Last night after 11 p.m. the power went out on my block. I opened a shade and peered out onto the intersection. No porch lights, no street lights. I could see flashlights turn on in neighbors’ houses and the apartment complex in the distance. It was almost as if people were communicating in code with flashes of light. The whole block looked very snug and peaceful, although it looked cold out there in pitch black. The blackout only lasted about two hours. I wasn’t awake when it went back on, but my blinking alarm clock this morning confirmed the timeline.

And now I hear the snow is coming.

Lately, I’ve been paring down my activities, and hunkering down to work on handbags. I am making good time before the holidays, but after this weekend I know the season is going to speed up significantly. I have a couple of orders to fill, too.

Last weekend my mother came for a short visit. We had a fantastic time. I showed her Frigo’s market in Springfield, Moshi Moshi in Northampton, The Sierra Griille (Northampton… Yes, we ate a lot) and took her to Dandie in the Underworld where my bags are sold on consignment. On Saturday night, she met Matt’s mom.