Over the years, I have noticed that the deciduous trees that turn yellow -- birch and aspen, mostly -- keep their leaves the longest, while the trees that go gloriously red dump their leaves promptly. Stratford has yet to receive its first snowfall, so today's predominant colours are green and yellow against bare black branches and a dull grey sky. Not encouraging.

Come to think of it, it's about time to put the ice scraper and the snow brush in the boot of the car.