The rain barrels are emptied and turned upside down.

The cushions are inside.

Onion and garlic are planted; we’ll see if they come up in the spring or if the winter critters dig them up. I saved a few bulbs and cloves, just in case.

The lawn and the leaves got mowed into mulch one last time and dumped on the garden plots.

Lawnmower is in the shed, and snowblowers are in the garage.

Winter jackets are in the mudroom, and the windbreakers have been through the wash and put away.

Gloves and mittens sit in the back hallway where the baseball caps used to be.

I have pumpkin spice coffee in the coffeemaker.

I’m ready, Winter. Bring it on.