Yesterday squirrels were everywhere, eating sunflowers, burying acorns. They know that cold is coming. This morning they slept in. Thankfully, the mosquitoes did, too.  

Last night was cold enough that the cats climbed up into bed with us. Rafe sat on my chest to say good night. I stroked his chin as he gazed into my eyes and I into his. The light was dim so his pupils were wide open – a watery black gold deeper than I can fathom.