My nextdoor neighbor's yard guy left at least 10 large bags of leaves at the curb. I had asked if he'd drop them off in my driveway storage area, but he forgot, so I'll spend a little time with the wheelbarrow this evening moving the bags. They make great compost. Actually, I may let them sit and begin rotting then spread them over the garden area (that way they won't blow away). I do what I can to use native and local materials in the garden.

I took various home canned goods to work this week (after querying folks on what they'd prefer) - cranberry sauce, grape jelly, green tomato relish. Homemade items make great gifts and since I made these things earlier in the year it doesn't cut into my time right now (when I'm working on baking breads and cookies in preparation for the holidays).

I wish it would cool down so it feels like the holiday season - we're up to nearly 70 during the day this week again. It's good for my electric bill, but not so good for the psyche. Last year I cleared out a lot of the strings of lights, the very old ones, and this year will pick up some LED strings as they go on sale. They're more economical and I think they're better made now. Less chance of one bulb popping out and killing the whole string. Time to put garland and sparkly stuff on the mantle also. The last couple of years my fireplace has been blocked (to keep the house comfortable - it was a constant source of hot air in the summer and cold air in the winter) and my television is on the hearth. I stream NetFlix's burning fireplace and it works just fine. :) I should look to see if they have a window overlooking a snowy day.