I remember walking in Manito Park earlier early this November. How quickly the leaves have fallen. Two weeks ago, I flew to Portland and saw this from above, concentric circles of yellow around each tree, denuded of leaves, surrounded by tall pine trees and undulating hills of green. Now all is covered with white.

This week, winter truly began with a blizzard. We can feel the cold down to our bones. A high of 13 degrees today with tiny bits of snow falling all day, Tonight, the low goes down to minus 1 degrees. I've been teased about driving. Rachel's promised me lessons. I'm grateful the cupboards are full, the crock pot is out, and so far, the power stays on.