Charles
Journal
Charles
 John 15:13: "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." I managed to complete a challenging chapter today... I hope an editor can enhance it in the future. I did the best I could with my writing. Occasionally, I find myself in a difficult situation. Nevertheless, I believed this segment of the story was ideal for Halloween... it leaves the reader uncertain whether Travis's deceased partner has come back or if it's just a drug-induced hallucination... The conversation with Clarence the ghost is quite extraordinary, and Travis is pushed to the brink of insanity...
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 Under construction, River View Place, Grove Street at South Street Everyone, including partners, in-laws, cousin Gary, Aunt Sue Ella, and others, will be vying for a spot at River View Place. The developer, known for managing affordable housing in the Bronx, is branching out to construct a market-rate rental complex in Peekskill, offering stunning views of the Hudson River. The prospect of witnessing sunsets over the Hudson and the Highlands from the vantage point of Grove at South Street, nestled in the lower reaches of Drum Hill, is tantalizing. With today's conveniences at our fingertips, one might find little reason to leave such a home. The photographs were taken not with my camera, which would have been ideal, but with my phone on a spectacular morning when I was out for a jog and found myself captivated by the Hudson, compelled to capture its beauty during daybreak. River View Place promises spacious rooms and an array of upscale amenities. For those of us who adore New York City, the best feature is its proximity to the train station, ensuring a brief walk home after a late night in the city. Additional amenities include a sizable swimming pool with a deck, a barbecue area complete with a fire pit, deck seating, a gym, a clubroom for socializing or private events, electric vehicle charging stations, and underground parking for residents with additional outdoor parking for guests. Peekskill is emerging as an ideal spot for affordable living within easy reach of New York City. 
 Rendering of River View Place as it will look when completed.  The building that stood on the River View Place property.  South Street to Franciscan Sisters Autumn is all around me, more breathtaking than any I've ever witnessed. Each day surpasses the last in beauty before the leaves are swept away. This leaves me wondering if November, the month of my birth when I am a year older, will maintain the enchantment of October.
 Franciscan Sisters and Christ sculpture  
 
 Louisa Street above Metro-North Rail and Riverwalk at Hudson River  Riverwalk Southend at Travis Cove  Travis Cove  From Fort Hill, the Hudson is easier to see in the fall because the trees are smaller, less dense with green, or the leaves are golden. I don't know why, but I'm really enjoying Peekskill's autumnal beauty. It's better than anything else I've seen in the city. Encountering someone I admire on North Division Street certainly made my day brighter. This individual consistently inspires me to see the positive aspects of life with their remarkable concern for my well-being. In time, I will comprehend it. With the weather being so pleasant, the riverfront was filled with people enjoying the sunshine and vibrant colors. Yet, after Mass, the Church of the Assumption stood empty, without a single person in sight. 
     Decatur Street at Fort Hill Park Peekskill's fall colors were stunning today. From Decatur Street to the Crossroads at James Street and Park Avenue. The colorful town of Peekskill is full of color, and everyone waves and says hello, even when you aren't trying to wave or say hello. Even though the air quality was good, I still needed to use an inhaler indoors and outdoors because something in the air irritated my throat. Additionally, I discovered a new wine, Matt Parish Cabernet Sauvignon, which I enjoyed with salmon cakes from a recipe I found on YouTube. Whenever you feel downcast, nothing is more satisfying than good food and an episode of 'I Love Lucy'.
  
 Writing and riding a bike share many similarities. The flow returns as soon as you reengage with them. When it's enjoyable, stopping is the last thing you want to do. Eventually, a break becomes necessary to engage in other activities.
