Opening October

"The sights and sounds and smells of October bring about in all of us
subtle changes, and as our bodies begin to change metabolism, preparing
us for shorter Winter days, our consciousness begins to shift from the
more actively mental to the more physically receptive state appropriate
to the dark half of the year.  As all of these changes are taking place
we are busy preparing for the most magical night of the year, Halloween.

The outward manifestations of these internal changes begin to appear
around the house.  On the back porch a pumpkin and gourds are the
centrepiece of the picnic table, while the grapevine wreath on the door
is adorned with a huge black (and orange) bow.... On the front porch
pumpkins and colourful squash nestle against the old red butter churn,
and sprays of bittersweet are added to the bunch of Indian corn that
hangs by the front door.  Bundles of dried cornstalks flank the front
steps, and as the month progresses grinning jack-o'-lanterns stare from
the windows.  We carefully cut the eyeholes of each jack-o'-lantern so
that they appear to be watching anyone that approaches the front porch.
As night falls their flaming grins and fiery eyes stare from every
window."
-  Lady of the Earth

October: Poems, Sayings, Lore, Quotes

October: Cuttings: Short Poems and Haiku by Mike Garofalo 

Our pumpkin patch is filled with pumpkins - large and small.  Tomatillos, husk tomatoes, 
are ripening and will be used for a green salsa by Karen.