Feels like winter is in full effect, already

It's getting to that time of year here in the Niigata countryside where it feels more and more difficult to will myself out of bed each morning. Last night hit freezing temps already, so the fallen snow (and any standing water) had turned into crunchy ice.

I do get a bit jealous of all you folks that have prolonged autumns in your part of Japan. We still get plenty of lovely color out this way, but it feels like it goes from hot and humid summer to wet, snowy, and cold winter, with only a minimal amount of time for all things fall in between.

The extended forecast says we're looking at more snow from December 1st, so it very much feels like we're already in winter.