One of the best of the year...

"Weekend Bass fishing was extraordinary, as the 'lunkers' always seemed to get more active as the days got shorter. Warm days and cool nights were normal. Apple season was upon us, and the smell of freshly baked apple pies were common in many kitchens." 

Best what? Best month in my book. When I was a youngster in school, the enjoyment of September was muddled with the stress of trying to get used to school after a long summer off. Once I had kids, I had to vicariously live through those muddled days once again. But now that I am retired, the kids are grown and out of the house, I can enjoy September in all its pre-fall glory.

I can remember driving into work when I had a client in downtown Minneapolis. The state fair was over, school had started, and it was absolutely a "blue bird" of a day. Even the normally bad traffic took a pause that day. As I was getting ready to pull into my parking spot by my client, as I was still mesmerized by the grandeur of the day, a news flash came across the car radio. On that day, that most wonderful day in September, the world changed. It was September 11, 2001. 

All of a sudden September, one of the most wonderful months of the year, turned into something horrible. Rather than looking skyward at a "robin's egg" blue sky, many were looking skyward to see if there was another threat coming at us. Now, each year, every year since 2001, our country recognizes that fateful day in September. We remember, because we will never forget. 

Before 9/11, September was one of those months that once Labor Day was over, it was smooth sailing for the rest of the month. No hustle or bustle, as there were no holidays to deal with. Football had started, so Sunday afternoons once again became the talking point of the week. Weekend Bass fishing was extraordinary, as the "lunkers" always seemed to get more active as the days got shorter. Warm days and cool nights were normal. Apple season was upon us, and the smell of freshly baked apple pies were common in many kitchens. 

One of the reasons that September is so special to so many of us is simply this - we know what comes after this month is over. True, October often times has its own magic and splendor. But after October, it is time to batten down the hatches. For many snowbirds, it is time to pack up and leave for a few months. For those who remain, it is time to check the woodpile. Winter is coming, and soon September will be only a distant memory.

But right now, it is September 2nd. Lots of September left to enjoy. Yesterday, we went on a river cruise with some friends. It was a wonderful day, and nature was really putting on a show. September, our 9th month, once was the 7th month under the Gregorian calendar. Truthfully, I like it as our 9th month. Why? For many of the reasons I just listed, and for days like yesterday.