"We make a living by what we get, but w e make a life from what we give"
                           Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

Mid-Atlantic Regional Weather Watch: Fair and mild (1,2,3,4) turning cooler with some showers (5,6). Fair and mild again (7,8,9 but beware of tropical storms (10,11,12). Fair and much cooler (13,14,15,16) with more showers (17,18). Fair and quite pleasant (19,20,21,22,23,24) turning cloudy and colder (25,26,27). Showers return (28,29), turning fair and mild once again (30,31)

Full Moon: the Full Moon in October will occur on October 4th at 1:10AM and is the Harvest Moon for 2009. It has often been referred to as Yellow Leaf Moon because of all of the leaves turning colors at this time of year and Moon of Falling Leaves because so many trees lose the last of their leaves in October. It also has been called Big Feast Moon because of the many harvests and bounty this time of year enjoys.

Special Notes: Many Fall Festivals are planned throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. Be sure to check your local newspaper for information about the ones nearest you. Many have contests for the best scarecrow or the scariest pumpkin. This is a great opportunity to spend quality time with your children and help develop their imaginations and express their creativity (and your own, too!).

Holidays: Columbus is honored on Columbus Day on Monday, October 12th. United Nations Day falls on Saturday, the 24th, and Halloween is on Saturday, October 31st. Don't be "tricked" into taking safety for granted so "treat" yourself and young ones to safe and early-evening activities that will end by dusk. Be sure to have older children wear reflective clothing (or costumes!) after dark. Be sure to check all treats when the children return.

The Garden: Now is the best time to have your soil tested. Treat the soil according to the results and it will be rejuvenated, revitalized, and ready when the warm weather returns in the Spring. Shredded leaves, along with lawn clippings, dead plant stalks from the vegetable garden make a fine addition to the compost heap. Do add fertilize to compost heap with new mulch and check the soil's pH levels. If too acidic, apply lime. Cut back perennial foliage and shrubs to discourage winter pests. The birds will enjoy the seeds left from flowers after they have bloomed.

J. Grubers' Thought for Today's Living:

"If you don't expect the impossible, you will never be disappointed"