THE COMMUTER'S THANKSGIVING 



,he cottages are closed; the summer 

 people have gone back to the city; 

 only the farmers and the commu- 

 ters — barnacled folk — remain as 

 the summer tide recedes, fixed to 

 the rocks of winter because they have grown fast. 

 To live is to have two houses: a country house 

 for the summer, a city house for the winter ; to 

 close one, and open the other; to change, to flit ! 

 How different it used to be when I was a boy 

 — away yonder in the days of farms and old- 

 fashioned homes and old-time winters ! Things 

 were prepared for, were made something of, 

 and enjoyed in those days — the " quiltings," the 

 " raisings," the Thanksgivings ! What getting 

 ready there used to be — especially for the win- 

 ter ! for what was n't there to get ready ! and how 

 much of everything to get ready there used to be ! 

 It began along in late October, continuing with 

 more speed as the days shortened and hurried us 

 into November. It must all be done by Thanks- 



