Today was Amelia's first time playing on a playground.

We took her to the playground at Magnuson Park. We had pass by with her on the way to the dog park on previous occasions, but she had been very timid about leaving our side. Today, with a little encouragement, we were able to get her to climb up the stair and slide down the slide. After doing it once, she was hooked, and spent the next 20 minutes running up and sliding down on her own.

Although there were many kids at the park, there was no one else on this particular play structure, so we were able to avoid Covid-19 risks. Mask use in the park was also ubiquitous. Seattle is keeping it together.

It was an uplifting day. A glimmer of normalcy.

As, it must be said, was Halloween.

Last night, with a permit from the city, our block was closed to traffic to allow more room for trick-or-treating. And the neighborhood was out in force.

I have never given away so much candy before; easily double what we handed out last year. To practice proper distancing, I dispersed candy into little gift bags, a handful at a time. Our neighbors to the south had once again a display that can be only described as epic. We also put out some inflatable decorations for the first time. (The unicorn skeleton was a hit.)

It was a good night. People were generally demonstrating safe behavior. Masks everywhere. We needed it. The neighborhood needed it. It was good.

I'm so happy to live on this block.