectrum commercial where four people eventually sing their phone number. It’s a catchy tune and, for me, rapidly becoming a most popular song. “1-844-264-1999!”

Kathy, a niece from Redding, California, visited me recently. She’s my sister Betty’s daughter whom I haven’t seen in a long time. We enjoyed getting better acquainted over dinner at Dooger’s.

Laugh Line:

A young man came home from college dressed in the latest clothes.

“You look like a fool,” his father told him.

At the same time, a neighbor girl went by and called to the young man, “You look more like your father every day!”

“I know,” he replied. “My father was just telling me that.” (Courtesy of John Hagee.)