It’s an expression that I’ve used over the years, but sparingly. A quick look-up online revealed that “people often use ‘so on and so forth’ to suggest there’s more to say, but it’s either unnecessary or irrelevant.” As for the additional “what-have-you,” I learned that “The shortened version of ‘and so on and so forth’ dates back to the late 1500s.” Similarly, “the phrase ‘and so on’ has been in use since 1724.” Who knew?

If you’ve met me, it would seem that I always have “more to say”—but irrelevant? Unlikely, unless I’ve gone down a rabbit hole, but I tend to keep that time-waster to the off-hours at home, while doomscrolling late into the night.

I started using the expression again several years ago, having picked it up from one of television’s most overlooked (IMHO) character actresses, Eden Sher, who played Sue Heck on the long-running ABC sitcom “The Middle.” It ran from 2009 to 2018, back when I watched network TV.

My reason for bringing this up now is simple: having returned from my slightly less-than-stellar vacation, I’m right back in the thick of things, which means running around in an attempt to take it all in before I-don’t-know-what. As a result, people, events, places and things often fall to the wayside, because they don’t fit into the topic at hand, or I’ve run out of space—or, more likely, out of steam. And so on, and so forth and what have you.

Ostensibly, this column was going to be about fall festivals, which are occurring throughout New York and Pennsylvania right now. Having repeatedly attended the amazing festival that Bethel Woods presents yearly, I thought I’d check out one of the smaller celebrations currently being held throughout the Upper Delaware River region, and landed on one being sponsored by the Hurleyville Performing Arts Center (HPAC) last weekend. 

I packed Gidget into her stroller (don’t judge) and hit Hurleyville’s gorgeous rail trail for a bit before heading out to HPAC and the requisite vendors, live music and convivial atmosphere that draws many of us out at this all-too-fleeting time of year.

Being of a certain age, my days of buying seasonal home décor items have run their course, but thankfully (for the vendors) there’s always a new generation willing to take up that mantle and fill their newfound country lives with scads of gee-gaws and knick-knacks that make a house a home.

That said, there’s so much more to a festival, (fall or otherwise), including great food and an opportunity to run into like-minded friends out for the day. Like many, I was also looking to take in the autumnal atmosphere, hear some good music and sit a spell with neighbors and pals. Chatting with the vendors and catching up on the latest gossip is always fun, so thanks, HPAC—That Dog Named Gidget and I had a great time!

As for the “what-have-you,” I was so distracted by last week’s “Picasso Was Right” young artists’ exhibition in Narrowsburg that I failed to mention Candy Spilner’s newest exhibit, simply titled “Painting.” One can catch it in the Loft Gallery at the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA) through October 26. 

“My work is essentially improvised,” Spilner states, “influenced by my surroundings and filtered through art history. The empty holes in the constructions and how the shapes effect [sic] the white wall surrounding them are as important as the paint.” 

Having followed Spilner’s artistic “journey” (how I hate that word in this haughty context) for years, I’ve always felt she was a little “obsessed” with her prolific devotion to the familiar shapes that seem to undulate though her work, and yet, I still find them alluring—even fetching, if you will. But they do evolve, while continuing to be a through-line. This latest collection is no exception, so if you think (like me) that you’ve seen what Spilner has to offer, think again and go. 

“I want the viewer to have a feeling they are watching the paintings,” Spilner says by way of elaboration, “rather than looking at them.” Hmmm. 

In addition to art that has slipped through the proverbial cracks of my page, there’s theatre and music and a puppet show or two, along with dog parades, tractor parades, trout parades and so on and so forth and what have you. 

I’ll try to do better, but you know what Master Yoda would say. Or do you? Sounds like another fascinating column in the offing. Meanwhile, if you’re in search of fall festivals, apple festivals, sheep festivals, hay rides, corn mazes and the like, I suggest checking out the River Reporter’s great calendar section in addition to using the Google on any or all of those key words. 

Because I’m “such a nice guy” (I’m sure someone has said it!)  I’m also including a couple of links below to get you started. I don’t want to rush you, but I’m seeing holiday décor, knick-knacks and gee-gaws in store windows already. Sheesh.

In NY: 

www.iloveny.com/blog/post/new-yorks-best-fall-festivals/

In PA: 

www.visitpa.com/fall