Tonight's bicycle ride was one of those rides where nearly everything was perfect. Tiring, but not too tiring. Warm, but not too warm. And the skies were filled with the most amazing variety of clouds, all lit at just the right angle by the evening sun. Some offered the vague threat of rain, but remained to the south.

Three of us pedaled on along highway 1804, beside the river just south of town. The sun crept to the horizon. The shadows of our wheels stretched out across the ditches and into the golden fields of wheat.

Just as the sun touched the horizon, the ride came to an end. And I'm still smiling hours later. I love this time of year, even if it does hint at the frigid season to come.