Tuesday 4, October Thoughts

Most weeks I try to participate in the Tuesday 4 which asks four questions on various topics. Join me if you'd like.

1. What are your feelings about the month of October? Does it bring anything special to mind for you? Do you have memories to share? 

Growing up, we had a walnut tree in our yard and we would collect the nuts
to sell during the Walnut Festival.

October has several pleasant and important things associated with it. First, it is the month of my sister's birthday (which, by the way, is today), my nephew's birthday, and my aunt's birthday. Next, I think October is usually one the best weather months - cooler weather, but not frigid yet. When we lived along the hot and humid Gulf Coast, October was finally the time when being outside was a pleasure and not something to be endured. 

The big deal about October when I was growing up was the Black Walnut Festival that my town held every October. It was a three-day event (it has since grown) and we got Friday off from school because of it. A carnival would come to town which was fun even though the rides made me queasy. However, the major events during the festival for me were the parade and marching band festival that was held on Saturday. I was in the band starting in fourth grade through high school and we were either practicing, performing, or competing throughout the festival. So many more things to tell, but let me just say it was a very special time.

2. Have you ever gone apple picking? Pumpkin picking? Any kind of picking including banjo picking at all? Do you bake pies with those fruits? 

Apples from the Shanholtz Orchard in Romney, WV.

I have gone apple picking in a commercial orchard and was excited by all of the different varieties of apples. However, most of my picking has been done in family gardens for vegetables and fruits of various kinds.

I don't make many pies, but apple is my favorite and the first one that I think of to make. I never go apple picking just to get apples for a pie. I like to eat them uncooked because I enjoy the flavor and juiciness of a freshly picked apple. I can find good apples for pies in the stores.

3. What is autumn like where you live? How about when you were a child? 

The marigolds were still blooming during this October snow.

Autumn is a transition season, but generally is a return to cooler weather with cool nights and warmer days. It is usually when we start having an occasional frost and every once in a while some snow. With this colder weather comes the end of the summer vegetables and flowers. Leaves change from green to reds, yellows, oranges, and browns. This leads to a lot of raking.

I grew up in a similar four-season climate and autumn was much the same when I was a child.

4. Autumn is not the same as Fall. Fall is the time when the leaves are actively falling.  What activities of Autumn/Fall do you enjoy?  Do you decorate your door or home for the season?

With the cooler (and less buggy) weather, we enjoy more hiking in the fall. This also gets us out to see the leaves changing on a grander scale than just around the neighborhood. Pre COVID, we also enjoyed visiting some of the many fall festivals that are held. 

Like with most seasons, decorations here are minimal. Right now I have a scarecrow and pumpkin on the mantel and a Halloween decoration on the door with a couple more fall-like things on inside doors. I may still get some real pumpkins for the outside if Aldi's has any left when I go next. I always say nature does the decorating for me. :)

Until next time...