TidbitsMOV Issue #1270 Autumn by Tidbits MOV

The Neatest Little Paper Ever Read

TIDBITS® CELEBRATES AUTUMN

by Kathy Wolfe

This week, Tidbits extends a hearty welcome to Fall with these facts focused on the Autumn season.

• The word “Autumn” has its roots in the Latin language, with the word “autumnus” meaning “harvest.” In the 17th century, “Fall” came into use, perhaps as a counterpart to “Spring.” The days of Autumn become shorter because of the Earth’s tilt away from the sun. Earth’s axial tilt causes the sun’s angle of incidence, (that angle formed by rays of sunlight hitting the Earth), to shift, resulting in longer nights.

• The autumnal equinox falls around September 22 in the Northern Hemisphere, denoting the official beginning of Autumn. On the day of the equinox, the length of day and night is almost equal, (the day is about seven minutes longer), and the sun is exactly above the equator. The term comes from two Latin words, “aequus,” meaning “equal,” and “nox,” translating “night.”

• Northern Lights activity increases during the nights of Fall, making the aurora borealis more visible around the time of the equinox. The cause is related to the way the magnetic fields of both the sun and the Earth work in conjunction with the sun/Earth geometry. Fall isn’t the only time it occurs – the Northern Lights phenomenon increases at the time of the Spring Equinox as well.

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AUTUMN (continued):

• Autumn is the time when the leaves on the trees change to a dazzling display of reds, oranges, and yellows. As the daylight decreases and the leaves receive less sunlight, they stop producing chlorophyll, that green pigment responsible for vivid green color. The dramatic fall colors are actually the leaves’ normal shades – chlorophyll causes them to turn green, masking their real colors. When the leaves turn brown, they’re dead, no longer receiving any nutrients.

• Halloween has its roots in Samhain, an ancient Celtic Autumn festival. The festival was a time of feasting and celebrating the harvest and the last day of the Celtic calendar. The Celts wore masks because that believed that ghosts wandered the Earth on Halloween, and the masks prevented them from being mistaken for spirits. Halloween takes its name from the Old English term “All Hallow’s Eve,” the day before All Saints’ Day, November 1, during which Christians honored all the saints of the Church. November 2 became known as All Souls’ Day, which honored all the faithful departed.

• Some individuals have a fear of Halloween, a condition known as Samhainophobia, after the Celtic pagan festival

• The Jewish festival of Sukkot begins on the 15th day of the first month of the Jewish year, five days after Yom Kippur. October 16, 2024 marks the beginnings of these seven days of celebration also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, marking the end of harvest time. During this festival, temporary huts are constructed and covered with foliage, where the Jews will dwell and eat meals throughout the week of Sukkot. This dwelling, or booth, is known as a sukkah. It’s a time of thanksgiving, commemorating the miraculous protection God provided for the Jews when they were escaping Egyptian slavery.

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AUTUMN (continued):

• Daylight Savings Time ends this year on November 3. DST was first put into practice in the United States in 1918, when the Standard Time Act was observed for seven months during World War I. It was observed with the idea of adding more daylight hours to conserve energy. DST was instigated once again during World War II. Following the war, local authorities had the option of whether to implement until 1966, when the Uniform Time Act standardized the practice. The idea of setting clocks ahead one hour during the summer months to make better use of daylight hours was put into action for the first time by a Canadian city, Port Arthur, Ontario, in 1908. The idea had been proposed by New Zealand entomologist George Hudson in 1895. Hudson worked at the post office during the day, but wanted extra daylight hours to collect insects.

• Although the idea behind DST is electricity savings, research has found that it leads to a savings of just 0.3%. It’s opposed by many farmers, whose hours are set by the sun, citing the fact that the milking schedule of dairy cows does not change. Research also indicates that DST adversely affects human health, with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, susceptibility to illness, seasonal depression, and a disruption to the body’s circadian rhythms. There have also been reports of an increase in traffic accidents and workplace injuries linked with the time switch.

• October 7 has been designated National Forgiveness Day, a day to release grudges and thoughts of revenge. Studies indicate that practicing forgiveness can have significant health benefits, such as lower levels of depression, anxiety, and hostility, a reduction in substance abuse, a higher self-esteem, and overall greater life satisfaction. Although forgiving a person who has wronged you is not an easy task, Harvard professors tell us that “forgiveness is not erasure. Rather, it’s about changing your reaction to those memories.”

HENSLER’S TOWN & COUNTRY TOWN & COUNTRY MARKET MARKET

AUTUMN (continued):

• Fall is the best time to harvest grapes for winemaking. This season brings the perfect conditions for the best quality of wine. All spring and summer, the vines soak up sunlight and nutrients. With the cooler temperatures of the fall, the grapes have their final ripening spurt as sugar content increases and acidity decreases. Grapes that are harvested too early may have a lack of proper sugar content, and the wine will lack body and flavor. Those harvested too late might have excessive sugar levels. The cooler temps also slow down the fermentation process, enabling vintners to have greater control over the process.

