The Hunter’s Moon: October’s Harvest and Autumn Blessings
What a beautiful end to harvest!
Legend has it that September’s Harvest Moon allows extra light for farming. Following harvest, the fields are clear for hunters to be able to see animals, and the October Hunter’s Moon was considered a signal to hunters to begin preparing for winter.
Last week’s Hunter’s Moon corresponded with a cold front and the first frost warning of the season.
The Winter chill is headed our way!
The Harvest Moon is not gone, but last Thursday morning it was in all of its glory!
The 2024 Hunter’s Moon reached its full lunar phase on Thursday, October 17th.
“The third of four super moons this year, it was 222,055 miles (357,364 kilometers) away Wednesday October 16th, making it seem even bigger and brighter than in August and September. (Source: Marcia Dunn. Associated Press, Health and Science Department. Cape Canaveral, Florida)
What makes a moon so super?
Come to find out, it isn’t any bigger.
“A supermoon occurs when a full lunar phase syncs up with an especially close swing around Earth. This usually happens only three or four times a year.”
A supermoon isn’t bigger. It is just closer.
According to scientists, October’s supermoon is the closest one this year. And it was beautiful.
If you missed this one, the last supermoon of 2024 is set for Nov. 15 at 5:29 p.m.
Sowing Knowledge and Tasting Nutrition
While soybeans were being harvested in the fields this month, chocolate soy milk was being tasted for the first time by lots of second and third grade students from 14 Poinsett County schools.
Leigh Ann Bullington, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture FCS Instructor and Soy Chef grant PI educated students about the nutritional value of soybeans grown in fields across Poinsett county and the Mid-South.
Come to find out, nutritious food can also be delicious!
Welcome the newest pumpkin to the Ballard patch!
Precious.
Get ready for a life in front of a camera!
In late September, our family was blessed with our first grandchild, Theodore Davis Officer. He is a keeper. Theo’s infant wardrobe includes camo.
October also provided us with a beautiful range of flowers and final guests to the fields and garden before winter. Among our guests were some loyal hummingbirds, butterflys, and a very serious frog, reminding us to appreciate the season’s bounty.
What wonderful gifts this season!
American Beautyberry defied the hot temperatures and weeks without rain.
Porter’s Aster and Goldenrod created a natural bouquet in the field.
Partridge Pea never fails to brighten things up.
Spotted a serious Southern Leopard frog hanging out in a flower pot this month.
The 2024 harvest is a wrap on the Ballard farm.
Wishing you and yours a blessed fall season!
~Karen