OCTOBER?

You're here already? 

Here in Judiland, October signals the kick-off for all things Fall..... fun trips to the pumpkin patch, drives in the mountains to witness the changing colors, sipping wine by the fire in the backyard,  Sunday afternoon football, sweaters and boots, soups and stews, chili and s'mores and steaming hot chocolate with marshmallows on top.....

There's nothing looming in October...well, except witches and ghosts and candy corn.  

OCTOBER  is---at least in my mind--the official kick-off to the calm before the storm....aka the holiday season!

This past weekend, I attended a wonderful event at the beautiful home and grounds of my forever friend......Debbie.....to welcome her lovely daughter and her two darling-beyond-darling grandchildren (who live in Las Vegas) to their favorite time of the year in Western Pennsylvania.   Debbie pulled out all the stops to make it a wonderful homecoming for them that focused on the splendor the season.   For her guests--she hosted a wonderful way to usher out September (perfect weather included!) and look forward to October---in the countryside with a rousing group of fun folks, sipping wine by the fire, surrounded by carefully tended landscapes, special, seasonal touches and scrumptious and artfully displayed food and libations.     

One of the best things about October is that it isn't a month that begs you to make sweeping changes or work really hard or overextend yourself in so many ways.   Unlike September--when you are mourning the loss of  all things summer or November when you are feverishly trying to prepare for the biggest meal or the year---October sits in it's spot and allows us the opportunity to just wistfully enjoy the moments and the scenery. 

So, let's sit back and enjoy the beautiful month of OCTOBER.  

And, what a beautiful month it will be to enjoy.