October/March

If you lived in the Southern Hemisphere you might feel strongly about March moving toward winter. Where I am, I have always leaned toward October. Everyone has their own opinion, so I am only sharing mine. First, though I have spent my life within 50 miles of the Gulf Coast, its summer weather is a burden to be born. I have no friendly attitude toward high 90 temperatures and the matching humidity. With red hair (in younger days) and fair Irish skin, a day in the sun leads only to painful regret. So, fickle as the change may come, I welcome October bearing its hope of some lower numbers on the thermometer and outdoor options being a doable delight.

The Roman calendar named October for its 8th place 2000 years ago before it was moved on by the Julian calendar’s adding January and February. Eight in my favorite number. The circles curve over each other, making it possible to choose different positions to place my dot. I like the number prefix which defines October so specifically. Think of all you can count on because of those beginning three letters: octet, octave, octopus, and octogenarian which tells exactly where I am today.

Another delight is all the robust colors: bright and burnt orange, browns of falling leaves, the deep greens of fir trees, and yellow aspens transforming a hill. My choices. A spring celebration in college called SingSong required all girls taking part to wear pastel dresses. I had to scrounge the dorm to find someone my size who would loan me a dress. It is also a month with a variety of acceptable decorations. A gathering of pumpkins will do or a pot of glowing chrysanthemums or a scary group of ghouls and witches.

Lastly, the holidays are not overwhelming. Columbus Day by whatever the new name is in your town or state is still welcome. It’s the first school holiday after 6 weeks of trudging on. If it weren’t on the calendar, Thanksgiving would be a long haul. Halloween can be feast or famine as you make it. Greet neighborhood children who have become dragons or princess on your front porch or close the door, turn out the light, and retreat to the back room. September introduces the season Fall. October, the middle child, gives it meaning, leaving November to settle in for family and thanksgiving.

One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord.

Romans 14:5 – 6