1. Share a highlight from this summer. (If you please, don't just say "our vacation to the Canadian Rockies." Give us a little detail or image. Help us live vicariously through you!)

Hiking to Meander Meadows with the Cajun, and seeing a place I haven't seen since 1976.

2. Are you glad to see this summer end? Why or why not?

Yes and no. Yes, because I love fall and want to continue in school. No, because I want to keep hiking until I can't walk. But I suppose with enough hiking, I'll get to the I-can't-walk stage soon enough.

3. Name one or two things you're looking forward to this fall.

Cooler weather, colorful vine maples, wearing my sweaters again.

4. Do you have any special preparations or activities to mark the transition from one season to another? (Cleaning of house, putting away summer clothes, one last trip to the beach)

Getting out the sweaters (which are usually out anyway, in the Pacific Northwest), changing to the feather duvet, digging out the flannel sheets.

5. I'll know that fall is really here when:

My birthday is over and the nights are clear and crisp. All hail those constellations.