The always wonderful month of November

I find it difficult to believe that it is already November. This means my two classic cars are now in storage, and my snow blower is all set for the coming months of snow. Leaves in my yard have been raked and bagged, and my furnace and fireplace are ready for winter.

Many things happen in November, beginning with its very first day this year. Nov. 1 is the Christian festival All Saints Day, which celebrates the lives of all saints known and unknown. We get to turn back our clocks for an hour on Nov. 1, and we all gain an extra hour of sleep. Then, just two days later, we have our presidential election, meaning I will stay up to all hours watching the returns. Fortunately, this occurs just every four years.

November is also Sweet Potato Awareness Month. Now I have to admit I am not a huge sweet potato fan. So I will probably forgo any big celebration of this event. However, sweet potato smoothies make a healthy snack as they are very energizing, so perhaps I will try one. At my age, I need all the extra energy I can find.

Nov. 11 is a day we set aside to remember and honor all the veterans who have served our country. We honor those who gave their lives for our country and those who served in times of peace. My father was a veteran of two countries. He served two years in the Swedish Royal Navy and then four years in the U.S. Army during WW2.

The third Thursday of November is the Great American Smokeout. This day is to encourage Americans to quit smoking for 24 hours. In the United States and Canada, November is National Beard Month or No-Shave November. Much to my wife’s delight, I have not participated in this manly event. Not yet that is. Sports are also an enjoyable part of November. Football is the number one watched sport throughout November. I am an avid NCAA football fan, and I can watch any collegiate game. I am thankful that Thanksgiving Day comes in November. I get to spend the entire day doing two of my favorite things: Eating and watching football. Of course, it would not be November in Wisconsin without the annual deer hunting season. While I am not a hunter, I have many friends and relatives who have hunted their entire lives. Unfortunately, deer hunting may be a bit different this year due to the COVID-19 virus. The Wisconsin DNR has announced the cancellation of an array of in-person meetings and events.

All in all, I find November to be one of my favorite months. The weather suits me, fall foods are delicious, and it is the perfect time to spend with family and friends. However, there is one day in November that I detest. Black Friday. So, once again, I plan to avoid it at all costs.

Ken Anderson, the “Mayberry Guru,” can be reached at themayberryguru@gmail.com and www.themayberryguru. com

BE OUR

G UEST

KEN ANDERSON “THE MAYBERRY GURU”