For many people, Columbus Day weekend is a long weekend.  So let's plan to use it well.

On the East Coast, the weather is supposed to be lovely.  That makes it a great time to get outside and be active:

• Work to prepare your yard for the winter.
• Go apple or pumpkin picking.
• Take a hike or a bike ride to enjoy the early fall leave.

This is also a good weekend to decorate for Halloween, to start Christmas shopping, and to spend some time making soups and stews to stock the freezer.  If the weather where you are is bad, it's a good weekend to do some fall cleaning, to switch out winter for summer clothes, or to organize a closet or two in advance of holiday entertaining.

As for me, I'll be taking my own advice — Christmas shopping, hiking, and horseback riding.