On a day that started with a cockroach in the kitchen sink and includes the cutting and pasting of 500 more entries into a database, you would think it might be hard to see the nicer side of life. But, to my surprise, it’s not. Kudos to Clare, who started all this Three Beautiful Things posting and who enabled me to find the silver lining:

1. Leaves dot the sidewalk between the Burrow and the Metro. Summer is an oppressive season in D.C. and I’m glad fall has finally arrived, bringing cooler temperatures and thoughts of handknit socks. Even the light has changed with the turning of the season, with a yellower tinge to the air that I associate with the Virginia and England countrysides in the autumn. (And, no, you cynics, it’s not smog!)

2. As you know, I’m taking part in the Sock-a-Month 2 knitalong sponsored by Chrissy, a.k.a. Knittin’ Mom. Well, in addition to fellowship — and socks — you also get entered to win fun and fabulous prizes each time you complete a pair of socks. Surprisingly (and to my delight), I was the winner in August! The prize arrived in the mail last night and it is Patons Kroy in Tutti Frutti Jacquard. Thanks, Knittin’ Mom! The knitalong is fun even without prizes, but winning does kick it up a notch.

3. I’ve had a hankering for cookies recently, but have been too lazy to make them. But earlier this week, the yen grew too strong, and I pulled out the baking sheets. I didn’t want to make chocolate chip cookies, though, so I opted for a cookie that Gramma sometimes makes — butterscotch oatmeal. Yum!