Yesterday, it was a balmy 79 degrees. The sun was shining, the birds were twittering, I was wondering when I should get my Winter Wardrobe out of the attic, and contemplating a glass of iced coffee.

Today, it is a frigid 71, there is a cold sun out, my winter wardrobe is taking up the better part of my room, and the iced coffee I made is giving me hypothermia.

And so, fall is upon us. Whatever shall we do next?

I see it on the horizon, a Winter Season of faux-shearling-lined coats, insulated gloves, and J. Peterman's Le Chameau Rubber Boots (wellies with class. And lining).

Meanwhile, I am readying myself for the immanent delight of the following Winter must-haves:

1. Mincemeat. All right, I've never actually had mincemeat, but I really want some. It seems like it's a really great thing. I mean, why else would they make such a big deal of it in 'State Fair'? It just has to be good.

2. Bonfires. Or any kind of outdoor fire, actually. Heck, it can be a Chimeneya as long as you have The Token Guitar Player, hot cider/mulled wine, and a box of strike-anywhere matches.

3. Popcorn and hot chocolate. Which is good anytime of the year actually, but it is just one of those things you NEED any time from September through March.

4. Siting on the dryer with a good book. Something you can't do very comfortably in the heat of summer. And if there's a warm, fuzzy cat on your lap, so much the better. Note: not a good place to fall asleep.