September Fun and a Harvest Moon
Contrary to several emails and notices I’ve received regarding the end of summer (NOT), the start of fall does not officially happen until 9:04 P.M. EDT on Thursday, September 22, 2022.
That is the date of the Autumnal Equinox and there are approximately equal hours of daylight and darkness.
Until then, and beyond, you have my permission to continue enjoying summer shenanigans. 
And you “pumpkin spice everything” people can just hold on a minute until later this month.
(Although I read that Starbucks is offering Pumpkin Spice Lattes as I write.)
September’s full moon, the Harvest Moon, reaches peak illumination on Saturday, September 10, at 5:58 A.M. EDT. The full Moon that happens nearest to the fall equinox (September 22 or 23) always takes on the name “Harvest Moon.”
Unlike other full Moons, this full Moon rises at nearly the same time—around sunset—for several evenings in a row, giving farmers several extra evenings of moonlight and allowing them to finish their harvests before the frosts of fall arrive.
It’s Apple Time in Indiana
September begins apple harvesting season in Indiana. This gives the pumpkin lovers something else to focus on until October.
Of course, we can usually find apples year-round as they are shipped here from other states. Apples are one of the fruits that can be high in pesticides, so organic are best whenever possible.
My favorite is Honeycrisp, grown in Michigan, Minnesota, New England, Wisconsin, California, and Washington State. These apples are known for their “sweet and subtly tart, tangy flavor with subtle fruity nuances.” They are good for baking as well as eating.
Apples are best stored in the refrigerator, in your fruit drawer if you have one.
More tasty apples for eating raw: Braeburn, Macoun, Cortland, Fuji, Granny Smith, Jonagold, and any others that you find appealing.
Those good for baking are Granny Smith, Braeburn, Cortland, Jonagold, Pink Lady. They hold their shape and don’t turn to mush.
Toss apples into your Greek yogurt, salads, oatmeal, muffins. 
Slather them with nut butter or serve with your favorite cheeses.
September is Self-Improvement Month
We all have some area of our life that could use a bit of improvement—or lots of improvement.
This is a good time to reflect on something you’d like to do more of or be better at. Rather than waiting until January, you can begin today.
Perhaps you’d like to read more books, take music lessons, increase your exercise, volunteer, focus on gratitude, spend less at Starbucks, get more sleep, cut back on social media, clean out your fridge, donate clothes you don’t wear, drink less alcohol, plan your next vacation and start saving for it, have lunch with friends, eat less fast food.
If figuring out how to eat, move, and live healthier is on your list, let’s talk. I’d love to help you envision what’s possible so that you’re well ahead of the game come January 2023.
Wishing you a sensational September,
Health Coach Carol
“And suddenly, you just know it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.” — Meister Eckhart