lorax - 1:31 am on Sep 30, 2002 (gmt 0)

Ok, I've smelled woodsmoke in the air 3 times this past week. The leaves are turning and theres a distinct dull *thock* as an axe finds its mark somewhere nearby. Last night it was 38 degrees F here and today I saw a flock of geese headed south. It's coming. For those of us in the northern hemisphere, we are preparing for yet another winter.

I've got a new cover on order for the pool so next season I won't have to wrestle with the rotting leaves and frogs. It supposed to support a small elephant - or a small child which is the real reason I got it. I've begun the process of repairing the spots on the outside of the house that need attention while the weather's still warm enough for paint to dry instead of freeze. The garden is a close second: needs to be tilled under and then covered with chicken wire to keep the cats from using it as a giant litter box. Rain gutters need cleaning and the flower pots need to be emptied, cleaned and stored away.

The rest of the annual ritual normally waits until after All Hallows Eve when the leaves are typically all down and the air has that sharp bite. At that point, it's rake and load, rake and load. Actually, raking leaves is one of my favorite things to do. I light my pipe and set about a leisurely pace of raking. Everything goes into the garden where it will rot until the spring tilling.

More importantly, I simply love this time of year. I get rather philosophical and introverted - must be all the sweaters and hot-mulled cider spiked with rum.

So what's on your "to do" list and/or what's your favorite fall ritual?