October 2026 News

October. It’s my birthday month and I am a pumpkin-loving, Halloween fan!

I love the crisp fall weather we get this time of year. I was recently chatting with a client who just
moved here from a warmer climate, walking him through what to expect from our four Midwest
seasons. Naturally, I had to give him a fair warning about our winters, but I also made sure to
highlight just how wonderful our autumns can be!

Our conversation was a great reminder of how unique the Midwest really is. For those of us who
grew up here, harvest season and seeing combines in the fields is second nature. But for a
newcomer, sharing the road with massive farm equipment can be intimidating. He asked what to do
if he encounters a combine on a two-lane road, which is a completely valid question that most
locals take for granted.

That conversation got me thinking about how special it is to live somewhere with four true seasons. The
changing weather gives our entire community a distinct rhythm. Every few months, our neighborhoods
transform with a fresh color palette moving from the bright greens of spring to the warm ambers, rusts, and
golds of autumn.

You can feel the shift everywhere, especially in our homes. Whether it’s styling the front porch with
pumpkins, mums, and cornstalks, or bringing cozy textures, warm lighting, and seasonal scents into every
room, decorating for fall makes a house feel truly like a home. There’s something wonderful about a
community that embraces each season so fully.

As we head into the heart of the season, I hope you take time to slow down, take in the fall foliage, and enjoy
the cozy moments with family and friends.

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Halloween and a wonderful autumn.

Let’s not forget all the local comfort food recipes. Here’s my mom’s crock pot chili: Enjoy!

2 lbs. ground beef; 1 medium onion; 1⁄2 cup green pepper: brown
1 can kidney beans
2 T chili powder
2 T vinegar
2 T Worcestershire sauce
1 can tomato soup
1⁄4 c tomato juice
1 T salsa
1 T sugar-cane or brown
Salt, pepper & celery salt-to your taste