Creeping Winter

In most parts of the country people tend to think of creeping autumn. Here, in North Dakota, we tend to think in terms of "creeping winter" and preparing for it. I was thinking about that last night when I walked from my office to the house. I was wearing my leather coat and had my hands tucked into my pockets. It wasn't cold enough to snow but the rain had that crisp touch to it that reminded me of winter's lurking only a short distance away and once October 1, is in the books then the best thing to do is "be ready." I'm not ready. I've got to bring my wood stove in and then cut my winter supply of firewood. Chores never stop. Now all I've got to do is find time to write four book reviews, my Capstick article, finish writing a presentation I'm giving at the SEOPA Conference next month and oh, yeah, I've got a column and feature due for Whitetails Unlimited.
I think I'll go hunting instead.