I was in deep sleep, napping in my “Comfy Chair,” and I woke up thinking there was a chill in the air. I looked down at my throw blanket and realized it had beach blankets, a sun, and suntan lotion characters. I was using one of my summer lightweight throws. October has arrived! I was lulled into not changing to my fall throw blankets with the above-average temperatures. I began my daily routine. First up, take the dogs out to chase the ball. I walked outside with my energetic pups and noticed I needed a jacket and a cap. The wind picked up, and there was a definite chill in the air; October had arrived in full force!
October is a change month. My family has 4 birthdays in October; Libra is our Zodiac sign. Being a well-balanced fellow in most things, I’m good with being a Libra. October weather can be turbulent and often requires changes of jackets, coats, and t-shirts all in one day. Holidays in October include National Pumpkin Day (Pumpkin Spice Day?) National Apple Day! National Cookies Day, National Cinnamon Roll Day. World Vegetarian Day, Frugal Fun Day, International Coffee Day, International Music Day, National Hair Day, National Black Dog Day, World Card Making Day, International Beer & Pizza Day, Columbus Day, National Farmers Day, Balanced by: National Kale Day, National Oatmeal Day, Breast Cancer Month, World Menopause Day.
On my birthday: National I Love You Day and National Fossil Day (Hmmmmm.)Then there is Global National Handwashing Day, Sweetest Day, National Mushroom Day, National Seafood Bisque Day, Also Bat Appreciation Week (they do eat a lot of mosquitos), Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, National Chili Month, National Pizza Month, World Bullying Prevention Month. Many more Days, Weeks, and Months are designated, but I need more room. Last but not least, “Halloween!”
Halloween brings back many good childhood memories. Dressing up in costumes, some homemade and some store-bought. Some of my favorites: A Ghost! A Pirate! A Caveman! A Hobo! A Football Player! A Bat! In those days, the neighbors often invited you into their homes and asked you to act out the character you dressed up as. So much fun! Also, many homes made up your treat, such as Carmel Apples, Rice Krispie Treats, Brownies, and Cookies. Some commercial candies. As time went on, it changed to all store-bought candies.
I remember going out on long Trick or Treat excursions. Several blocks, and as long as the porch lights were on. The latest I returned was 11:30 p.m. It used a pillowcase to hold all of the treats! October also means the leaves will fall, raking begins, and the smell of burning leaves on DNR-approved burning days. We even salted and wrapped whole potatoes in foil and cooked them in the leaf piles. They tasted fantastic with a cup of hot coffee! Enjoy October. The months seem to be going fast!
“Remember, every day is a gift! Some are just a little more fun to open than others. – © Joel M. Vernier 09/26/23 Author of: “The Guinea Pig In The Freezer.” joelmvernier@aol.com
