Although it was overcast this day, there were many sunny periods and, during one of these breaks, I sat on the verandah of the main building, away from the cool breeze and absorbing the warmth of the sun. I gazed upon the giant cottonwoods that have lost all their leaves, but the weeping willows are as majestic as ever, while the Japanese maples are glorious in their brilliant red. As these sunny breaks became fewer and fewer, I went indoors to have a cup of tea and a cabbage pie. I tried not to get in Margarita’s way as she painted several of the doors. The contrast between the old ones and the newly freshened ones was remarkable, showing us what a bit of revitalization can do. And it was good to see Father Shio who had returned from a trip to Toronto.