But I don't want to be a Rolling Stones song...

And then there are days when I manage to accidentally (or instinctively) give myself exactly what I need.

Laundry: check. A chore, make no mistake, but laundry is much like writing - I hate writing but love having written.

Ride into city and go to favorite tiny yarn shop, where the elbow room is minimal but the selection very nice. And the lady at the counter gives me the approving smile and compliments me on my choices (I love that). Buy beautiful Malabrigo Silky Merino in cloudy sky, for my sister's holiday presents. A cowl and fingerless mittens, I think - my two "everyone must-haves" of the moment.

Also buy the yarn for mittens for he who shall not be named but who may at some point be hugged. They didn't have any more of the Jitterbug I'd planned to use, but did have an astonishing array of Koigu Painter's Palette. And I know some of you will fall off your chairs reading this, so steady on: I've never before knitted with Koigu.

Magically, there was a colorway that contained all the colors I've ever seen him wear, in a delightfully harmonious blend. So the choice was easy.

Then, ride to bike shop and have impromptu dinner with several of favorite people in world.

Then, beautiful ride home in clear, chill night air. Not the kind that freezes your limbs off - just the kind that wakes up your whole body and makes you happy.

I really like having seasons; you know what I mean?