October is a lovely time of year for all sorts of reasons. The colours of nature in our temperate climate are changing as Autumn peaks. Leaves of beech turn gold then brown, maple red then drop, the oaks hang on to their green a little longer. As leaves fall you can begin to see through trees and hedgerows. Berries of hawthorn contrast against their woody branches. And, though many have finished, there are even some flowers still bright.
October is a time of change. At the end of the month is the festival of Halloween or Samhain (summer’s end), one of my favourites. It is a time to put the dead to rest and prepare for the new birth that will come in the next cycle of the solar rhythm, traditionally the Celtic New Year. It is reflected in other festivals too like the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival (last month). As always we’ll have a party with BarBQ and costumes (for those bold enough). It’ll be the evening of Friday 31 October and, if you can come, please do. Just drop me a line to let us know so that we have enough for the barbie! Its half term too, so there will be children young and old alike.
It’s not just season’s change though. The world of money continues its turbulent journey. Some are hoping that the financial crisis will catalyse improvements and equity. That is how it is supposed to work. And since inequality has grown in developed countries in the past decade (rich getting richer, poor not) except in France and Scandinavia, it would be a welcome change. But change is hard, and the first draft of the Irish budget certainly looked like a step backwards. This crisis is not unexpected, but it is unlike anything we’ve seen for a long time and will test the resilience of the best of us. It is a good time for traditional values to shine – let’s hope so. (Some notes on the crisis are here and what to do here.) But what really causes worry is stories like this one about the kiosk for politicians that cost € 1.3 million!
Also on change, I happened to come across an Irish MET discussion of climate change and how it will affect Ireland. See Warmer World here.
There are a couple of other parties on the horizon to which you are invited. The 40th anniversary party of a family genealogical society, The Butler Society, is 28 November in Kilkenny Castle at 7pm. There will be a short discussion on the history of Ireland in the last century and drinks and snacks. Please let me know if you can make it.
There will be PestalozziWorld Ireland lunch reception on 11 December which is a good chance to meet some of the people behind the charity. Please let me know if you’d like to come.
Yoga classes will pause next week, during half term, but restart again in the first week of November.
In the garden, the tomatoes are coming to an end – but, boy!, have they been good. 🙂 This is a good time for brassicas – inexpensive, plentiful and very good for you. So enjoy your broccoli, and give lots to children.
A number of people asked again about Broadband locally. Reach Broadband has served us well and seems to have been taken up by a number of friends, so, if you need wireless broadband, give them a try.
And if you’ve any news that you’d like to share with other readers, please let me know.
Have a great Halloween. Boo!
Tom
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