And the best of all ways

To lengthen our days

Is to steal a few hours from the night, my dear.

-- Thomas Moore

Unlike a writer I know, Louise, who lives inconveniently in Alaska, where she suffers terribly from depression during the dark winters months, I adore the short days and long nights of this season. My complaint is that summer is too long, and winter too short down here in New Jersey. I am, I'm afraid, rather melancholy by disposition, and thus this season suits me. During the pre-solstice season I...