Fall, News

Welcome to the ‘Ber Months!

78 Comments

Yesterday, my son-in-law noted that we have made it to the ‘ber months, his favorite time of year.

Mine, too. I don’t think I’m overstating the case by claiming that autumn in northern New England is spectacular. Blogging friends, if ever you want to visit Maine, this is the time to do so. While there are still plenty of tourists until mid-October, the summer frenzy is over, and the weather is usually delightful—warm days, cool nights, low humidity.

Then there are the changing leaves where, among others, the maple and beech trees are a burst of glory that lights up the landscape in even the smallest town. After such a dazzling display, November can seem like a somber month, but I like the modest russets and browns of the oaks, which hold on to their leaves longer.

This September is proving to be a busy time for me. I have been called for jury duty, and on Thursday, I will find out if I have been selected. If I am selected, I am not sure if I will be able to keep with reading other blogs and making comments. I might have to take some time off.

But I will keep you posted.

Note: As the lack of pictures indicates, I am still having trouble with the camera on my phone. I’m not sure what I am going to do about this. So for now, no photos. Sorry!

78 thoughts on “Welcome to the ‘Ber Months!”

  2. We will hopefully be making a trip up some time soon. We have family north of Bar Harbor and look forward to a few days of glorious Down East autumn. I do hope your jury duty is manageable. I was called up several times but was classified as being in a medically crucial field so was always released. I actually have mixed feelings about that as I know it is a crucial role and a challenging one, a role that most people try to get out of. I feel gratitude for those like you who do that task.

    1. Enjoy your trip Down East! Such a beautiful part of the state.

      Yes, a challenging role. But I am curious about the whole process. Whichever way it turns out is fine with me.

      3. We used to try to when the kids were on vacation in
        February, Bermuda was our favorite, so easy to get there. But a series of blizzards and flight cancellations made it all seem just too much to bother with, you know how it goes when you have a small window and the weather doesn’t cooperate. So, mostly, we stay warm and cozy, and look for those brilliant sunny days!

  5. Laurie, the idea of ‘Ber months made me smile. We’ve spent a bit of time on the east coast over the years, but never as early as September. Your description of color and temperature set the mood for a wonderful getaway. If you are called for jury duty, I hope its an interesting and short-lived case. The last time I was called, I made it as far as the jury selection box, before being dismissed. Amazingly, another mom from my son’s school was in our group and she remained for the trial which lasted one hour. Crazy.

    I hope you can get that camera working again, and if not, let me tell you that the newer iPhones have extraordinary cameras these days, if you find yourself in the market for one.

    You write beautifully. The photos you share are a mere enhancement to your words.

    1. A-w-w-w, thanks so much for the very kind words! While I enjoy taking photos, words are definitely my thing.

      Interesting story about jury duty and your friend. Who is chosen and who is not seems like a curious process. I will be fine either way.

      Yes, the new iphones do have extraordinary cameras. If worse comes to worst…

      1. I have friends that use a business called Click-away and they apparently work wonders with all phones and computers. I think the key is determining the cost of the repair vs the cost of a replacement.

        I was asked a lot of follow up of questions by the attorneys when they asked if we been involved in other cases. Years ago I helped a woman to safety when she was being dragged by a man (her drunk husband it turned out) in front of a restaurant. I took her hand and brought her inside while my friend called 911 from a pay phone (yup long time ago). That seemed to disqualify me, but who knows.

    1. October is magnificent! However, with the drought this year, the colors might not be as vivid. We shall see.

      I am curious about jury duty but will be fine with whichever way it goes.

  8. I had never heard the term ‘ber months’ until this year. Of course these are ‘getting warmer’ months so it has a very different connotation for us! Hope you don’t have to do jury duty – I did once and never want to again. I also hope you get your camera fixed as looking forward to seeing autumn in your part of the world.

    1. Yes, beautiful spring comes your way during the ‘ber months. Another reason to love them.

      As for the camera…the rest of the phone is working well. Not sure what to do, but will continue to poke around.

  9. We told a friend of ours that the best time to come to Maine is October, weather is still decent, and the crowds are down. He is planning on a visit for the second year in a row.

  10. Wishing you happy Ber months Laurie, they’re my favourite months of the year too 🤎🍂 I did jury duty two years ago. Thankfully the trial only lasted a few days and I met some lovely people among the fellow jurors, one of whom is still a friend today 😊 Hope it all goes well and that you can get your camera working again to catch those Autumn colours 🧡 xxx

  11. Laurie, not knowing your age or your state laws, I do know that in Texas you can be excused from jury duty if you are past a certain age. I was called only one time, and they got a plea bargain before the trial. Hope you have the same luck! You sure have tempted me to come and visit Maine!

  12. I’m with you, Laurie. Fall is my favorite time of year by far. Bring it on. Re jury duty, that’s a big responsibility. If called, I know you will serve well.

  14. I hope that you don’t get called for jury duty. I got called once but wasn’t used. It was a great relief as it is a heavy responsibility. The people involved in the next case were fighting in the hall as I left.

