By Barbara A. Killmeyer

The following is by an unknown author and describes October so well:

“Just before the death of flowers,
And before they are buried in snow,
There comes a festival season
When nature is all aglow.”

This glow of nature is a time we look forward to through all the hot, humid days of summer. Finally it has arrived, and there is much to enjoy, but there is also a lot to take care of for ourselves, our homes and our gardens.

Let’s look first to ourselves. Winter is on the way bringing with it aches, pains, colds and flu.  It is important to make a visit to your doctor now.  Don’t wait until you’re not feeling well.  Get a complete physical so any problems can be dealt with in their early stages. While at the doctor’s office, be sure to get that all important flu shot.  Another good idea is to take inventory of your medicine cabinet. If you have the basic over-the-counter cold and flu remedies on hand, you won’t have to run to get them if you need them. Also, keep on hand a supply of canned or frozen soup for those cold days when a bowl of hot soup is the perfect choice for lunch or dinner.

October is a good time to prepare our homes for the coming winter too. Begin with the doors and windows putting away the summer screens and replacing them with sturdy, protective glass.  Check for drafts and take measures to eliminate these heat thieves so we will be warmer and our heating bills will be lowered.  And speaking of heat, have your furnace checked by a professional to guarantee that your unit will work efficiently and provide you with the warmth you will need for the next several months.  Finally, be sure your roof is in good condition to carry you through to spring.

Throughout the spring and summer, we enjoyed time spent outdoors in yards and gardens.  Now it is time to take care of these same things so that we can enjoy them again next year.  I have compiled a short list of five things that will give us a head start in the spring.

• Remove any dead and non-productive vegetable crops.
• Remove all peppers in case of frost.
• Reduce watering as the temperature drops, but continue to water plants as needed.
• Plant bulbs and plant potted trees and shrubs in the ground.
• Prune and mulch perennials.

If we take care of ourselves, our homes and our gardens, we can relax, enjoy this beautiful month as well as the next few months until the warm weather once again calls us from our homes.

I agree with the words of Elizabeth Lawrence who said, “Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn.”

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