Autumn drew near. Leaves were turning gold, brown, red, purple, with every hue in-between.  The days were still warm, but that soon would change.  Change.  Yes, this is the perrenial word for this time of year: Change.  

Summer waned long ago, yet the days linger in a warmer than usual mode.  But we all know this is not to last.  For the weather is about the take a turn for the chill and plummet shortly thereafter into frigid.  Brrrr.

The woodpile we'd stacked and let dry a year ago is not ready to be nibbled away, frivilously in the pre-winter cool days.  Awaiting the full-time ravenous gouging that will take place in mid-winters coldrums.  It's a comforting thing to look at that woodpile and know it will bring life-giving, comfort-continuing warmth to the entire household for the next several months. No small thing when you live well above the 40th parallel. 

-Stovepipe