The season is about to change...what keeps you busiest these days?

You do live in England don't you? How unusual for someone there not to like summer! Don't come to Australia - at least not to Queensland.

I'm with you there Wolfie. I much prefer autumn to summer. Gotta a question for you though. Why are there fireworks in autumn in England?

Yes I live in England, I have always wanted to go to New Zealand, so I will time it right when New Zealand has their Winter which is when ironically England has it's Summer, great timing! We have fireworks in Autumn because of Bonfire Night, November 5th when the Houses Of Parliament were planned to be blown up by Guy Fawkes in 1605, it's been a tradition to set off fireworks and 'burn' an effigy of Guy Fawkes who was caught and executed.

Yes, routines help us feel a bit more "grounded," less at a loss. I do like one that allows for spontanity, though!

Good morning, my friend. I, too, enjoy the cooler weather! I imagine the longer commute gives you and your grandson an opportunity to chat and discuss whatever you might see along the way Have a happy day! Karen

Hello my friend Yes it is great, I enjoyed spending time with my family once I dropped him off, then talking to people I have not seen for a while, I miss this routine to some extent

hi karen, thanks for the responses,the seasons will be changing as per the geographical locations,like in USA there so many time zones,have a nice day Note:you have not given reply two of my messages,i do not know the reason,reply immediately

Hello Yugasini. So interesting, always, to learn of what is happening with the seasons in other countries compared to the seasons in one's own area. Thank you for telling of your rainy season. Have a beautiful day! Karen

My friend, I did indeed try to reply to those messages, and they would not go through the first two times. The third time they DID appear to go through, but if you did not receive them, please let me know and I will try yet again. Blessings to you, Karen

Hello Elite. While it isn't a seasonal thing, yes, the computer can what we do on it can indeed keep us very busy. I hope you're having a great weekend. Karen

Hello my friend PeacefulWmn9 Ji, Now the temperature is slowly going down and peoplen are using winter cloths here early morning and late night. We do not require fans/AC at all. It is very much pleasent weather. I remember, when remperature went into minus, our water pipe lines burst. It was a great experience, still some people were taking bath in open underneath sky only. May God bless You and have a great time.

Yes, we're busy getting our yards and homes and clothing ready for the colder seasons, too. Ugh! Frozen pipes can be a nuisance, especially if they burst! Enjoy your week, and thank you for your response. Karen

Hello Taz...yes, I think our seasons are quite different, but it is fascinating to me to learn those differences. I know the monsoon season brings needed rain, but also carries its dangers...so do be safe! In the US, we also look eagerly forward to the Christmas celebration and begin our planning and buying of gifts soon now, even though it is still months away. What does "Onam" celebrate? And what are your customs as to how you celebrate it? Thank you for your response and have a very happy day! Karen

How very fascinating to learn of this king who willingly sacrificed himself to save his people and the earth. It puts me in mind of many of the Greek myths, wonderful and intriguing tales. The celebration does indeed sound befitting of the time each year this wonderful king gets a reprieve from exile! Thank you for explaining in detail about "Onam." I love learning of people and their unique culture! My best wishes to you, Karen

Onam is bascically celebrated as a symbol of peace & prosperity. There is a great myth behind the festival of Onam, a story that fills us everyone with hope and a bit nostalgia of losing something of good nature. Onam is the celebration of the return of King Mahabali from the nether-world, at the consent of Vamana (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) who stamped the king down to hell. I'll tell you the whole story (hope you won't get bored) A long long time ago, an Asura (demon) king called Mahabali ruled Kerala. He was a wise, benevolent and judicious ruler and beloved of his subjects. Soon his fame as an able king began to spread far and wide, but when he extended his rule to the heavens and the netherworld, the gods felt challenged and began to fear his growing powers. Presuming that he might become over-powerful, Aditi, the mother of Devas pleaded with Lord Vishnu to curtail Mahabali's powers. Vishnu transformed himself into a dwarf called Vamana and approached Mahabali while he was performing a yajna and asked for alms. Pleased with the dwarf brahmin's wisdom, Mahabali granted him a wish. The Emperor's preceptor, Sukracharya warned him against making the gift, for he realized that the seeker was no ordinary person. But the Emperor's kingly ego was boosted to think that God had asked him for a favor. So he firmly declared that there is no greater sin than going back on one's promise. He kept his word. The Vamana asked for a simple gift — three paces of land — and the king agreed to it. Vishnu in the guise of Vamana then increased his stature and with the first step covered the sky, blotting out the stars, and with the second, straddled the netherworld. Realising that Vamana's third step will destroy the earth, Mahabali offered his head as the last step. Vishnu's fatal third step pushed him to the netherworld, but before banishing him to the underworld Vishnu granted him a boon. Since he was attached to his kingdom and his people, he was allowed to return once a year from exile. Onam is the celebration that marks the homecoming of King Mahabali. It is the day when a grateful Kerala pays a glorious tribute to the memory of this benign king who gave his all for his subjects. Onam is celebrated in the memory of King Mahabali. It was said that King Mahabali ruled Kerala a long time ago and looked after the welfare of the people. Thus Onam shows the blissful rule of the King and the freedom, which the people enjoyed under his rule. The people also believe that during Onam, the King returns to Kerala to pay a visit to his people. The people in Kerala arrange for this festival by cleaning up their houses and decorating them. On the occasion of Onam, everybody in the family wears new clothes. Delicious sweets and dishes are prepared and served on the banana leaves. "Pookalam" or "athapoo"a flower mat or floral design is visible outside every house. This mat is a symbol of welcoming King Mahabali. On the eve of Onam, traditional rituals are performed and the people celebrate the occasion with a grand feast. “Payasam” a sweet and tempting porridge is one of the favorite dessert served on the eve of Onam. “Vallamkali” or a great boat race is an attractive feature of this festival. In this game hundreds of men row the boats to the beat of drums and cymbals. This event is extremely popular with various boats competing with each other in order to win the race. Onam is celebrated not only by Hindus but also by Christians and Muslims. It is one such festival that unites all the people regardless of race and religion in the state of Kerala, India Hope you had enough time reading this Happy Lotting

