The Farmer’s Almanac is a great place to read ‘old wisdom’ – folklore our ancestors believed to be true. Sometimes this wisdom was based in scientific truth, as was later discovered. But sometimes there was no basis at all in fact. The almanac is also a great place to find tips that make life easier, and quotes you can apply to your life.

Check out some of these autumn Almanac tips. Then, you be the judge. Truth or tale?

Folklore:

The Moon and the weather may change together, But a change in the Moon will not change the weather.

When squirrels store a large supply of nuts, expect a cold winter.

When deer are in a gray coat in October, expect a hard winter.

Flying leaves announce a freeze.

To bring good luck, nail an evergreen branch to new rafters.

Expect a visit from a stranger if you hear a cock crowing near your back door.

If the wind rises at night, it will fall at daylight.

When soot falls down the chimney, rain is near.

Helpful hints:

To help fight cavities and gum disease, eat raisins.

To reduce odors when boiling cabbage, add a stalk of celery to the pot.

For more flavor and nutrition, leave the peels on apples when cooking and baking.

Wear an oven mitt when changing a hot light bulb.

If your pet’s coat is smelly, rub handfuls of baking soda or cornmeal into its fur and then brush it out.

Bring clay pots indoors to prevent cracking during frosts.

Stack your firewood bark-side up so that it sheds water.

Thomas Jefferson washed his feet in cold water every morning to prevent illness.

Quotes to remember:

Don’t give cherries to pigs, nor advice to fools. – Irish proverb

Ask about your neighbors, then buy the house. – Jewish proverb

One should never know too precisely whom one has married. – Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

For sleep, riches, and health to be truly enjoyed, they must be interrupted. – John Paul Richter, German writer

If you can’t convince them, confuse them. – Harry S. Truman

A proverb is a short sentence based on long experience. – Miguel de Cervantes

If you can’t be a good example, then you’ll just have to be a horrible warning. – Catherine Aird, English writer

A black cat crossing your path signifies that the animal is going somewhere. – Groucho Marx

Enjoy this last October weekend – and check back next week!

To find out more about the Farmer’s Almanac, go to http://almanac.com