New moon: In Scorpio, Nov. 16
Full moon: In Taurus, Monday, Nov. 2
Astrological sign: Scorpio, Oct. 23 to Nov. 21; Sagittarius, Nov. 22 to Dec. 21
Gem stone: Citrine
Flower: Chrysanthemum
Harvard history snippet:
In 1790, the town settled upon a method for collecting taxes, and “ended the annual charade of electing ten or a dozen constables in order to get one to serve. By paying ten dollars into the town treasury, any person could be relieved of the duties of constable. The town then let out the position of tax collector to the lowest bidder. Someone would offer to collect the town’s taxes, usually for a fee of about $30; this person would have to supply two bondsmen who would ensure that the collector carried out his duties faithfully.”
—from Directions of a Town, by Robert C. Anderson (1976)
Household tips:
- To make a general purpose cleaner, mix ½ cup baking soda and 1 tablespoon water to form a paste. Especially effective for scrubbing sinks and countertops.
- To unclog a drain, combine in a large bowl 1 cup of baking soda, 1 cup of salt, and 1 cup of white vinegar. (The mixture will fizz.) Let stand for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, bring a kettle of water to boil. Pour baking soda mixture down the clogged drain and follow with several cups of boiling water.
Going green:
- Borrow books and movies from libraries instead of buying your own. This will reduce the demand for packaging and more.
- Share power tools and other appliances. You’ll get to know your neighbors and will reduce the amount of “stuff” filling your garage or cupboards.
What to do in the garden:
- Dig and store any root crops still in the ground, such as carrots and turnips.
- Make sure that bare ground is covered. If you haven’t already planted a winter cover crop, apply a mulch such as shredded leaves.
- Cut back asparagus fronds after they turn brown.
Thought for the month:
“The thinnest yellow light of November is more warming and exhilarating than any wine they tell of. The mite which November contributes becomes equal in value to the bounty of July.”
—Henry David Thoreau , American author, poet, naturalist (1817–1862)
Do you have an almanac tidbit you’d like to share? E-mail to editor@harvardpress.com.