Even though the steady rain didn't continue, there were occasional showers until late afternoon when the clouds parted and patches of woods and fields kindled with bright light while the slate storm still claimed the northern sky and concealed the mountains. Crows appeared and filled the freshened air with cawing, and I saw a crested jay being chased by an ordinary blue jay. Evening brought a waxing crescent moon to the clearing sky, and the gray cat returned to my yard, ready for the meal he'd missed yesterday. Now the chilly night reveals its stars, and the still air is quiet. It smells of October.
Now, tea.
