It’s been a lovely fall– gorgeous per usual. I have loved being in my new apartment, totally on my own, even though it means that when the gas stove won’t turn on I have no one to consult with, nor someone to let me in when I get locked out (I had to get a locksmith and everything). My birthday was delightfully low key and I ate an inordinate amount of cake, as is my prerogative. I love the poetry girls and I love writing poetry and after spending weeks worrying about PhD applications I have finally made good progress on them and they are ready to go. Spending time with Ilona and the others that are leaving after graduation has been bittersweet. It snowed yesterday and it was totally magical and today it was totally gone– sunny and clear skies. What a delight to be here! What precious time!