September days have the warmth of summer in their briefer hours, but in their lengthening evenings a prophetic breath of autumn. Rowland E. Robinson
September offers us the last days of summer and the first days of fall. In Old English, September was called “Haervest monath” (Harvest Month). This is the time to gather up the rest of the harvest and prepare for the winter months. Apple picking is a common weekend pastime in September, and gardens — emptied of their produce — will be winding down.
September's name comes from the Latin word septum, meaning seven. This month was originally the seventh month of the early Roman calendar.
On the first Monday of the month, Canadians observe Labour Day. There are many celebratory special days in September, but take special note of Sept. 11, which is celebrated as Grandparents’ Day.
Sept. 22 marks the start of fall. On this date there are approximately equal hours of daylight and darkness. September's full moon, the Harvest Moon, reaches its peak light on Sept. 17. This year it's also a Supermoon.
Summer holidays are over, and routines begin again for many organizations and groups. Children go back to school.
I was fortunate to have all five of my daughters here for a few days out at the cabin. That doesn't happen frequently, as one girl lives in Toronto. We had fun reminiscing and looking at old photos. Back in 1973 we headed out on a road trip to Disneyland that would last 20 days and cover 5,363.7 miles!
We drove all the way down the west coast of the USA to Disneyland, on to Tijuana, Mexico, crossed the Mojave desert, drove up into Alberta to visit relatives in Edmonton, then drove home to the Lower Mainland via Jasper, Prince George, the cabin at Kelly Lake, the Fraser canyon, and the Fraser Valley to Port Moody!
We could hardly believe my travel diary. That entire trip for seven people cost us less than $1,000! Motels for all those nights totalled $298.89! At today's rates you can hardly find a motel for one night for what it cost us then for 20. Gas for the whole trip was $148.94. Meals were $138.95, and tourist attractions were $186.79.
I hope you had a good summer. Did you do any travelling?
So now it's back to business. The Clinton Seniors’ Association will hold a regular meeting on Thursday, Sept. 19 following lunch at the Clinton Seniors’ Centre, 217 Smith Avenue. Come and join us!
Happy September birthdays to Heather Henri (Sept. 10) and Irene McDonald (Sept. 27).
We turn not older with years, but newer every day. Emily Dickinson
