Connections

This is the time of year to get things done. No, more than that: I've got an October deadline.

For me it is a time to reorganize closets. To figure out what should be sent to its reward or recycled, to get into the cellar and attic while the bright light and clear air help sweep out the cobwebs.

It's past time for the house plants that had been on summer vacation to be indoors, to find out how they fared, and to give them whatever attention they need for the months ahead.

It's time to take the boat out of the water, to batten down its hatches in anticipation of another spring. At the house, it's time for the storm windows to go on or up, as the case may be.

It's time to savor the new apple crop, to pick and brag about the cranberries.

It is already a new year for anyone who has returned to school as well as on the Jewish calendar. It's time to get on with it, whatever it is. Like answering the mail and taking the dog and cat to the vet. To take advantage of having set the clock back by getting up an hour earlier than usual.

It's also time to treasure what's left of sunny days. To look at the night sky, which has been offering rare glimpses of Jupiter's moons and Saturn's rings. To consider Long Island's good luck in having been spared even a weak hurricane. To see that loose ends are tied up.

There isn't much time left. By next week the pace quickens. It does so on Election Day. By then, it's time to order the turkey, or at least to figure out who's spending Thanksgiving with whom this year.

And everybody knows that once Thanksgiving is past, it's the Christmas season - in earnest.

Perhaps, though, I'm wrong about that October deadline. After all, January, February, and March are apt to present their empty selves as usual on the East End. But winter isn't meant for getting things done. It's a time to wool-gather and imitate the bears. At least, I hope so.

Helen S. Rattray