Happy with What I Have to be Happy With II

Tea: Mandarin Green

Music: U2, "October"

Time: Night.

It's raining, and I do enjoy a good chilly fall downpour. But that drip you hear isn't just the water from the eaves.

Yes, I'm still stuffy. And my left ear is plugged.

But you know what? I have hot water. I have tea. And even if I didn't have those, I have a roof over my head to keep off the rain.

I know I've said it before, but it bears repeating: When things seem crummy, count your blessings. A dose of perspective -- whether regular or decaf -- is pretty strong medicine.

So is a good ghost story. Tonight's dose: H.F.W. Tatham, "The Travelling-Companion"

No More for Me. I'm Stuffed (Up).

Tea: Blood Orange with Ginger, honey added

Music: The Skids, "The Saints are Coming"

Time: Night.

Another short one tonight, folks. My sinuses are kerfuffled.

How about we all make ourselves something hot and citrusy, drizzle in some honey (see above) and read ourselves off to nightmareland with George MacDonald's "A Ghost Story"?

Night-night ...