News & Events
Autumn In New England
August 28, 2008
Autumn In New England
It's Labor Day and although, technically, Autumn doesn't begin until September 22nd, for New Englanders, Labor Day signals the beginning of Autumn. Autumn is the time for taking in the crops and for preparing for Winter.
You may have heard that the Farmers' Almanac (not to be confused with the Old Farmer's Almanac) has predicted that the winter of 2008-2009 will be a long one with at least two-thirds of the country experiencing colder than normal temperatures. They claim that the weather predictions for the publication have been 80% to 85% accurate over the course of its history. Modern Meteorologists, with radar, satellites and computers, claim that their forecasts for major storms are 90% accurate and that their three day forecasts are accurate to within 5 degrees 75% of the time. Today we can predict, with 75% accuracy three days out, the Farmer's Almanac predicts two years in advance and claims an 80% to 85% accuracy. Hmmmmmmmmm.
Even though the Old Farmer's Almanac has been in publication since 1792 and the Farmers' Almanac since 1818 neither was the first to be published in the US. An Almanac for New England was published in 1639 and Poor Richard's Almanac (written by Ben Franklin) began publishing in 1733.
We will know how long and how cold the winter of 2008-2009 will be soon enough, so in the mean time, I invite you to experience Autumn in New England. Enjoy a day "leaf peeping". Stop at a road side farm stand to buy some fresh squash and apple cider. Take in a round of golf or a long bike ride. Climb a mountain, take the family to a town fair. There is no place like New England in the Autumn so before the long cold winter sets in, take advantage of every beautiful moment it has to offer.
Responsible Dog Ownership Day
September 20nd is Responsible Dog Ownership Day. I would like to share something I received several years ago.
The Ten Commandments of a Responsible Pet Owner
- 1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful.
- 2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
- 3. Place your trust in me; it is crucial for my well being.
- 4. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment. I HAVE ONLY YOU.
- 5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I understand your voice when it's speaking to me.
- 6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll NEVER forget it.
- 7. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones of our hand, but I choose not to bite you.
- 8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food. I've been in the sun too long, or my heart may be getting old and weak.
- 9. Take care of me when I get old. You too, will grow old.
- 10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch it" or "let it happen in my absence". Everything is easier for ME if you are there. Remember, I love you.
Thank you to my friends at F.A.C.E.S.,Inc. for passing on these important words that remind me how little my pets ask in return for giving me such joy.
September Dates to Remember
- 1st Labor Day
- 4th Be Late For Something Day
- 7th National Grandparents Day
- 11th Patriot Day
- 13th International Chocolate Day
- 20th Responsible Dog Ownership Day
- 20th Wife Appreciation Day
- 22nd Autumn Begins
- 22nd White Chocolate Day
- 29th Rosh Hashanah
