To me, October always means homecoming and football along with some of the best weather of the year. It meant pinning on a huge mum to wear to the game and the excitement of the crowd yelling for our team. I was yelling for a very special guy and wore his football jacket proudly.

Those days of course were long ago but October brings great memories back along with the present things to enjoy. Becky and I were in a local town today and they were having their October Festival. The town square had been blocked off and there were canopies all around the park and store front area.

It was much like a carnival atmosphere as there were all kinds of wonderful foods made on the spot, along with crafts of every description. The busiest food attraction was the Bar-B-Q stand where a continuous line of hungry folks waited for their orders. The time in line wasn’t wasted as people visited with one another good naturedly.

As we ate, we watched people strolling by, many walking hand in hand and taking time to look at the many different items for sale. I guess I notice that particularly because Rocky and I always held hands when we walked. I think it is a natural loving thing to do. Most of the hand-holders were old and gray for the young folks were either pushing baby carriages or high-school aged who were continually animated during their walks. Pushing each other and laughing and the things that you do when you’re with that special person at a fair.

All across Missouri there are many such festivals to take in. From making apple butter in huge pots over a fire and sorghum making to local beer fests. Herman Missouri is mostly of German heritage with fine shops and excellent food and beer making. Of course Branson, Missouri and Silver Dollar City are a must-see if you enjoy watching things made. Glass blowing, quilting, knife making, lovely knit and crocheted items and things like making soap, wood carving……it is truly worth the visit.

I have never figured why the sky is so different in October. The earth is under a blue canopy that is cloud free and the vivid colors of the leaves make a beautiful contrast to the azure blue overhead.

It seems fall is a gift to us. God has surely made her the most beautiful season because she is golden and yielding. The earth gives up her bounty and then prepares for sleep knowing that winter is soon to come. I think people are a lot like the seasons……old age is the accumulation of years and seasons….most of which we have passed on to others. We know winter will come……..but not today.

Essentially Esther