Now that October is almost half over, I find that there is a lot to like about October as a senior citizen. Since Oct – the prefix for October – means eight, eight seemed like a good number of reasons why I like October. There are probably many more but eight reasons I like October has a certain symmetry to it. Why does the tenth month have a name like October? That’s a story for another day.
Halloween Decorations
I no longer feel any desire to decorate my home for Halloween. Besides, I sold my house and I live in a 55+ senior apartment complex. It’s just not the same decorating your door. You can decorate your house, or door, or whatever you have if you want to, but it’s just not for me. I never really liked the holiday much anyway. It’s the least favorite of the fall holidays.
Trick or Treating
Strange as it is that I don’t like Halloween decorations, I love Trick-or-Treaters. I have several great memories about Trick or Treating.
Memory # 1
The first came when I was about 10 years old. It taught me the value of free enterprise. I and a few of my friends were trick or treating a few blocks from our homes along the main street of our small town. We walked past one of the two taverns in our community. On a dare, we decided to trick or treat in the tavern. Man, what a mother lode we struck. The old fellows sitting on stools sucking their favorite brew bought big candy bars off the back bar and threw them in our now bulging sacks. We were rich and then we were sick after we ate them all. Good times. Sadly, I don’t think you would want to let 10 or 11-year-old boys trick or treat unattended now. That’s sad.
Memory # 2
The second trick or treating experience I remember fondly was just a few years ago. The weather forecast was for a hard freeze later in the evening of Halloween. My yard was full of Mum that had grown with abnormally long stems. The first young trick-or-treaters at the door were protected by two young moms watching intently from the sidewalk. After the trick-or-treaters had each selected two or three (or more) Hershey’s miniatures from the loaded plastic pumpkin, I asked them if they’d like something for their moms. Both smiled eagerly through their costumes and I’m sure they were thinking more candy. I broke off a mum from the bunch by the porch. The smiles waned but both took the proffered mum from my hand and ran to their respective moms. Bob moms, on cue, started crying. It made the night for me. No one left my door without candy – and a mum. Good times!
October Foliage
I wish I was a painter. I would love to paint pictures of fall foliage. Unfortunately, that skill requires hand and eye coordinated – and an artist soul – that I like. I love the reds, greens, and yellows. I just bot a new camera to see if my weak artists soul can be enhanced by technology. It’s a long shot but worth a try.
October Golf
Another reason I like October is golf! There is no such thing as bad golf, but October golf is the best. Especially if you’re not to proud to drop a new ball if your first shot rolls into a pile of leaves. My personal limit is about 30 seconds (at most) to look for a ball. Patience and I are not good friends.
The ball rolls better in the fall, too. At least it does in my part of the country. The fairways dry out and the ball just rolls farther. One warning, though. The greens will be harder, as well, and you might have to play a bump and run style as apposed to going for the flag and spinning the ball back to stop it close to the pin.
Usually the courses are empty. I like to play golf in an unhurried, casual pace. I can’t do that when the course is full. I prefer to walk, as well. Walking for me is out of the question when courses are busy in the summer. I just can’t keep up.
At most courses the fall vistas are awesome
Unfortunately, I broke my shoulder two years ago, and it has severely restricted my follow-through. I sure miss golf. Maybe next year.
Warm days and cool nights
Fall weather is the best, too. Warm days. Most days. Cool nights. What a great combination. If it does snow in the foothills of the Rockies where I live, it does not stay on the ground very long. October has the best sunsets, too.
October Sports
Another reason I like October is sports. If you a sports fan, October is a great time of the year. In fact, it’s the best time of the year. All four major professional sports are underway in some form or another plus you can get a huge does of meaningful college football games. What a country.
It’s Not November
In October, we can at least pretend that the weather tomorrow will be better. By the time November rolls in, reality rolls over us, too, and we know that it’s probably not going to get any better for the next five months. The only thing to redeem November is Thanksgiving and usually we have to wait until almost the end of the month. In between November 1st and Thanksgiving, our days are filled with the drudgery of work and the downer of cold, gray cloudy days.
Conclusion
I guess I’m an October-a-holic. There is never enough October for me. I can’t get enough. I think I should qualify for a job with the October Chamber Commerce or even a spot in the October Hall of Fame. Where do I apply? Just saying’.
At least that’s the way I see it! Until next time...
Richard Elliott
The Senior Observer
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