Checklist for October

"October is the fallen leaf, but it is also a wider horizon more clearly seen. It is the distant hills once more in sight, and the endearing constellations above them."....Hal Borland

October 1st has turned out to be a beautiful day. Not too hot, a little chilly this morning and the promise of cooler days to come. So, what do you plan for this month? Here are some suggestions:

1.) Grab a friend and go junkin'. I grabbed Lucy; we made 4 thrift shop stops and 2 Sonic stops.

2.) Look up. The Monarch butterflies are gracing us with their lovely presence. How they migrate to Mexico is such a "God" thing. I know it's all about inborn instincts. But you know what? God had a hand in that.

3.) Shop for pumpkins. Notice that I said PUMPKINS - plural - more than one. One can never have too many pumpkins, especially in a nice range of colors and sizes. I love the white, green and pale orange ones. They have fancy names, but I can't remember them.

4.) Wear a homecoming mum. Actually the last one I wore covered my entire chest and was made of REAL mums.

5.) Watch college football and the baseball play-offs. At my house, we say "GO Rangers", "Wreck 'em Tech", and "Gig 'em Aggies." And don't forget pro football on Sunday afternoons.

6.) Look for the leaves to change. Unfortunately, we don't see a big change in colors in West Texas. However, 2 weeks ago in northern New Mexico, the Aspens were just beginning to turn. Quaking Aspens definitely cause me to shiver in delight.

7.) Look up again. This time go outside on a cloudless night. Orion in all his glory has been in the night sky for a while. He's followed by his faithful dog star Sirius. He points the way to Aldebaran and the Seven Sisters of Pleiades. Castor and Pollux, the Gemini Twins are looking over his shoulder.

8.) Shop for Halloween candy. I know it may be early and if you're like me, you'll probably eat it before Halloween. But there's something fun about M & M's in fall colors or those little pumpkins that taste like candy corn.

9.) Hug your kids or your dog or your husband or you mother or your father or someone special everyday. I forgot the cat. Hug your cat, too.

10.) Make plans to attend the fall show for Petticoats on the Prairie. It will be here before you know it! Bigger, better, easier to get to, protected from the elements. Grab your friends, put on your favorite pair of cowboy boots, stop at Sonic in Colorado City and head out to the Mitchell County Fair grounds on Oct. 21 and 22. We will be waiting for you!!