Autumn has come...

and it's about time! The weather has finally turned consistently and pleasantly cool. Despite the dreary and overcast weekend, the sky today was bright blue, and the trees outside below my window offered a palette of reds and yellows.

Tonight my friend Jim comes into town--he'll stay for a night or two. I felt both responsible and hospitable making preparations before he comes:

• Emptying the bathroom trash can. Setting out a fresh towel and washcloth.
• Putting clean sheets on the sofa, along with a couple blankets and a pillow. Turning on the lamp for ambiance.
• Moving the coffee table to the wall for extra space, and putting out an alarm clock. And a coaster.
• Hot water is ready for a cup of hot tea when he arrives, should he desire. Or a small glass of Scotch.