Oh wait that's termination dust. Nevermind.

So why is it called "termination dust" anyway? The Betster's sourdough informants say crusty old miners would terminate summer work when the first snow appeared on the mountain. More cynical types the same folks who say a golden-crowned sparrow sings "You poor fool" say that the first snow is the signal to end one's sojourn in the north and head someplace warmer, like Key West. More popularly, many say it means the end of summer, which here at Latitude 59 degrees and some change was just about on target. At 1:47 a.m. Tuesday, summer ended, over and out, fall is officially here.

So celebrate the days of crisp days and chilly nights and a brief moment in time when day and night is equal in time with these Best Bets:

BEST HONKY TONK BET: Alternative country, old time folk and nouveau punk Americana (the Betster just made up that genre), who cares? Jason Ringenberg just plays, dude. You can hear him at 7:30 tonight at Alice's Champagne Palace. Tickets are $18 general admission, $16 for KBBI members.

BEST 'SERVICE!' BET: Form. Grace. Power. Teamwork. A deadly serve that singes the eyebrows off their opponents. Yup, that about sums up the Lady Mariners volleyball team. If you haven't yet caught a volleyball game, check 'em out Friday night at 4 p.m. when the Lady M's roast er, host Skyview at Homer High School.

BEST NEW YEAR BET: The Jewish New Year begins this weekend, traditionally celebrated with sweet foods, challah and for some Jews, carrots and fish heads. Why fish heads? Find out at a community Rosh Hashana potluck dinner at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Fresh Sourdough Express.

BEST LOCAL SUCCESS: Dana Stabenow grew up in Seldovia, and in her Slope years, lived for a while in Homer, so we can claim her as our own. She hasn't forgotten her roots, either. Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Homer Public Library, the author of 20 mystery novels presents "Low Tides and Libraries," a talk about how libraries helped her become a mystery writer. She'll sign her novels available for sale, with proceeds helping to support the New Library Project and draw the winners for the quilt and art raffles.

BEST HARVEST TIME: Now that you've harvested your garden, got your moose, picked your nets and plucked your ducks, come share the season's bounty at the Homer Garden Club's annual potluck Harvest Dinner, starting at 2 p.m. Sunday at the United Methodist Church. The Homer Garden Club is also kicking off its 20th year, so come celebrate. Paul Castellani, vice-president of the Homer Farmer's Market, speaks.

BEST BE PREPARED BET: Disasters? Do we know disasters. From volcanoes to floods to windstorms to blizzards, we've seen the worst nature can throw at us. Want to help organize and be better prepared to respond to disaster? Join the Anchor Point Disaster Response Group at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Anchor Point Senior Center, Milo Fritz Road and share your ideas.