I want to wish my mother-in-law Beverly Colton a very “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” on October 1st – the day after mine. When we travel down to the Bloomsburg Fair we always bring home her birthday present – a box of salt water taffy, usually the anise flavor. It seems nice to be able to get her something she truly likes – as, what does she really need? Her new little dog, “Libby”, is a cute little miniature short-haired dachshund who, I swear, must have a little Jack Russell in her as she always springs (literally) into action when I stop nights after work to pick up the newspaper and visit a bit. She’s such a nice pet and so good for mother to have around.
On my trip to Towanda this past weekend my old Lincoln (1995) turned over to 198,000 miles. And like the Timex watch, “she takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin’”. My many thanks to my husband for keeping the ole’ girl running like a top.
With the onset of autumn I’ve noticed lots of beautiful mums etc. in folks’ yards as well as bright blue morning glories on porches, on fences, and climbing on various poles. They’re just gorgeous!
Last Saturday night Ron and I went to a “surprise” birthday party for Jen Casler (my boss at the shoe store) held at the Bakerburg Church above Sylvania. It was given by her husband Kirt and friends to celebrate her 50th birthday. She was totally surprised, for sure. We enjoyed wonderful food, cake and a lot of visiting. It was a very nice event, indeed.
Can you believe the year is ¾ over? October comes into being this Thursday. The 10th month – which was once the 8th month – bumped by the Julian calendar – and known as a “Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness”, is also known for various “signs” that foretell winter weather. For instance: If autumn leaves are slow to fall, a cold winter is in store. And, onion and apple skins, corn husks, and nutshells are traditional indicators: the thicker the exterior, the harsher the winter. “Full Hunter’s Moon” marked the time when fallen leaves and fattened deer meant good hunting for Native Americans, as it still does. The alternative name, “Full Dying Grass Moon”, evokes the coming of winter. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, National Crime Prevention Month, National Dessert Month, National Pasta Month, National Pizza Month, National Popcorn Poppin’ Month, and National Roller Skating Month. On October 1, 1896, Rural free delivery (RFD) of mail began. On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched the 22-inch-diameter “Sputnik”, the first man-made satellite, into orbit. On October 5, 1737, Ben Franklin began his duties as postmaster of Philadelphia, promptly setting up the post office in his home. On October 8, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire leveled 3-1/2 square miles of the city.
October 4th is known as “St. Francis of Assisi” day. Quote by said saint: “Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible”.
From the ole’ almanac of wit & wisdom: onion skins very thin, mild winter coming in. Onion skins thick and tough, coming winter cold and rough.