Hello Cloud. I am gathering that the Australian seasons are the exact opposite of ours in the USA. I cannot imagine no winter; no snow. But some would truly welcome that! Summer here in Michigan was abnormally cool, but just lately has been warmer, so we might have warm autumn/fall to make up for that. Like you, we are a large continent, so some place never see snow and such. How interesting to have been sugar cane farmers. I have seen it in movies and read of it in books, but to have done it would have been best of all, or to actually visit an active cane farm would be interesting! And the salad bowl farming sounds fascinating, too. I miss being able to grow things in the ground...a large garden. It is not allowed in the apartment complex where I live. Like you, I do not like the humidity! Thank you for sharing such interesting information. May your day be good. Karen

Good morning, Cher :) Like yours, our children in Michigan, well some have already gone back to school, but in my own area, they will go back next week after Labor Day. It's good to plan ahead for Christmas, yes? Easier on the budget; less exhausting for the mind and body! Have a beautiful weekend, and thank you for your response. Karen

Hi Jaymar. How nice to be able to plant, grow, and harvest year round! I can see many advantages to that. I am sorry, though, for the loss of lives and properties during the monsoon season. Are hurricanes also a threat for you? Those are devastating when they hit our shorelines in the US! Your Christmas sounds much anticipated, as it is here in the US...the season brings so many celebrations and wonderful food and best of all, great gatherings of family and friends as we celebrate the birth of Christ. I hope you are safe in your monsoon season, and thank you for sharing about your beautiful land. Karen

Hello Lucky. Yes, once autumn is here, the holidays come in a hurry, so many of us plan ahead :) December will be a good month to sell clothes and dresses, as there are so many parties and celebrations, as well as many who would wish to buy them for others. I wish you a lot of success with your business! Thank you for responding and have a lovely weekend. Karen

Hello Iriene. Thank you, my friend. I hope that someday we can visit one another's countries! And yes, you would love our fall/autumn weather...the trees are like magic and turn such beautiful colors before dropping their leaves! Your September festival sounds wonderful! Perhaps you can describe to us what a moon cake is or how it is made. I would love to learn more about that. I do not think I would enjoy the monsoon season! Here, we have snow and more snow in the winter time. It is so beautiful! But too much of it can cave in roofs, knock down power lines or make driving difficult. The same happens when we have ice storms (freezing rain.) Do the leaves stay on your trees all year round? There are always so many things I want to learn or know about other countries and their people! Have a beautiful day... Karen

Hello Sehlers :) I also love to drive and enjoy all the beautiful colors...soon now, that is what I'll be doing, too. And yes, the yards and homes always need a lot of attention to get them prepared for the cold months. Knitting and crocheting are wonderful things to do inside during the long winters. I haven't done socks yet, but will learn that soon. I have done scarves, dish clothes, hats, but need to bump it up a notch and learn how to knit socks, mittens, and even a sweater! Enjoy the weekend. Karen

Hi there Twooten. Oh, you will enjoy that cruise celebration, and the 40s is a wonderful time in one's life, so enjoy! Like you, rather than being depressed, I always feel blessed for having lived yet another year! Such milestones your children have reached! And I love your outlook. When God is in the driver's seat, all will turn out well, no matter what! Enjoy and embrace the day. Karen