As social beings, even a solitary wanderer needs more than mere companionship. We must exercise, shop, fulfill appointments, and socialize because, inherently, we are social beings. A Hemingway quote comes to mind as it captures the essence of writing and the significance of exercise and intimacy as well. "It was necessary to get exercise," Hemingway says, "to be tired in the body, and it was very good to make love with whom you loved. That was better than anything. But afterwards, when you were empty, it was necessary to read in order not to think or worry about your work until you could do it again.." Maintaining a schedule similar to a Monday-through-Friday work routine can be beneficial. For me, the challenge lies in getting adequate sleep; sleeping too much gives me a sense of missing out. Besides, there will come a time when we will all have ample opportunity to sleep. This is another Hemingway technique I appreciate: "When I was writing, it was necessary for me to read after I had written. If you kept thinking about it, you would lose the thing that you were writing before you could go on with it the next day.”  Collard greens and cherry tomatoes harvested at Peekskill Regenerative Farm, located downtown near Oakside Elementary School on Decatur Street, just off Main. How long does collard greens cook for? To achieve perfectly tender collard greens, they generally require cooking for approximately 45 minutes to an hour. It's important to simmer them gently to blend the flavors while avoiding overcooking them into mush. Cooking the greens with smoky meats such as ham hock or bacon can enhance the taste. Additionally, for a Southern twist, remember to add a pinch of sugar. The original theme from the British soap, Emmerdale Farm created in 1972, is still something I enjoy watching on YouTube.
Collard greens are nutrient dense and low in calories. They’re an excellent source of calcium, folate, and vitamins K, C, and A. Furthermore, they’re high in fiber and antioxidants.
Also, consider incorporating collard greens into your smoothies for an additional nutrient boost in your diet. Enjoy! 🥬
 Peekskill, NY, basks in the beauty of autumn on a sunny day.  As the crisp October air sweeps over Fort Hill, it brings with it the vibrant tapestry of autumn. This is the season when nature's splendor reaches its zenith, with every leaf on this magnificent hill, that overlooks the Hudson River and the city of Peekskill, narrating its own tale. Visitors to Fort Hill in October are immediately captivated by the stunning array of colors and the impressive boulders that historically safeguarded the fort against British forces. From the fiery reds and oranges to the golden yellows, each tree is ablaze with its own unique hue. The sound of leaves crunching underfoot is a symphony that heralds the season. If you're in the mood for an early hike, the morning fog envelops the ground, crafting a mystical ambiance. Wildlife, especially birds and squirrels, becomes more apparent as they prepare for the approaching winter. It's an ideal moment for contemplative strolls or to simply sit on a bench atop East or West Redoubt, absorbing the serene beauty where solitude is the norm, save for the occasional dog walker passing by. This minimal human presence is all you'll encounter as you sit or stroll along paths decorated with fallen leaves and trees. Yet, amidst this quietude, there's an undeniable pull to remain fully present in the moment. Wish I knew what you were looking for Might have known what you would find And it's something quite peculiar Something that's shimmering and white Leads you here, despite your destination Under the Milky Way tonight -The Church, 'Under The Milky Way'
  Don’t discard that watermelon rind. It offers various health benefits, including better skin care, lower blood pressure, a stronger immune system, weight loss, and enhanced libido. My favorite way to enjoy it is by blending the rind and watermelon fruit with a pinch of cinnamon and a date into a smoothie—it's delicious. It enhances my mood as well. For more, read "Benefits of Watermelon Rind" by John Slaughton, a traveling writer.
  Finally, the temperature dropped to 57 degrees—a welcome change, indeed. The assembly of the adjustable standing or sitting desk is underway, though the young worker I've employed has not yet completed it. It turns out the missing part he mentioned a few days ago was found last night, allowing the assembly to proceed. The yellow rice I prepared for the first time yesterday turned out to be a hit. I served it with blue mussels and sautéed mustard greens, heavily seasoned with garlic and red peppers, and it was all consumed by the time the guests left. It's curious how meals often turn out better when prepared for others; otherwise, the whole process feels quite mundane. I've tuned into some news, but sparingly, as it tends to be overwhelmingly negative with its focus on wars, hunger, and the general unhappiness it portrays. Even the New York Times has been irritating me with its incessant coverage of the conflicts in Israel and Ukraine, seemingly ignoring the other 25 wars affecting people of color for a total of 27 wars (according to the Council on Foreign Relations) occurring currently around the world. At times, the best option is to watch reruns of 'Are You Being Served,' especially Mrs. Slocombe and her pussycat's antics, which are sure to keep you amused. A complication involving Mrs. Slocombe's cat on "Are You Being Served?"
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AuthorCHARLES PEARSON
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