The Slice: Wondrous winners captured in the fall

Before announcing the winners of The Slice’s Autumn Leaf Contest, I want to acknowledge that life is not fair.

Many entrants submitted photos of traditionally fetching fall foliage. You know, bold reds and savory yellows. They were striking. Fall wouldn’t be the same without them.

Virtually all of those pictures and mailed-in leaves deserve praise. But competitions such as this are subjective. And the judge (that would be me) found himself in the mood for something different.

That’s why Carrie Webbenhurst’s photo is our bronze medalist.

“Took it from below the leaf,” she wrote. “What are the odds another smaller leaf would land on that leaf in the same exact direction?”

The silver goes to Jeannie Maki, for her snapshot of her Rugosa rose’s changing leaves. They made me think of an exotic lizard.

And the gold goes to Jeanna Hensley, who captured a state of stark seasonal transition. She wins a free lunch.

Thanks to all who entered.

Today’s rise-and-shine strategy: “I wake up to a Yo-Yo Ma CD,” wrote Annette LaCombe. “It is a very gentle way to wake up. And after about 15 seconds my dog begins to howl and that makes me laugh.”

LaCombe said her pooch doesn’t like Neil Young either. But maybe the dog is just singing along.

We could dream this night away.

Woooo-oooooooo.

Workplaces wouldn’t need perfume/cologne policies: If people were considerate.

Warm-up question: If you are thinking of retiring somewhere outside the Inland Northwest, what do you look for in a destination community?

A) Climate more to your liking. B) Electorate more in tune with your views. C) Improved access to grandkids. D) Affordability. E) Recreational and cultural options. F) The overall extent to which it is unlike Spokane. G) Demographic profile. H) Other.

Today’s Slice question: If you will be leaving town for Thanksgiving, when do you start fretting about the possibility that someone will break into your home while you are away?