Stilly, remind me — how is Texas not a third-world country? Yet again, you have a power-distribution crisis worthy of the Dominican Republic!

I now have rubber curb ramps to help the car over the four-inch step from the driveway to the garage. What’s more, today is garbage day, and the last of the moving débris — flattened cardboard boxes — is out for collection with the paper for recycling. That leaves the garage clear of clag and ready for winter parking. Oh, frabjous day!

But my relationship with Marc the contractor is not over. I still need shelves in the study, and better cabinets in the kitchen.

The weather remains sunny and bright (if chilly) today, but that will end tomorrow with the arrival of the cold rain that makes autumn in Ottawa a mixed blessing. At least we won’t have to shovel it.