October’s Bright Blue Weather
By Myrna Kautz

O suns and skies and clouds of June,
And flowers of June together,
Ye cannot rival for one hour
October’s bright blue weather.

A long time ago we country students were required to memorize poetry. Many decades later I see that as a gift that keeps on giving. I remember Helen Hunt Jackson’s poem to put into words the thoughts and emotions that stir the soul.

Remember John Denver’s “You Fill up my Senses?” October will do that. Whether a scenic trip in the Town of Maine, a visit to an apple orchard, inhaling the mouth-watering smells of Helene’s bakery or the musty, woody smell of decaying leaves, they’re all ours to enjoy without leaving home. Overhead we see V’s of geese honking private signals on their semi-annual flight. Friday night football games offer plenty of excitement with their rivalry and enthusiasm.

And then, what can top that Harvest Moon? Never more orange and imposing than on a clear October night. My husband never tired of telling his sensory experience of watching a spectacular moon rise. As the big orange circle rose gradually above the horizon, he saw an owl perched on the ridge of the barn roof so as to be perfectly outlined against the moon backdrop. Picture perfect.

Love loveth best of all the year
October’s bright blue weather.