Thanksgiving is over and winter is definitely on its way, although the weather forecast is calling for a warm, wet week. But the wind is biting cold half the time and the sun doesn't scramble above the neighbours' roof until after seven -- and there we are, on the down-slope of the year.

We Canadians don't make the fuss over Thanksgiving that we see among our neighbours to the south. Here, it's about the end of the growing season and the harvest in full swing, and a ham or turkey-centred meal more or less on par with an old-fashioned Sunday dinner is about it for the festivity. The statutory holiday is nice, of course, as it gives folks time to travel and visit, but it's not the four-day extravaganza we see on U.S. television and there's definitely no shopping. We're still recovering from "Back To School!" frenzy.

Himself and I stayed home. He worked on his legal theory course, reading about German philosophers of the 19th century (I could hear his brain bleeding from the kitchen), and I roasted a chicken and made a batch of bread. Ho hum.

The new air-conditioner and humidifier are in place, and the furnace and the water-heater are clean and squared away for the winter. Four thousand dollars well spent ... I guess. I'm certainly glad to be rid of the poisonous antique that previously squatted beside the basement window, and I look forward to a winter without lizard hands, sandpaper shins, and constantly inflamed sinuses. But, in general, such projects are what I call no-fun spending: large sums whacked out to maintain a comfortable status quo. Such is the life of a middle-class householder, constantly striving against the forces of entropy.

Reading Michelle's posts, I am reminded (as if I need to be reminded!) to be grateful that both Himself and I are fit, strong, in robust health, and still happy in each other's company after all these years. I remember sleepless nights with my mind in a squirrel cage of terrifying possibilities, and count freedom from fear among the greatest blessings of my very fortunate life.

The sun is shining and the sky is that ineffable blue Ontario offers just to show that it can. Time to put on my walking shoes and head out to the post office.