• Americans celebrate Thanksgiving Day on the fourth Thursday of November, but in Canada, Thanksgiving is observed on the second Monday of October. Canada’s first Thanksgiving pre-dated the American one –the Canadians’ first special meal was in 1578 when an English explorer, Martin Frobisher, and his crew offered thanks to God for granting them safe passage to what is now the Canadian territory of Nunavut, an area that stretches across the northern Canadian Arctic. It’s likely that their feast was held aboard a ship anchored there, well ahead of the American colonists’ celebration in 1621. Prior to 1957, the date of Canada’s Thanksgiving had been moved several times, including from mid-April and November. On January 31, 1957, the Canadian Parliament declared that the day would be the second Monday of October going forth.

HENSLER’S

Spread the Warmth: Homemade Pumpkin Butter to Embrace Autumn

As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, nothing ushers in the coziness of autumn like the rich, spiced aroma of pumpkin. Whether you're planning a festive breakfast or just looking to savor the season, homemade pumpkin butter is a simple way to bring a taste of autumn into your every day. Slather it on toast, swirl it into oatmeal or pair it with your favorite baked goods it's the perfect companion to chilly mornings and sweater weather. This recipe makes three cups of pumpkin butter, but if that feels like too much of a good thing, it can easily be halved. And remember, it makes a wonderful foodie gift as the holidays draw near!

HOMEMADE PUMPKIN BUTTER

Yield: 3 cups

Total Time: 30 minutes

1 (29 ounce) can pumpkin puree, NOT pumpkin pie filling

1/2 cup apple juice or apple cider

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

1/4 cup honey or pure maple syrup

1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon table salt

1 tablespoon butter

Stovetop Instructions:

In a large, heavy bottom saucepan, on medium-high heat, combine all ingredients except the butter. Bring to a boil,

stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently. The pumpkin butter will become smoother and thicker as it is heated and stirred.

For an even thicker consistency, continue heating and stirring over low heat for an additional 10-15 minutes. When the pumpkin butter reaches the desired thickness, remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more sugar or pumpkin pie spice or salt to balance the flavors to your taste. When you're satisfied, add the butter and stir as it melts into a beautifully glossy finish. Let cool completely.

Slow Cooker Instructions:

In the crock of your slow cooker, combine all ingredients except the butter. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours. During the last 45 minutes of cooking, remove the lid to allow the pumpkin butter to thicken. Turn off the heat and add the butter. Taste, adjusting seasonings as desired. The pumpkin butter will thicken as it cools. Let cool completely.

To Store:

Store in glass jars refrigerated for up to two weeks or freeze in freezer for up to three months.

Pumpkin butter pairs wonderfully with a variety of flavors! Here are some ideas: Warm Toast or Biscuits: Spread pumpkin butter on warm toast, biscuits or English muffins for a cozy breakfast or snack.

Pancakes or Waffles: Use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles, adding a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.

Oatmeal or Yogurt: Stir a spoonful into oatmeal or swirl it into yogurt for a fall -inspired twist.

Cream Cheese or Butter: Mix pumpkin butter with room temperature cream cheese or butter to make a delicious spread for bagels or crackers. Brie or Goat Cheese: Serve it with creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese on a cheese board, paired with crackers or sliced apples.

Ice Cream: Drizzle it over vanilla or caramel ice cream for a sweet and spiced dessert. With just a handful of ingredients and a little simmering, you'll have a jar of pure autumn bliss. Pumpkin butter is a beautiful reminder that even in the busiest of seasons, we can pause and enjoy the simple comforts. Make a batch to share or keep it all to yourself (I won't tell!). No matter how you enjoy it, this pumpkin butter is sure to become a fall favorite.

Lifestyle expert Patti Diamond is the pennypinching, party-planning, recipe developer and content creator of the website Divas On A Dime Where Frugal, Meets Fabulous! Visit Patti at www.divasonadime.com and join the conversation on Facebook at DivasOnADimeDotCom. Email Patti at divapatti@divasonadime.com (c) 2024 King Features Synd., Inc.

Spiced homemade pumpkin butter cozy up to the season with this fall favorite!

PUMPKIN SPICE

Love it or hate it, pumpkin spice has become an undeniable part of Fall. Tidbits invites you to sit back and enjoy your pumpkin spice latte while you peruse this information.

• The word “pumpkin” has its origins in the Greek language, from their word “pepon” meaning “large melon.” Pumpkins originally came from Central America, where they’re known as “calabaza.” All parts of the pumpkin – the flowers, seeds, and flesh – are edible and are an excellent source of beta-carotene, Vitamin A, and potassium. Pumpkins are 92% water. There are upwards of 45 different varieties of pumpkins.

