Gray and chilly. Leaves falling, even as I look out the window. In fact, most ash leaves fallen.

We finished winterizing the boat—striking and stowing the jib, anti-freezing the head and water system, charging the bateries, taping plastic over the ports in case the shrink-wrap leaks. So, see you in May, Heliotrope. Enjoy your long winter sleep. Dream of sun, blue skies, and sparkling water—like me.

An apple crisp is crisping in the oven, and the woodburning stove has a few coals glowing. Like some of the leaves around here: