October is a busy month for us in terms of special occasions. I guess every family has one of these streaks. Birthdays and wedding anniversaries come rapid fire, with little breathing room. When my parents were in the tourism industry I was cautioned against doing anything important in August. No weddings, births or other events that required major planning. Now, October is the forbidden month.

It's lots of fun to have something to celebrate every weekend, but I don't think we can squeeze another ounce of celebration in anywhere.

As if this time of the year weren't jam-packed enough, my husband is planning a super-secret trip for our family. I can't say any more right now (mostly because I don't know anything), but when it's all over with I'll have an interesting tale to tell. Over the years we've "kidnapped" each other for mini-adventures and unusual events. If this upcoming surprise lives up to its billing, I don't know how I'll be able to top it!

The best thing about living in a tourist area is being able to enjoy popular spots in the off-season.

During the Friday afternoon ACC lift-off for the Adirondack Hot Air Balloon Festival, my family spent a pleasant time at Pirate's Cove on Route 9 playing miniature golf. We could look into the distance between putts and see balloons hanging in the east. We didn't take a ride on the bumper cars, but the arcade beckoned and we spent some quarters on their version of Skee-Ball. Then, it was down the road to Martha's to get my daughter her last cone of the year. No traffic, few lines, lots of fun.

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Also in September, I attended a Phish concert in Albany. I'm not really a Phish phan in terms of what you might call an "alternative" culture, but I do like their music. So, when I saw two shows listed on the Pepsi Arena's Web site over the summer, I called my friend who has done her share of Phish phollowing and asked her to be my guide.

Everything I'd heard about Phish shows was true, from the intensity of their performance on stage to the Sixties feel of the audience (both inside the arena and outside in the streets for blocks around.)

I found it odd to be frisked for weapons at a barricade erected outside the entrance. While the use of illegal substances was evident from the haze inside the arena and the swirling, jumping antics of the people on the concourse, Phish phans are far from being violent. Certain heavy metal concerts might stir up individual anger that can be unleashed back upon the concertgoers as a group. Phish concerts, from what I saw, are meant to be fun, live-and-let-live experiences. It's not for everyone, but if you find you like their music, I recommend giving it a try. (Be sure to skip the polo shirt and find a tie-dye, though.)

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This column marks the one-year anniversary of "On the Bright Side." It seems like a good time to follow up a few items:

Last month I wrote about losing my datebook. I did find the darn thing -- the day before that piece came out in print! There was no time to "stop the presses" for this late-breaking piece of news.

On the other hand, I've given up searching for the jigsaw puzzle piece I lost in February. The remaining 499 pieces are finally going back in the box, and the whereabouts of No. 500 will remain a mystery.

Another update: In June I extolled the virtues of coffee. I regret to say that I am currently on an eating plan which does not allow for caffeine of any sort. Beyond an occasional morning cup of coffee at Cool Beans or a glass of Diet Pepsi in the afternoon, have been pretty much decaf for about a month. My water consumption is up about fifty percent, though.

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By the way, I've created a Web site for my writing, including an archive of the columns which have appeared in this space. The address is kayhafner.homepage.com. The "On the Bright Side" link will take you to a complete listing of all the columns I have done in the past year. If you have missed any, that's the place to go to catch up.

Thanks for reading. No matter what happens in life, always remember:

"Many an optimist has become rich simply by buying out a pessimist." (Michel de Saint-Pierre)

On the Bright Side appears every other Thursday in The Post-Star.