We're not much used to autumn here in the Pacific Northwest, at least not a protracted one. Most of the time, if it isn't sunny summer, it's raining. The distinctions between seasons are quite blurred.

This week, however, we've had real autumn. Clear days, clear nights, crisp air, and temperatures in the 30s at night and just under 60 in the daytime.

I'm noticing that I have to use the propane stove now for heating the apartment. Since I sleep in a loft, where the heat stays, I don't have to leave the stove on all night. But I do have to turn it on in the morning to take the chill off; I turn on the ceiling fan to draw down heat from the loft. I use a space heater in the bathroom while doing the morning shower thing, too.

Because the units below me are being renovated, there is no insulation beneath my hardwood floors. In the office, I can see a strip of light between certain floorboards. Needless to say, this means that my floors are always cold. I often joke with the contractor, asking when insulation might be going in, but he is constrained by my landlady's timetable, the edicts of the building inspectors, and the schedules of other contractors.

Yes, I have area rugs. Every time I put them down, Molly Cat pukes on them. I've tried to corral the puking, show her to puke on the hard wood, but cats aren't known for taking direction, and certainly not when they're feeling pukey. Maybe I need to accept the cat puke, and put the rugs down anyway. I need more of that rubber runner stuff - fir floors are slippery.

The weather has prompted me to refocus on my motorcycle. With the new leathers, riding in this clear weather is pleasant. I've seen many other riders out and about; we're all hoping to catch those last few rides before all but the most hardcore put up the bikes for the winter.

I'm having trouble sleeping tonight, and I think it's because I let the place get too cold before turning on the heat. My bad. But now I'm on the couch, kitties around me, down comforter on top of me, and I'm getting drowsy. I've had some milk, too.

'Night.