A perfect start to autumn here on the East Coast, with plenty of rain and drear, and early enough in the season so as not to denude the trees, only starting to color up around their temples. At any rate, it is a great time for cozy. I’m looking forward to glutting myself on library book sales, black-and-white horror movies, introspective Romantic and energizing Baroque music from my record collection (because the radio stinks), bottomless cups of coffee, and cornucopias of Spiced Wafers and pie. Bring on the soups and the chili! Summon the wool and the flannel! After mentally pushing against the summer months, it’s time to throw on the air brakes and savor every moment between now and Thanksgiving. Halloween, full of opportunity and free of obligation, for me, is always the greatest of holidays. Welcome, Autumn, season of Cockaigne, Dionysian paradise, wonderland of revelry and solitude!