Warm and pleasant greetings to all. We hope you are enjoying the first full week of autumn.
The weather was really nice for outside activities and events. It makes the inside work a bit less challenged, too.
Did you see the harvest moon last Tuesday? I looked out several times to admire the sky, however I didn’t see what I thought I should have seen and I saw no red or orange.
I expected a looming large moon! So I’m not sure how my brain processed the view. I am glad my neighbor saw what she explained as a beautiful and exciting moon show. So, I’m convinced.
Do you remember the song, “Shine On, Shine on Harvest Moon?” I remember singing this song when we were children. At this time we had no meaning other than having the perfect harmony. Yes, we could sing! We listened attentively to the radio back then and seemingly learned any song with ease.
It’s sweet potato harvest time! It’s always exciting to see not only sweet potatoes, but any crop, corn, rice, cotton and beans ready for gathering. Every year it’s something new to notice about gatherings.
September is Fruit and Vegetable Month. Since this is the season for sweet potatoes and the holidays are soon, this particular vegetable becomes a favorite holiday dish, especially for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s a favorite for most families. Sweet potatoes are a great way to add vegetables to any meal or snack. Sweet potatoes can last for several weeks if stored properly. Store in a cool, dry, dark and well ventilated space. Do not store raw potatoes in the refrigerator, as this will change the flavor and cause the center to harden.
Sweet potatoes can be eaten straight from the ground, but you may be disappointed with the flavor. Potatoes should be cured to give them the sweetness. The starches and flavor convert to sugar that gives sweet potatoes sweetness.
Always allow the cuts and bruises to heal before you store potatoes. Don’t rinse potatoes, as the moisture causes rot. You may want to use a dry cloth and remove extra dirt before you store. It takes one to two weeks for sweet potatoes to cure.
One other note: The fifth Sunday, Sept. 29, the First District of Tallahatchie County Association and Auxiliaries will meet at Alvin Grove Baptist, Oakland. Sunday school begins at 10 a.m. followed with 11 a.m. worship services. Pastor Carl Ray is moderator. Rev. Dr. Ethel Scurlock, pastor, will deliver the message. All are invited with hopes of all churches represented.
Enjoy all the sense of autumn. Let the leaves speak bliss to you.
Today, enjoy life and be blessed.
