October 2001, was wonderul, weather-wise

Before October 2001 comes to a close, let's pause for a few moments to remember one of the most wonderful months, weather-wise, in the history of the Golden Plains.

It was exquisite ... a truly outstanding time to be outdoors to enjoy the scenery and the fresh air.

After starting with an 89-degree high temperature reading on the first, and climbing all the way up to 96 degrees on the second, the first full month of autumn delighted us with average, month-long highs of 69.34 degrees and average, month-long low readings of 37.5 degrees. That's about one degree warmer, on average, for both extremes.

On the high side, there was that one day in the 90s, plus seven days in the 80s and three in the 70s, as well as 11 days in the 60s and eight in the 50s.

The nighttime lows were luxurious for sleeping, with readings dipping below freezing only five times. Daily low readings were in the 50s three times in October, and fell to the 20s four times. In between, there were 14 readings in the 30s and nine lows in the 40s.

The month flew by so fast it was difficult to savor, but those of us who ventured outside were rewarded with an inspiring and uplifting visual experience.

Multi-colored mums and fiery red bushes dotted the townscape, offering vivid contrasts to the golden-leaved trees in yards and parks.

In the countryside, the views were spectacular, too, with the golden brown and auburn fields spreading spectacularly into the distance, providing a artistic backdrop to the newly-harvested fields and the yucca-and-evergreen dotted rangeland.

Adding to the October elegance, morning and evening skies burst into brilliant hues of orange, pink and red, painting the horizon with dazzling sunrise and sunset scenes.

Ah, October. What a mild month ... what a beautiful month. It makes us glad to be alive and living in the Golden Plains of America.