We usually think of October as a mellow month. Mother Nature is slowing down (except perhaps for the squirrels busily burying nuts) and the earth is preparing for cooler days. Most of the crops are harvested and our chores in the yard and garden will soon be done.
Other gardens are winding down too and a couple of the farmers' market vendors have already pulled out for the year. We appreciate the warmth of the heater in the evenings and are content to stay close to the fire and read our latest magazine or book.
Unlike most Octobers, though, this month has been a whirlwind of activity. The first Sunday of the month, I joined friends at Kindley Park in the afternoon to honor a delightful young couple who are getting married next month. Festive balloons decorated the pavilion, and a large gold picture frame hung at one end provided the perfect place to snap photos of guests. The refreshments were a chocolate lover's dream and included fruit kabobs to dip in the chocolate fountain, all sorts of chocolate cookies and candies and a three-layer chocolate cake. A sign on the serving table read, "All you need is love and maybe a little chocolate." I enjoyed visiting with the other guests, indulging my sweet tooth and watching the honorees open their gifts.
Friends at Sulphur Springs traveled to Wisconsin for a family wedding the next week, so I spent a few days as dog-sitter for their three critters. We got along pretty well except for a couple of visits when the rainy weather made my furry friends reluctant to go out. We had only one accident though and my friends brought me some good Wisconsin cheese and some jewelry from Mall of America.
We were saddened that the next week began with the funeral of Jim's good friend and former coworker on Monday. He had been battling illness the last couple of years, but we were still reluctant to lose him. The rainy weather of the previous week moved out, Jim was able to get back to work and I got out to pick up walnuts a few days, so both of us were in better spirits. Unfortunately, it was still rainy the night of our homecoming football game and the weather interfered somewhat with the coronation ceremonies. We took grandson Matthew along and enjoyed the evening despite the wet weather, but we were disappointed that the Lions came up a little short and Pea Ridge remained undefeated.
Last week was a busy one with the Chamber After Hours meeting Tuesday evening, Walmart Teacher Rewards assembly at the Upper Elementary Wednesday afternoon and our library gala fundraiser Thursday night. In addition to all the events on the calendar, my friends from Tulsa dropped by for a visit Thursday afternoon on their way to their son's home in Centerton. They were coming over for the craft fair weekend and brought us a box of books. I was ready for them and had a bag of books to swap with them.
I've been picking up walnuts in my "spare" time. You can probably tell I don't have much of it. Every year I think it gets a little harder. It's good exercise though and it helps me get out and get some fresh air. It's nice to help out friends who need the nuts removed so they can mow and it gives me a little extra spending money. Jim loaded the ones I'd collected and Friday we took 419 pounds to the huller.
Sister Mary Alice called on Friday and she also had a box of books for us. I picked them up and Jim has already started reading some in Terry C. Johnston's The Plainsmen series. We had grandson Matthew for the evening while his parents went to a comedy show, and he helped his grandpa wrap up several rolls of coins. We took him out for a catfish buffet which we all enjoyed, but he was glad to see his brother when A.J. got off work and came to pick him up.
I went to the farmers' market Saturday morning and bought green beans, okra and some crispy red radishes. I broke the beans and cooked them, making a delicious supper with pork chops and potatoes. A party honoring a longtime library volunteer at noon and an afternoon quilt class rounded out a busy, busy week. Maybe this week won't be quite so hectic.
Susan Holland is a reporter for the Westside Eagle Observer. She may be contacted by email at [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 10/22/2014