"The trees are in their autumn beauty,
The woodland paths are dry,
Under the October twilight the water
Mirrors a still sky."
      - William Butler Yeats (1865-1939)

Severe Weather Watch: The Almanack sees severe thunderstorms in the region on 11th and the hard freeze hitting on the 24-25.

Full Moon: October’s Full Moon will occur on October 20th and is the Hunter’s Moon. Named because of the extra light it provided many Native Americans, extending their hunt for food well into the early evening. It was also referred to as and Yellow Leaf and Falling Leaves by the Cree Tribe because of the many leaves turning that color and that most of the trees lose the last of their leaves during the month.

Holidays: Columbus Day is observed on Monday, October 11th, United Nations Day is celebrated on Sunday, the 24th, and Halloween falls on Sunday, October 31st.

Special Notes: October is Fire Prevention Month. In 1922, the National Fire Protection Association named the second week of October Fire Prevention Week in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Today, we celebrate Fire Prevention Week and Month by raising fire safety awareness and educating families, students and communities across the United States. During this month, fire departments provide education to their communities, and encourage parents and loved ones to practice fire safety and whole home safety. Have an evacuation plan ready with your family and check smoke detector batteries often

The Garden: Mulching fall planted perennials will keep the soil warmer longer, allowing root growth to continue, however, the plants do need time to harden off for winter. Spread a thin layer of mulch after fall planting, and then add a thicker layer once the ground has frozen. Shredding leaves, along with lawn clippings, dead plant stalks from the vegetable garden make a fine addition to the compost heap. And try this simply trick: remove all large vines and spent plants from the vegetable garden. Mix 1 can of cola (not diet), 1 cup of dish soap, and ¼ cup of ammonia and add to 20-gallon hose end sprayer and fill to top. Saturate the layer of mulch that’s left on top of the garden’s soil and then say, "Good Night" until the next growing season!

The Farm: Best for planting root crops (21, 22); weeding and stirring the soil (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 12); planting above-ground crops (8, 9); harvesting all crops (18, 19, 20); the best days for setting hens and incubators (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29); the slaughtering and butchering of meat (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11); transplanting (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 21, 22); the weaning of all small animals and livestock (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27); harvesting and storing grains (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 28, 29, 30, 31).

J. Gruber’s Thought For Today’s Living

"The time to make friends is before you need them."