Pause to enjoy the season

Laurel ­— To the weather. Sunny days and cool nights have arrived, and the glorious display of autumn cannot be far behind. This time of year makes us thankful for the climate and the unmatched beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Fall favorites abound: hot chocolate and popcorn at Friday night football games, a hike or jog through the woods at sunrise or sunset, the crunch of leaves underfoot, the natural air conditioning of open windows, riding with the windows down while listening to a college football game on the radio, the crispness of the air and stunning blue of the sky even under a bright sun.

Dart — To candidates who sign up for office and don’t follow through. Democrat Sam Selph signed up to run against Republican Commissioner Chuck McGrady but Selph is the invisible candidate. Selph was a no-show last week at a forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters. McGrady says he has seen him nowhere at any events or forums he has attended. How are we ever going to get a competitive political environment if candidates don’t show up.

Laurel — To Sen. Barack Obama, for choosing to encamp in Asheville for debate prep in advance of next week’s forum, and for holding a campaign rally in Asheville Sunday. The event takes place at Asheville High School’s Memorial Stadium at 2 p.m. (Gates open at noon.) As Hillary Clinton’s appearance back in May showed, there is a great appetite here for seeing candidates in person. We have seen only one poll showing Obama within striking distance of McCain but the Democratic nominee acts as if he knows something we don’t. If North Carolina is in play, here’s hoping that McCain will schedule a campaign appearance. Or better yet, Sarah Palin. How about an appearance by the Alaska governor at the Historic Courthouse in Hendersonville? Here’s betting that would draw a crowd.

Dart — To elected officials who went AWOL during the gas shortage. The Associated Press reported last week that long lines at gas pumps in North Carolina and elsewhere provoked motorists to call for help. A frustrated motorist sent an e-mail to Charlotte mayor Pat McCrory, asking “Do you exist?” Politicians in Brevard and Asheville made appeals for motorists to carpool and conserve but no such leadership occurred here.

Laurel — To the most senior of the senior set. Three centenarians were honored Thursday at an event in Mills River sponsored by the Land of Sky Regional Council, which says there are 21 centenarians in Henderson County. Gerald Bastian said one of the biggest changes he’s seen personally is that “I could operate a computer.” Two days earlier, the Four Seasons Duplicate Bridge Club honored Howard Benjamin, who reached the century mark Wednesday, still going strong as a top bridge player. They are a model for staying sharp and engaged.