Brightest near the end

drizzle, mild, temps 20

Cannot begin to describe how stunning the autumn leave are this year. It's by far the best season I can remember. Every third tree is amber, brilliant red, soft rose, yellow...with a background of green. The local ski hills have their tows operating these days, so that people can ride up and see the fall foliage for miles around.

It is breath-taking. Always is. But this year seems special. Even the old time townshippers say that. The colours are exquisite.

Today we moody - misty, clouds hanging low. But as Michael pointed out, that's even better. We don't need sunglasses, and so can see the colours in all their brilliance.

Had a meeting in Sutton last night, then we went out for a pasta dinner. When we got home I wrote the October newsletter. That felt good. This morning we needed to be in Knowlton for a few hours and I swear to God between the time we drove there and the time we drove back the leaves had changed even more!

Spent a few hours editing this afternoon. Poor Maggie - who broke a bone in her leg last winter and it won't heal, has hurt it again. She can't even put weight on it now. We're heading off to the vet first thing in the morning. Aren't dogs amazing? She limps around as though she only ever had three legs. Her tail wags, her eyes are bright and happy. And yet she must be in some pain. We gave her half a pain-killer pill (so glad Michael and I didn't eat them after all).

Just finished reading Linda Ellerbee's "Take Big Bites" - a series of essays, or short stories, based on her life and travels. Some are hysterically funny, some deeply moving without ever being maudlin. I highly recommend it.

Linda was a senior and highly respected journalist in American television. Was the first woman to co-anchor a network newscast (in the 80's). And was the inspiration for Murphy Brown. She's also a passionate, tireless campaigner for Breast Cancer (for some reason the capitals seem necessary) research being a survivor herself. Her best known book is "And So It Goes.' About her life as a journalist.

As a former journalist myself I have huge respect for her, so it was a great pleasure to get an email from her a few months ago saying she'd read all my books.

On another note, I was sad to hear about Paul Newman. Immediately thought about Joanne Woodward, and wondering how she's doing. But what a full life he lead. In my limited experience with people dying it always seemed Robbie Burns was right - If ye is no afraid 'a livin', ye is no afraid 'a dyin'.

Am off. Still trying to make amends for the Finnish Disaster (more capitals necessary) - tonight it's roast pork with cinnamon, and fresh beans from the organic garden. Unpoached.

Stay well.