Well, it's a late-summer, turning-into-fall day. According to Wunderground, it's 62 degrees outside, and leaden clouds are scudding across the sky (but no raindrops, thank heaven).

I've been sitting in the back yard working on my syllabi and sending a bit of email. It's chilly, so I've made a fire. Here's what the backyard office looks like today:



(It took me THREE matches to start that fire!! I am appalled . . . the wood is really dry - even the kindling - because it's been sitting in the garage for years . . . )

Anyhow, the classes are coming along, albeit slower than I thought, and there's much more work to do than I'll be able to finish, alas - but I'll have a really good start on everything for the fall, at least. I'm desperately trying to make my life not be crazy once classes start. Probably somewhat futile, but if I don't at least make the effort, I do indeed condemn myself to never having a relaxing moment between now and next May, which would not be good . . .

At any rate, there's no stress today! In a few minutes (when the fire dies down) I'll take Wally for a walk, and then start thinking about dinner . . .