The radiators are noisy the first time they kick in after a months-long rest, water churning glubbily through pipes. But it was cold. I huddled beneath my quilt and made many false morning starts. Eventually there was that oddly appealing aroma of burnt dust, and then there were no more excuses not to leave the bed.

I love fall, I love the mild cold, I love wrapping myself in layers and layers of flannel and keeping my fingers warm wrapped around mugs of tea. Most of all, I love the thought that summer is over, my least favorite season gone again for another year.