"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)

Mid-Atlantic Weather Watch: Dry, turning very warm (1, 2, 3, 4, 5); very warm and dry at first, then period of rain, followed by cooler temperatures (6, 7, 8, 9, 10); dry, then showers followed by seasonably cold temperatures and return to dry weather (11, 12, 13, 14, 15); dry and warm, then showers followed by seasonably cold temperatures (16, 17, 18, 19, 20); occasional showers and mild (21, 22, 23, 24, 25); dry, warm days and cool nights (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31).

Severe Weather Watch: The Town and Country Almanack sees heavy rains hitting the region (7, 8, 9, 10, 22, 23, 24, 25). Stay dry!

Full Moon: October’s Full Moon will occur on October 28th and is the Hunter's Moon of 2021. Named because of the extra light the moon provided to many Native American tribes, giving them more time to hunt for. The Cree Tribe referred to as and Yellow Leaf and Falling Leaves because of the many leaves turning bright yellow (an many others, as well!) and because most trees have lose the last of their leaves during the month.

Holidays: Columbus Day is observed on Monday, October 9th, United Nations Day is celebrated on Tuesday, the 24th, and Halloween falls on Sunday, October 31st.

Special Notes: October is Fire Prevention Month. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) named the second week of October Fire Prevention Week in 1922 in commemoration to the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Today, we celebrate Fire Prevention Week and Month by educating families, students and communities across the United States raising fire safety awareness. During this month, local and regional fire departments provide education to their communities and encourage parents and loved ones to practice fire safety. Remember to have an evacuation plan ready for your family to follow, check smoke detector batteries often, and always, always respect the power of fire.

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

J. Gruber’s Thought For Today’s Living

When a boy passes through a graveyard, does he whistle to keep his own spirits up or to keep the spirits of other people down?