November 2nd, All Soul's Day, was traditionally meant to be a day of reflection and prayer for those who have left this world. It was a day to remember the family and friends who have died and give thanks to them for their legacy.
Most commonly, the past tradition was to visit the family cemetery and tidy the graves one last time before the winter snows. Now, with family scattered hither and yon, it is rare to have a family plot, let alone time to maintain the scattered graves in this cemetery and that across the state, or the nation.
The passage of time between October and November also represents the closing in of the harvest and the beginning of winter. It is the race between preparing the gardens and lawn for the long sleep under snow.
How much can be done to ease the winter chores before snow? How much wood can you stack? How many jars of sauce can you preserve? Have you prepared for hunting season?
It is a race to ease the spring chores too. How many garden beds can you turn with new compost? How many flower beds can you rake out and weed and then gently bed down with leaf mold for the springtime? Can you make a last mowing of the lawn before winter especially nearest the house in order to drive the mice to nesting grass in the far meadow?
Hang the storms. Find the sweaters. Wash the blankets. Wax the boots. It is a frenzy before the winter closes in. We are close to the finish line, but we are tired and look forward to the first snow and an afternoon nap in front of the fire.
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