• In the mid-1980s, Starbucks’ added a seasonal drink to their holiday menu, the eggnog latte. A few years later, the success of the eggnog drink led to another addition, the peppermint mocha latte, contributing to a very successful season for the Seattle coffee giant. In 2003, the company’s product manager, Peter Dukes sought to add another winner to their seasonal lineup. His team considered four options – chocolatecaramel, orange-and-spice, cinnamon streusel, and pumpkin spice.

• The company used a blend of the spices traditionally used in a pumpkin pie, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves. In the Fall of 2003, the pumpkin spice latte debuted on a trial basis in 100 Starbucks outlets in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Washington, D.C. Within the very first week of the market testing, Dukes “knew we had a winner.” But it wasn’t until the following Fall that it could be found nationwide. Continued page #7)

Make a winter training schedule for your pet

DEAR PAW'S COR-

NER: My German Shepherd, "Dante," is smart but stubborn, and constant training is essential. But I wanted to share a method I use to make sure I keep up with his basic obedience training and work on advanced skills year-round. Every three to four months, I sit down with a new notebook and make a training journal for Dante. It helps me organize my thoughts around how to best train him in the late fall and winter, when going outside every day isn't always possible, or the weather is so unpleasant that Dante won't listen to my commands.

I write down the training goals I want to accomplish during this period. I note any behavioral or training issues that Dante has had up to now. Shepherds, like many big dogs and herders, have a lot of energy and need at least an hour per day of exercise, so I figure out the best times to do that. There are also a lot of holidays during this period, and the journal gives me a place to figure out in advance how I will handle travel, training, parties and other schedule challenges.

I hope my method will help other readers who are trying to maintain their dog's obedience skills while having a busy life. Cheryl K. in Eau Claire, Wisconsin

DEAR Cheryl: That's fantastic advice! Thank you for sharing your journaling method. It sounds like it provides a space to write down much more information than jotting notes on a wall calendar.

Creating a training schedule and journal also is a big help in monitoring how well your dog is progressing with their training, and noting areas where improvements can be made. Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.

BUDGET

PUMPKIN SPICE (continued):

• Although the name of the drink was pumpkin spice, the lattes contained no actual pumpkin, only the spices found in the pie. However, in 2015, the company changed the recipe, including pumpkin and removing artificial colors. The new recipe included a pumpkin pie-flavored syrup concocted from sugar, condensed skim milk, and pumpkin puree.

• In 2007, Dunkin’ Donuts got on the pumpkin spice bandwagon, introducing their version of lattes, iced coffee, cold brew, frozen coffee, and other espresso drinks. In 2012, they made their blend available in K-Cups.

• Pumpkin spice coffee is far from the only item available in this trendy flavor. Pumpkin spice Oreo’s are on the grocer’s shelves in the Fall, sandwich cookies made with a golden wafer cookie rather than the traditional chocolate and stuffed with pumpkin filling. Pumpkin spice Cheerios are offered for a limited time each year, mixing whole grain oats with natural pumpkin flavor, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. For those who top their holiday sweet potatoes with marshmallows, Jet-Puffed manufactures marshmallows that not only have the flavor, they’re shaped like miniature pumpkins.

• Those who want their home to smell like their favorite flavor choose pumpkin spice candles and air fresheners. Some folks love it so much, there’s even a pumpkin spice phone case, a shock-absorbent protector emblazoned with the phrase “Pumpkin spice & everything nice.” For those who want to share the flavor with their pets, there are pumpkin spice dog treats. Pancake mix, muffin mix, coffee creamer, pancake syrup, popcorn seasoning, Jelly Belly jelly beans, Twinkies, M&Ms, and even Peeps have all joined the pumpkin spice craze. Brewers brew pumpkin spice beer and distillers produce pumpkin spice whiskey for customers’ Autumn gatherings.

• If the pumpkin spice trend has grabbed you, be sure to celebrate National Pumpkin Day on October 26.

* There are many uses for empty Tic Tac containers. Here are three: Wrap with pretty paper and use as a tiny vase for a single-stem flower. Or, separate small scrapbooking supplies in them. Last, thread two needles with a length of thread one white and one black. Poke the needles through a small square of paper and wrap the thread around the paper. Slip into the container for a travel sewing kit.

about who made what mess and who should clean up which toys. We made a cleaning schedule for the room, having one or two children per day responsible to clean up at the end of the day. It was a rough start, but the kids have learned to clean up as they go rather than leave a big mess for someone else. (Pay back is not kind.)" A Mom, via email

* "Need your nails to dry in a hurry? You can use the cool setting on your hair dryer. It works really fast." L.E. in Georgia

* To get a couple more days out of your cat litter, clean the box out and mix in a cup of baking soda.

* Remove mildew from plastic shower curtains by spraying them with a mix of bleach and water, or just toss them in the washing machine with your next load of towels.

* "We have a playroom, and the kids argue

* If your vacuum has a paper filter, spray it with your fave perfume or essential oil. It will blow into the air as you vacuum, leaving behind a pleasant scent.