The weather here lately is cold and clear, the golden brightness of the sun blaring in some apparent appeal for balance after our forty days of forty nights earlier this year. Today, also, there have been strong winds here and there in the region, causing power outages and the like.

Here, my neighbor’s spinning vents are whirling madly. I know this because one needs oiling, badly, and the high-pitched, constant whistling squeak is beginning to drive me nuts.