October: In like a pumpkin, out like a Jack ‘o Lantern.
The simple joys of October start with that venerable gourd, the pumpkin. Huge cardboard bins full of them start appearing in the markets by the end of September. Who can argue with the cheery bright orange hominess of a pumpkin as it waits patiently on the front steps until the last day of the month, when it will be transformed into a jack o’lantern?
As children, my brother and I would spend happy hours planning Jack’s features in great detail. Triangular eyes, or round? A happy mouth or a scary one? By the time the actual carving rolled around, we had played out all the options in our heads and were more invested in costumes and candy.
The cooler weather is coming, eventually
Unseasonably warm weather seems to have become the new normal. I remember October as being crisper than it is now. Here in Kentucky we are hitting record high temperatures that used to be rare even in August. We can keep hope alive for the cooler weather by bringing out the quilts and afghans, stocking up on tea and cocoa, and making casseroles. Schedule a hayride with friends.
Eventually the leaves will turn and there will be raking to do, and leaves to press flat between the pages of thick novels. Use a layer of wax paper on either side to keep from staining the pages with any residual moisture. The rains will come too, a good excuse to stay in and read, or phone friends and relatives you’ve not had a proper conversation with in forever. You could write them letters. That would be a quaint throwback to an earlier time, but who doesn’t like to get real mail, even now?
Speaking of staying in, and novels…now is a good time to explore your local library. If it has been some time since you’ve set foot in your local branch, be brave. A lot of surprises may be in store. Yes, books and periodicals, but also computer labs, classes, clubs, and all sorts of resources for almost anything you’d want to do.
Houseplants are good for you
As the trees start losing their leaves and preparing for dormancy, take a look at your indoor plants. They may need some attention: a dressing of fresh soil, perhaps, maybe repotting, trimming back, fertilizing. What house plants, you say? If your indoor greenery is sparse or non-existent, now is a good time to select a new one. Succulents are trendy. They thrive on neglect, mostly, The way to kill them is by overwatering. There are plenty of other varieties which are forgiving. The friendliest way to acquire a new houseplant is through a cutting from a friend’s plant. Put it in water for a week or so until roots start to emerge, and then plant it in everyday potting soil. Spider plants and philodendrons are among the easiest to propagate.
The Simple Joy of Socks
October should be Silly Sock Month. A quick Google search shows no evidence of the existence of an official Silly Sock Month, but clearly the world needs one. What else but a designated month would ever compel people to excavate the weird socks they have received as gifts from the back of the sock drawer and actually wear them? Silly socks do elicit grins from bystanders, so even if you are wary, take the plunge for the sake of spreading joy to others.
Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice
Who can think of pumpkins without thinking of pumpkin spice? Stock up on some fresh cinnamon for baking and sprinkling and on cinnamon sticks for stirring hot tea or hot cider. They are also a nice addition to potpourri.
