By the power invested in me, I hereby declare this day, Nov. 7, the end of the 2007 Guacamole Season.

As I sit here looking at the overcast skies, I am reminded that all good things must come to an end — the youthful beauty of a rose, the brilliance of a sunrise, the innocence of a child, and yes, even the wild success of a phenomenal guacamole season.

So as I reflect on the past year, I realize that I’ve grown. As many of you know, I learned this year to embrace the finer subtleties of the guacamole craft. I learned to use a little less of “this,” and a lot less of “that.” And thanks to a hotly contested guacamole showdown at work, I even added a new ingredient to my personal recipe (again, don’t ask; I ain’t gonna tell you).

But alas, the 2007 season is over. Two recent batches of guacamole came out very poorly, forcing two awkward and unsuccessful attempts at culinary improvisation at our household. Apparently, November avocados are best left for sandwiches and salads.

Yes, my children, soon the wind will come. The rain will fall. The frost will descend on the West Coast. Darkness will envelope us. But keep that chin up. One thing will lead to another, and before you know it, the warm months will return, the avocados will be ready, the salsa music will be shaking, the Tecate cans will be perspiring, and a new season will be upon us.