Dear October,

Thank you for being your typical splendid self. You flaunted your red, golf, and orange leaves a little more slowly this year—due to warmer-than-usual weather—but you made up for that deficiency with fabulous sunsets, great cloud displays, and cool nighttime temps that created optimum sleeping environments.

I particularly appreciate the way that you always support fall flowers, helping them pop with color and giving honeybees a glorious last drink of nectar before the truly cold days arrive. Speaking of flying insects and winged friends, most of the summertime bugs have disappeared, so hiking has been pleasant. No more swatting at mosquitoes or batting away flies! That’s something worth celebrating.

With only a few days left, October, I hope you know that I am not alone in extending my gratitude to you for another lovely, wonderful, memorable month. Thanks. See you again in 2022.....