Usually we have a beautiful Harvest moon just about the autumn equinox, but with the crazy early fall weather we’ve had this year, pretty hard to see the moon or stars. Do you have a celebration to welcome in the change to seasons now or later?
Perhaps we are more inclined to celebrate the period around Halloween, although we are not due now a full moon on Halloween night until October 31, 2039. I’ve always been fascinated by the origins of the ancient festival celebrations around the end of October as it felt more like the end of the harvest season to us. I must admit, however, that my garden gave it up early this year and I’ve already spent the time to clean it up. I’ve salvaged a few acorn squash and one lonesome bell pepper.
Because the weather took such a turn, I began preparation to move the little water garden critters inside. You may remember that I mentioned setting up a little water feature in my May Recap. The orange Mystery Snails and Rosy Red Minnows have actually made the move successfully (so far) to a small aquarium. The minnows are hardy, look like goldfish, and withstand both water level and temperature fluctuations. 
The snails are the clowns of the aquarium, breathe both water and air, will go exploring, eat most any veggie and are tolerated because they clean up algae. The downside, of course, is that they reproduce like rabbits and put a heavy load on otherwise clean water. It’s been an education.
Speaking of education, a gal in one of my exercise classes started talking to me about her participation in Mahjong. Well, Mahjong! 
I was introduced to the original Mahjong over in Japan when we lived there and, fascinated, went out and bought and brought home, a set of Mahjong tiles. I paid 800 Yen back then, or about $2.20, and now approximately $5.08 USD. Of course, no way, shape, or form could the Asian game be close to the now sanctioned National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) game, not that I remember how we played it back then. Needless to say, I’ll be starting a beginner class shortly. I guess it’s really catching on in the States now.
The first week of October will be our third anniversary with Punkin the Pom, who has finally allowed me to pet her (by invitation only), and has jumped up on the couch if we aren’t there and the bed when we are, though doesn’t stay close longer than to say goodnight. She will turn seven years old two weeks after that. I must say, she is a very easy dog to live with, for the most part undemanding.
Despite all the above and another trip to the VA for the CE, I did manage to read and listen to nine ebooks and audiobooks. Still trying to play catch up and not doing a very good job of it while so much is going on. As always, the link is to my review that also includes purchase links.
EBooks
Every Secret Thing by Susanna Kearsley
How to Kill a Crime Writer by Sarah Lotz
Audiobooks
Whisper Creek by Allison Brennan
Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple (bookclub selection)
Poppy Montgomery Gets Even by Gordon Jack*
The Secrets We Hide by Karin Slaughter*
Dead Men Don’t Play Fetch by David Rosenfelt*
Shadow of the Solstice by Anne Hillerman*
Keep Them Close by David Ellis
I went back and forth between Poppy Montgomery Gets Even and How to Kill a Crime Writer, but decided in the end that I enjoyed the unique plot device as well as the paranormal element in How to Kill a Crime Writer by Sarah Lotz just a little more.
Favorite for September – How to Kill a Crime Writer
My Reading Challenges page…Between doctor visits, moving aquatic critters, cleaning up the yard, and trying to learn Mah Jong from YouTube videos, my reading suffered in September. I reduced my Goodreads goal to 125 and posted those audiobook reviews from last month, now showing 98 books completed and 5 ahead of schedule. Hopefully, now I can settle down to an almost indoor reading schedule and complete some goals.
To my readers and fellow bloggers: apologies once again for lagging on blog hopping. I’m also a member of the Amazon Vine community and they are finally beginning to post a few items which I do want and have received, prompting required reviews. A time sink but worth it. Still, I appreciate every view and like and appreciate so much your taking the time to check out my posts and leave your comments.
©2026 V Williams
*Mini-reviews
The bad news is the loss of Ted. The CE served with him in the Navy in Taiwan back in the late 60s when we met he and his wife and their two babies. We enjoyed a number of great get-togethers through the years, and it was nice to see their “babies” all grown up with kids and grandkids of their own.
Our trip to southern Illinois for her birthday found us exploring a botanical garden in Springfield, somewhat disappointing with not only the size but end of season flower displays. Usually, we love botanical gardens this time of year as they yield some interesting seeds (shush!), but there weren’t many of those yet either. We loved the bell tower though, the sound much like an active cathedral. Unusual trees—but unfortunately no name plates to tell us what they were. Also, our granddaughter arrived with her family to celebrate her mother’s birthday so we got to see our great-grandchildren. Good grief, have they grown!!
Punkin, now seven years old. She’s pretty much housebroken at this point. She’s allowed me to pet her a couple times—but not approach her unbidden. Unfortunately, she’ll likely never understand what a toy is. She enjoys going outside now—but only when she’s ready. Also, she’s decided my treadmill is a good place to relax. At least it gets some use.
