For our final gasp or blast of September, let’s go back to last Saturday night’s sunset that signaled the end of summer 2007. These shots were taken in a little park that overlooks the arroyo along Western Drive. It had rained that morning and the scent of the flowers and the eucalyptus trees was just magnificent. A visually brilliant and satisfying way to end the summer of love.

Here are some events that have occurred throughout the years in the month of September that I thought were worth mentioning. On September 19, 1893, New Zealand became the first country to grant women the right to vote. On the September 22, 1776, Nathan Hale was executed during the American Revolution without a trial after he was caught spying on the British in Long Island. His final words, “I only regret that I have one life to lose for my country.” Also on the 22nd back in 1862 President Abraham Lincoln issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation freeing the slaves in territories held by the Confederates as of January 1, 1863. Now that’s a fairly mind-blowing concept.

Back on September 25, 1690, the first American newspaper was published. A single edition of “Publick Occurrences Both Foreign and Domestick” appeared in Boston. However, British authorities considered the newspaper offensive and ordered its immediate suppression before they could include any Red Sox game stories or box scores. On this same day in 1960, the first ever televised presidential debate occured between presidential candidates John F. Kennedy and Richard “I am not a crook” Nixon. Many who watched said Kennedy won the debate as Nixon, who declined to use makeup, appeared somewhat haggard looking on TV in contrast to Kennedy. At least that’s what Marilyn Monroe told Entertainment Tonight. And then just four years later, after a ten month investigation the Warren Commission Report was issued stating a lone gunmen was responsible for the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. They’re still laughing about that one over on the grassy knoll.

And finally, belated birthday wishes go out to American folk legend Johnny Appleseed, who was born on September 26, 1774. For 40 years he traveled through Ohio, Indiana and into Illinois planting orchards. He was regarded as a “great medicine man” by Native Americans and all lovers of applesauce. Johnny Appleseed (born John Chapman) never married and when asked why, his answer was always that two female spirits would be his wives in the after-life if he stayed single on earth. And I bet they were golden delicious.

So that’s it for our final look at September 2007. Coming up on Monday I will give you all the details on the upcoming Open Studios Art Tour that yours truly is participating in for the first time. I don’t want to say I’m excited but I already have my clothes picked out for all six days. And congratulations go out to Derek Jeter and the New York Yankees for clinching a postseason playoff berth for the 13th straight year. I knew all along they would do it. My giving up on them months ago and badmouthing their pitching all season long was just reverse psychology.

Enjoy the colors and have a great sports weekend.