You know it's time . . .

You know it's time to get the window trim up so the walls can be plastered and the heat installed in the bedrooms when you wear long underwear under your flannel jammies. And then get in a fleece sleeping bag under flannel sheets, a down comforter, and a wool quilt.

You know it's time to finally put the snow tires on your Volvo when you get stuck in your own driveway.

You know it's time to rearrange your classroom when the sight of it makes you want to crawl under your desk.

You know it's time to remember to call Sears to get those little feet for the front of the washer when it thumps and rattles and tries to wobble across the floor.

You know it's time to call your grandmother when those pizelles you didn't get to have at Christmas arrive (finally!) in the mail.

You know it's time to go to sleep when you've been planning lessons and grading papers for 3.5 hours and it's 10:30. On a school night.