Bay Shore NY
10-11-2022 9:09pm

Autumn in October

SKYLARK'S FEATURED ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - AUTUMN IN OCTOBER

Autumn is here and so are the colored leaves. I was driving home Tuesday evening and noticed the brilliant red, orange, and yellow leaves on the trees that line the roads. They seemed to appear so abruptly. But I felt that way about the beginning of this season. One day it was summer and the next day the temperatures dropped, and it was October. 

October skies are a thing of beauty, and the colors mimic the leaves. The sun is setting much earlier, making way for an incredible Moon. Venus has been close by and if you're up before dawn, you can see the Moon and Venus set in the Western sky. It's worth waking up early for. 

So, what makes the Autumn sky so different? Fall is notorious for its pleasant weather with cooler temperatures and lower humidity. As air temperatures cool, the amount of moisture that the air can hold lessens. Less moisture means fewer clouds and haze.  This gives way to view more constellations that are prominent in fall including the zodiac constellations of Aquarius, Aries and Pisces, and the constellations in the Perseus family: Andromeda, Perseus, Cassiopeia, Pegasus, Triangulum, Cetus and Cepheus. Get out your telescopes!

Have you ever wondered what makes the leaves change color? It all boils down to photosynthesis. Leaves change color as chlorophyll, the pigment that makes plants green, begins to break down in colder weather. When the temperature drops and there is less daylight, the tree begins to conserve the energy it generated in the spring and summer months. As autumn progresses, a tree will send a substance to each leaf called an enzyme that is directed to take apart chlorophyll pigments. Once the chlorophyll breaks down, the other pigments that weren't visible to the human eye before are now on full display. Every tree has a different combination of pigments, which gives leaves their unique colors: yellow leaves contain xanthophyll, orange leaves contain carotene, and red leaves contain anthocyanin.

There are many factors that make this season unique. Candles and incense come to mind as we begin to spend more time at home. There is a coolness that comes over the evening air and sunsets are a bit crisper, too. It's time to get out those cozy blankets and embrace the season with anticipation of Halloween. Boo!

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, Autumn in October is a good time to prepare for the impending holidays. We need a little more time at this age.

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK - BRIGHTWATER'S FARMS

Brightwaters Farms is a very diverse farm operation with three facilities located on Long Island and Upstate New York. Long standing member and supporter of New York & Long Island Farm Bureau. In business since the late 1600's. Supporter of community Non-Profit Groups and Organizations. Local Chamber of Commerce Member. From vegetables to hay, flowers to pumpkins and perennials to trees, Brightwaters Farms continues to grow. Please browse their website for further information at www.brightwatersfarms.com.

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - MOONDANCE BY VAN MORRISON

Well, it's a marvelous night for a moondance
With the stars up above in your eyes
A fantabulous night to make romance
'Neath the cover of October skies
And all the leaves on the trees are falling
To the sound of the breezes that blow
You know I'm tryin' to please to the calling
Of your heartstrings that play soft and low
You know the night's magic seems to whisper and hush
You know the soft moonlight seems to shine in your blush
Can I just have one more moondance with you, my love?
Can I just make some more romance with a-you, my love?
Well, I wanna make love to you tonight
I can't wait 'til the mornin' has come
You know, I know now the time is just right
And straight into my arms you will run
And when you come, my heart will be waiting
To make sure that you're never alone
There and then all my dreams will come true, dear
There and then I will make you my own
And every time I touch you, you just tremble inside
And I know how much you want me, that you can't hide
Can I just have one more moondance with you, my love?
Can I just make some more romance with a-you, my love?
Well, it's a marvelous night for a moondance
With the stars up above in your eyes
A fantabulous night to make romance
'Neath the cover of October skies
And all the leaves on the trees are falling
To the sound of the breezes that blow
You know I'm trying to please to the calling
Of your heartstrings that play soft and low
You know the night's magic seems to whisper and hush
You know the soft moonlight seems to shine in your blush
Can I just have one more moondance with you, my love?
Can I just make some more romance with a-you, my love?
One more moondance with you
In the moonlight
On a magic night
La, la, la, la, la, in the moonlight
On a magic night
Can't I just have one more, more dance with you, my love?

I am a columnist with Skylark Live Town News (SLTN) and write articles geared to the 60 and beyond population. Topics include human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, music, and places I've been to in and around Bay Shore. I also write about restaurants and stores in the area. You can also watch my first Monday-of-the-month vlog, “60 and Beyond with Skylark" on my YouTube Channel, Skylark Live, that features topics covered in my articles from SLTN. Please subscribe to my YouTube Channel as well as my free STLN newsletter that gets delivered directly to your email each Wednesday morning. To support SLTN, you can make a recurring monthly donation ($5 Friend or $15 Advocate) or a one-time donation of any amount. It's up to you, and it's easy to do on my feed. You can also advertise your business or event here as well. Please follow me on YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn under my brand, Skylark Live. Thank you for your support.
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