Turn, turn, turn

The changing leaves, increase in the doorstep pumpkin population and the cooling air should all be plenty to remind me that the season is changing and that winter will soon be nipping at our noses. And yet, for me, it is only the arrival of the last outdoor farmers' market of the year that really brings home the end of the milder months.

Be sure to gather your canvas bags, wagons and walking shoes for one last go-round the capitol this Saturday at the final outdoor Dane County Farmers' Market until next spring.

Thankfully, we have a very nice indoor market to get us through the winter, but we all know that it's just not quite the same. This year, however, I'm vowing to do more with the snowy months (provided we get a decent amount of the stuff, anyway). My goal for this winter is to get back onto a snowboard for a little downhill adventuring at places like Tyrol Basin and Cascade Mountain. Maybe do some snowshoeing, too. Definitely sledding. I have fond memories of sledding down a huge hill behind St. Mary's College in Winona, MN, when I was a kid. It's where we "invented" the practice of "butt-bombing," which basically involved a narrow, slick-as-hell ice hill and sledding without a sled. Ah, the many uses of snow pants. Speaking of, anyone know where I could get a nice pair of adult sized snow pants? It's been way too long....

In the meantime, though, it's still light jacket weather and the lakes are not yet frozen over. I think there's still time for some regular ol' hiking, biking and general outdoor lallygagging. Plus, despite all the hoopla from this past weekend, there's still a proper Halloween to be had! Be sure to swing by the High Noon Saloon for dane101's Hallow-Rockin-Ween, a fundraiser for Second Harvest Foodbank with a whole bunch of great bands, costume contests, prizes and good times. I'll be there, dressed to the nines and taking pictures as usual.