Harvest nearly over as is Caddy's long life

Though we haven't had more than a very light frost, harvest of vegetables seems to be nearing the end. I picked the last green beans two nights ago, the last of the Daikon radishes, some swiss chard, tomatoes, and garlic. I still have lots of winter squashes to pick up, but will wait until after we get a REAL frost, which is not yet in the forecast.
As soon as I get some time, I'm going to plant some late season (lettuce, greens, maybe beets & carrots) crops and then cover them with a small hoop house (metal stays and Agribon row cover material). I want to see how late I can feasibly grow food.
Days have been beautiful, clear, sunny & dry, in the 80's. Sandhills were first heard back in the valley two weeks ago today. A few V's of geese have been spotted too.
Caddy the 16-year-old dog is aging rapidly; her mobility is nearly gone, and we frequently have to pick her up after she falls over during her stumbling sojourns around the yard and house. Smooth carpet-less floors are her nemesis, as is the smallest obstacle. We've talked about euthanasia many times over the past few weeks, but the time does not yet seem to be right or necessary.

First garlic shoot

Returned to the San Luis Valley from a 2+week absence; nearly the only green thing I found coming up was one garlic shoot out in the vegetable garden (see photo). Okay, so there are a few irises also coming up. Not much more. Snow still around in shaded areas. I'm getting antsy to start outdoor stuff. Must calm down.
Sandhill cranes continue in abundance, along with Canada geese. A layer of old-looking ice still rests on the surface of Home Lake. Mountains are getting pounded with snow today & tonight. Should make for good skiing this weekend.