"“Wind warns November’s done with.
The blown leaves make bat-shapes,
web-winged and furious”
Sylvia Plath (1932-1963)
Mid-Atlantic Weather Watch: Snow in the northern part in the region, rain in the south (1) with fair and cold weather to follow (2, 3, 4, 5). Heavy snow in the north, showers in the south (6, 7, 8); fair and cold again (9, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) with more snow, mainly in the south; fair and much
colder (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29) with light snow (30).
Full Moon: November’s Full Moon will occur on Friday, November 3rd. With colder days and heavy frosts coming during the month, killing off most of the grasses and almost all of the leaves have fallen, many Native American tribes have called it both Dying Grass Moon and Falling Leaf Moon. Many other tribes have called it Big Wind Moon, because of the high
winds that would sweep through many regions this time of year.
Special Notes: Remember to ‘fall back’ on Sunday, November 4th at 2 a.m. when Daylight Savings ends for 2017. Though not officially recognized as a holiday, Saturday, November 10th is the great civil rights leader, Martin Luther birthday.
Holidays: Elections are traditionally held on the first Tuesday of November. This year, they will be held on Tuesday, November 6th. Please remember that every vote counts! All military service branches will be honored on Veteran’s Day, which falls on Sunday, November 11th every year. We must never, ever forget the sacrifices millions of servicemen and women
have made in the past and to continue to support those who are in service today, many who are in harm’s way. Without their service and dedication, we would not have the freedom to create our own destiny, speak our minds, or practice the religion of our choice. Celebrate Thanksgiving this year on Thursday, November 22nd with family and friends. We all have so much
to be thankful for and we should carry that thankfulness beyond the holiday season.
The Garden: Keep mowing if your lawn is still growing. If you do have to do that one last mow, don’t bag those grass clippings. Instead, recycle them back onto the lawn. Contrary to what you might have heard, clippings will not become thatch (a spongy layer found between grass blades and roots). Keep all of your plants well-watered going into late fall and
winter.
Pay particular attention to any plants or shrubs recently planted. Plants that face winter dryness are prone to damage and dieback during the cooler months. The trick is to water deeply and less often in order to establish self-sufficient plants. Feed the birds in a fun, unique way by making a pinecone bird feeder. Just roll a large pinecone in peanut butter and
birdseed. Hang the finished ‘ornament’ with rustic twine or ribbon in shrubs or on tree limbs close to windows for easy observation. Remember that once you start feeding them, don’t stop until natural food becomes available for them again next spring. Providing a source of fresh water is always desirable for our feathered friends, too!)
