Ahhhh. Autumn.

The trees are on fire, it would seem. Bright color is everywhere, and the temps often drop into the thirties at night. Papa's Pumpkin Patch is open, and Halloween decorations are appearing in yards. Fall has officially been with us for a while now. It's obvious during my frigid morning commute on the motorcycle.

This time of year is always relaxing after the flurry of exhausting summer activity. We can all, finally, take a deep breath and enjoy the pleasant weather. Soon enough, we'll be busy again in our fight against snow and ice on the northern plains.

As often happens when I begin to think of fall and winter, a list of computer projects and indoor activities comes to mind. With the introduction of "podcasts" into iTunes, I've become addicted. I don't have much to say, really. But I'm tempted to put up a podcast just to see how it's done. It looks very simple.

A while back, just out of curiousity, I soldered together a few diodes and Linux software in hopes of building a computer-controlled garage door opener. The final goal . . . to control my garage door opener via my cell phone. It worked once before my last touch-up soldering. And never again. I want to find out why.

Another 'indoor' project that's been rattling around my brain is the construction of a touring bicycle. Maybe I'd upgrade "The Streak." Or maybe pick something up from eBay and fix it up. It's just an idea. It might be fun.

Once it gets cold and I can't comfortably bike for exercise, I'll have to resume my trips to the gym.

All of this on top of my philosophy courses. Maybe I'm just dreaming.