In my own words
By Jo O’Connor
Hmmmmm, November. What can we make of it? When you think of it--there is so much going on. Let’s take a look 11 things to love about the 11th month:
Cold. From the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald by Gordon Lightfoot, “The gales of November came early.” They did indeed – heck, November was here in October. During the fall, Mainers try to wait until November 1st before they touch the thermostat–not this year! Brrrrr. Can we even hope for a very late Indian Summer? I think not.
Clothing. It’s time to layer up. Put on your undershirt, blouse, your sweater, vest and your overcoat. Are you like me? Are all of bedrooms filled with spring/summer clothes as you try to change things out? Embrace your wool and cashmere and dust off your Bean boots. Look at it as wardrobe-changing time.
Wolf Spiders and other Crawly Things: I have an old house and every year at this time, up through the bathtub drain come the scariest looking arachnids: the wolf spiders -- ahhhhhhhhh. If you are not that lucky, maybe field mice have found their ways into the cracks of your house. Droppings are the telltale sign that your traps need to come out.
Fireplaces and Warm Drinks: This is when you stack your cord of wood, open up the flue and stuff the fireplace with kindling to start up that rip-roaring fire. Don’t forget your hot toddy, slippers and Snuggie.
Daylight Savings – Ahhh the days are long – but why does 6:30 p.m. feel like 10:30 p.m.? Perhaps this is our mind tricking us into getting more sleep?
Election day – Vote “yes” on going to the polls – it is your right and privilege.
Veteran’s Day: On Sunday, November 11, we honor our brave men and women in the armed services. We salute you.
Football. Gridiron season is in full swing. Reminder: Our New England Patriots play Green Bay on 11/4 at 8:20 p.m.; Tennessee on 11/11 at 1 p.m. and New York on 11/25 at 1 p.m.
Thanksgiving! Let’s be thankful (see Tourist & Town’s Thanksgiving center spread)!
Black Friday – If you love retail and don’t mind the crowds, this is your nirvana. Even if you are not a 4 a.m. doorbuster, you still can grab some amazing deals throughout the day. Get your shop on – trampling not allowed. Don’t forget SmallBusiness Saturdays to boost the local economy. Or you can wait for Cyber Monday to avoid all the madness.
The holidays! Now you can decorate -- so haul out the holly, deck the halls and Falalalala-lalalala. But if you are like me, you play Christmas music for the entire 11th month (haters gonna hate).
So change it up it November – embrace all that it has to offer!