The now-omnipresent TV over the mantel is one of the most repellent features of modern décor, in my admittedly arrogant opinion. The chimney breast is not only the most prominent bit of wall space in a room, it’s also fairly high, so it’s a terrible place for a television and optimal for a striking work of art. Or a big mirror in a fancy frame, if that’s how you roll.

First snow today. It probably won’t stay down for long, but it’s here, and winter with it. Time to break out the boots.