October SKI Tips, 2024

October is from the Latin octo, which means “eight”. The number “eight” is said to be a symbol of wealth, prosperity, peace and fertility. 

What flower bulbs do you plant in autumn? Think daffodils, crocuses, snowdrops, tulips, hyacinths, irises, and alliums. These flowers are call “dormant perennials.” They need the cool, moist autumn soil to awaken them from their dormancy so that they can begin growing roots in preparation for the spring.

Documented evidence of an activity resembling football can be found in the Chinese military manual Zhan Guo Ce compiled between the 3rd century and 1st century BC.

Once the hour of daylight dwindles during autumn and the green chlorophyll in leaves is gone, other pigments come out. Carotenoids give leaves their brilliant yellow and orange colors. Anthocyanins are found in deep red and purplish leaves. The presence of tannins means leaves will turn brownish or tan.

Trying to concoct an artificial substitute for rubber, General Electric engineer, James Wright, combined boric acid with silicone oil in 1943. The result was a gooey, bouncy blob which was not suitable for making tires but became a popular kids’ toy later called “Silly Putty”.

De-thatch and/or aerate your lawn.

Keep plants, especially newly planted stock, well-watered until the ground freezes.

The word "pumpkin" showed up for the first time in the fairy tale Cinderella.

Snakes use their tongues and a special structure in the roof of the mouth called the Jacobson’s organ to “taste” what is around them.
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Sliced bread was invented right here in Indianapolis.  Wonder Bread’s Indianapolis branch was the first place to start selling pre-sliced loaves of bread.