When the air gets that crisp clarity, where the sky is truly blue, and the grass thoroughly green, and the trees whole-heartedly aflame, you know fall has come. The blanket of humidity has finally dissipated and the bugs are all dead. The wind kicks up the leaves, and the car shudders in its force on the road. Then winter and darkness mixed with the blinding light of snow comes.

Another thing I have noticed this week: how much I enjoy seeing cows in the fields during my daily drive to work. What is it about seeing living things--animals quietly chewing their cud, standing blissfully in a pool of mud, or contemplating the rock at their hooves--that is so pleasant to see? And cows, of all things!