Microclimates

Close to the house is warmer, partly from shelter, partly from heat leakage and partly from sunlight reflecting off the south-facing side of the house. Thus, a crocus in February.

Side effects

One side effect of losing weight thanks to the problems of this past year is that one doesn't have as much personal insulation to face November with.

Leaves

This time of year can be beautiful, with leaves changing yellow and orange and brown and red--highlighted by evergreens here and there. On the tree, with the sunlight shining through them, most dead leaves look at least great, and sometimes amazing. But dead oak leaves look so emphatically skeletal and withered and dead--they're ugly. I suppose they fit in with the ubiquitous Halloween themes, but I'm glad there aren't any oak trees in my window's view.