We're heading below freezing tonight here in Virginia. It's 33F now, but the woodstove is a trusted old friend, sitting idly by for the summer, but now running for the first time this season.

We're toasty now, a handful of hickory logs doing the work. But come February, when daily wood-toting is mandatory and gritty ash and bits of bark under foot are commonplace, we'll wish it away.

For now though, we're feeling a little festive, and hopeful about those winter heating bills.

This is the view from the Ridge Loop Trail on the ridge of Bull Run Mountain, facing west. The trail is managed by the Bull Run Mountain Conservancy. It's a gorgeous hike in the Fall, and the cliffs offered great views of the golden-leafed hickory trees, lit by a setting sun.

Forgive the quality of the shot. I was shooting into the western sky with a tiny little digital. You can see I-66, and the farms of Fauquier County in the middle ground, with the Blue Ridge in the distance.

The last three weeks in pictures. Busy. Relatives visiting, kids back to school, work spinning up (in a good way), etc, etc.