Gorgeous morning at the river. A little chilly but bright sunshine. Bumpy clouds drifting from the north, otherwise clear blue sky. Rough-surfaced water, but high and undisturbed by wind or boats. Two mallards breakfasting on barnacles (we have an excellent barnacle crop on the pilings this year) and a cormorant already drying his wings, so he must have been out early. Seagulls bobbing and the last straggling butterflies working their way south.

Tonight starts Rosh Hashonah, the New Year, when the good get written down in the Book of Life, the evil in the Book of Death, and the rest of us get ten days to consider our actions over the last year and atone for the ones that need atoning for (think about it, you'll know). The traditional greeting is, "May you be written down in the Book of Life." I like the idea that books come into it, and to all of you, I extend that wish.