  18. I am smiling as I had never thought of ‘ber’ months but the term works in my part of Australia also! The spring tends to be dry and sunny but with a tendency to highly windy days when the colder changes pass . . . that is the time of the year many outdoor events are planned here. Actually I do believe jury duty, however inconvenient, and fully agree with Jane Fritz.

  19. A fine advocacy for your State. I am sorry you haven’t been able to show pictures, but I can imagine how splendid they will be. If you have to do jury service you will learn much from it.

  20. I never thought of Maine having “a frenzy”. September and October are OK, November is too damp for me, and I’d like to cancel December and have an extra May.

    When I was warned I was on the lsit for jury duty I was interested to see how it worked. But when I started to try and organise parking and toilet facilities for a man with two sticks they excused me. Half releved, but also half disappointed.

    Good material for a new book. 🙂

    1. In the summer, the Maine coast is a sight to behold. Packed. We tend to stay away in the summer and visit in the autumn.

      Too bad we can’t place orders for our favorite months.

      I understand your mixed feelings about being excused. I, too, am concerned about parking and getting around with a cane. We shall see how it works.

  21. If I were forced to choose a favorite month, I think it would be October. Even without your glorious leaves, it’s a time when things truly cool down, and a nice, strong front can provide bluebird skies; in fact, strong fronts here are called blue northers because of those skies. This year, I’m hoping to explore the east Texas woods in fall; I know there are delights to be found there in the ‘ber’ months.

    I’ve been called for jury duty twice, but never was selected. The last time, the fact that I’m self-employed was enough for the official in charge to dismiss me; “no work, no income” won him over. Now, I’m old enough to be out of the jury pool!

    1. I guess October is lovely in a lot of places. (Also the birth month of my eldest daughter, which makes it extra special. )

      Hope you get to explore the east Texas woods.

      No work, no income is a compelling argument.

  22. By a weird coincidence, I have also just had the call to do jury service, starting in late October. I’m dreading it: although I’m fully in favour of the trial by jury process, I’m worried about whether I’ll cope. Will I be able to remember, or even understand, all that is said? Will I even be able to stay awake? And most important of all, will there be enough restroom breaks??? I assumed that at 69 I’d be too old, but it seems the age limit here is 75, and while I thoroughly agree that older folk should be able to play a full role in society, why oh why does it have to be me? But enough of my woes, I’m sure you’ll do just fine. Enjoy!

    I have such fond memories of autumn colours in Maine. Glorious, absolutely glorious. And added to that, Maine was where Mrs P and I finally completed our USA 50 states challenge in 2012. It took us nearly two decades to visit all 50 states, and Maine in autumn was a great place to cross the finishing line. Happy days!

    1. Best of luck with jury duty! Hope it goes better than you anticipate. I am feeling neutral about it. If I am not chosen, good. If I am chosen, no problem. At the end of September, there is an outing planned with blogging friends. So hope I can make it.

      What a sweet story about Maine! Maine in autumn was certainly a great place to cross the finish line. If ever you come back…

      1. Sadly, I think my days of transatlantic travel are over, but I promise that if I ever make it back to your area we’ll look you up.

        I hope you manage to meet up with your blogging buddies. If you do and there’s anyone who knows of me, do give them my best wishes.

      2. I certainly understand! Much as I love England, I doubt I will return. Will check to see if anyone knows you, and if they don’t, I will highly recommend you.

  25. Good luck with the jury duty, if you’re selected!
    I like the idea of autumn – the colours, the cosy jumpers, candles etc. – but the cold affects me very badly. We’ve had a drop in temperature over the past few days, so my body will take time to adjust…

  26. Fall really is my favorite time of year! The colors, the cooler temps, the dryer air — all are right up my alley. It’s been a few years since I was notified of jury duty (I wasn’t selected because they filled the panel before they got to my number); I hope yours turns out the way you want!

  27. The “ber” months are spectacular in NE. I miss them. And I like the browns and old gold of November too. 🙂 Jury duty is fascinating if you get picked. Hopefully not, but if you do, just relax and take it in.

  28. I used to get called for jury duty every three years on the dot. After 70, it stopped, but last week I got called for Grand Jury. I really would’ve liked to try as I never actually got impanelled, but did you know Grand Jury is 18 months?! I can’t commit for a year an a half, alas. They gave me an age exemption. I deeply admire those who take on that civic duty.

  29. Having been born in New Brunswick, forays into Maine in my early adult years were common – it’s a lovely place to visit. 🙂

    Meanwhile, good luck with jury duty, should you be chosen. I was a foreperson once (guns & gangs) and it was an interesting, if ponderous process.

  30. I like the idea of “ber” months. In India, these months have really pleasant weather. Neither is it hot like summer, not wet like monsoon. The sun is bright and mellow, and it’s rosy cold. Thanks for introducing me to this term – I will definitely use it from now on!

  34. I like the idea of ber months! Here they could be the Brrrr months as the colder weather arrives!

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  36. I can picture in mind’s eye a colorful New England autumn! I remember those from when when we lived back there. We don’t get the spectacular colors here, but each season has its beauty.

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