November 2011

"When chill November’s surly blast
Made fields and forests bare.
          Robert Burns (1759-1796)

Northeastern Region Weather Watch: Windy, showers with some snow in the northern part of the region (1,2,3). Fair and cool (4,5,6) turning cloudy and bit more humid (7,8,9,10,11). Remnants of a tropical storm (12,13,14); fair and warm (15,16) turning colder with flurries again in the north (17,18,19). More winds and showers, mainly in the south (20,21,22,23,24,25). Still more windy weather, much colder, with periods of light snow (26,27,28,29,30).

Full Moon: November’s Full Moon will occur on the 10th. While most Native Americans called it Big Wind Moon, because of the high winds this time of year, it was also referred to as Dying Grass Moon and Leaf-falling Moon because by now, frost has killed off most of the grasses and the trees have lost most of their leaves.

Special Notes: Daylight Savings ends on Sunday, November 6th at 2AM so remember to ‘Fall back’ and set your clocks back one hour before going to bed. And please, don’t forget to vote locally on November 8th!

Holidays: Veteran’s Day is observed this year on Friday, November 11th. Remember all of our brave soldiers who have served and especially those who are serving today and not with their families or loved ones. Celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 24th with family and friends and take the time to remember all of the things that we should be thankful for in our daily lives. Check out the great holiday recipes at www.razzledazzlerecipes.com/thanksgiving and also visit www.norbest.com for some creative leftover ideas.

The Garden: Lawn cutting is probably over for this year so clean the mower thoroughly. Scrape off soil and old grass. Cover all metal parts with a thin layer of oil or grease then store in a covered and dry area. Also, now is a good time to organize, clean, and sharpen all of your garden tools. Keep them from underfoot, cleaned, and sharpened and they will be ready to go come Spring. Attract bright colored birds to your yard by keeping bird feeders full or by spreading out seed frequently on the lawn. Black oil sunflowers are recommended for general feeding. Consider joining Project FeederWatch and be part of the effort to track and count winter birds in your area. Sign up through The Cornell Lab of Orthnithology at www.Birds.Cornell.edu/pfw.

J. Grubers' Thought for Today's Living:

"Pay heed to what one promises when seeking your vote or friendship; it sometimes bears slight resemblance to what you receive after the goal that was sought has been attained."

Index of Past Month's Entries