It’s finally happened — the reality of approaching winter. Three nights in a row last week dipped below freezing.

I am the queen of justification. My latest is that I am leaving the cutting back of the perennial beds until the dead of winter.

I am happy to be back on the Vineyard. Thank you all for your kind words regarding the loss of my father.

My granddaugher, Violet, and I left for Washington, D.C., a week ago for a long planned trip. We drove to Providence and hopped aboard the Amtrak.

There is nothing quite as wonderful as early fall in the garden. I haven’t blown it for next year yet, mistakes that have been made can be corrected, and plant material can be moved around with abandon.

The last act of my day is watching the “Local on the 8’s” on the Weather Channel. Last Wednesday (a week ago now) the temperature was 38 degrees.