Rain from midnight into morning, and all through the day. Accompanied by a very chilly wind.

This could be what Mr. Thoreau calls “the first unquestionable and conspicuous autumnal day.” It certainly seems so.

Sitting on the back patio, wearing a jacket, I watched our resident chipmunk run by, west to east, along the top of the concrete wall between us and Vi, as I do most evenings. I think he might be heading for the compost bin, for dinner, which seems sensible. Later I watched him run by east to west, which confused me. I thought he lived in the patio garden under the redbud (where there be tunnels), but perhaps he lives in the big hollow in the black maple in the side yard. In any case, I think he has found the perfect spot.