November? Already? How different it is for little kids who think there is a generation between one Christmas and another. November is a stepping stone to the yearend holiday celebration, which this year will have both special meaning and reasons for concern. Regardless of assurances, people wonder what will happen to our computerized support system when 1999 turns into the 21st century. With this in mind, I read with interest JAL's recent press release, that the company intended to operate its regular international flight schedule during the 2000 changeover except for variations because of demand trends and air traffic control requirements.

Demand will limit European flights Dec. 31 mainly because of cancellation of tours by Japanese agencies although they will operate normally Jan. 1. The announcement was made to assure passengers that JAL is 100 percent Y2K compliant. We were also told that JAL, ANA and JAS had carried out demonstration flights in cooperation with civil aviation experts to prove preparedness on both the ground and in the air. That's reassuring, although one paper chose to headlined its story, JAL cancels nine flights on Dec. 31. It's rather like judging a glass to be half empty or half full.

Still, a reader expresses the concern many must feel when she asks what preparations we should make for possible problems as we ring in the new year and a new century. If you have your earthquake kit prepared, you have a good Y2K start -- unless the worst disaster scenarios occur, in which case you will need luck as well as preparedness. Basically, if the lights go out you will want your own source so have plenty of batteries on hand and know where flashlights/lanterns are. Think about how to stay warm if you can't turn on the heat or use electric blankets.

In the old days when heating was all but unknown in many Japanese houses, people relied on charcoal fires in the kotatsu. Hands were often warmed over a single piece of charcoal in a small ceramic hibachi. Even a hot cup of tea held in the hands can be comforting. Be sure to provide a way to heat water and foods. A bag of charcoal (and a way to light it) would be a good investment, but remember that such heating methods consume oxygen and give off carbon monoxide. Never go to sleep in a tightly closed room with a charcoal fire.

Most of us have enough food on hand to withstand a siege, but if the power is off, frozen foods don't last forever. As for water, don't think only of water to drink -- though you should think of a water purifier. You will want to wash and to flush toilets. A full bathtub could provide for those needs. Think of what you will do with the kids to make the experience interesting, even fun, rather than frightening, and talk it over with them now, not after it happens. The best preparation is to assemble what you will need at midnight if suddenly there is no water, electricity or gas. We are assured that this is not likely to happen, but it is best to have a strategy. And if the lights go out, find an open place and look at the sky. You will likely find it full of stars, something you won't have observed in Tokyo or other large cities for a very long time, and a nice view to have as we start a new millenium.

For more, I suggest you check the Internet. You will find information on all contingencies from a mere bump in the road to a nuclear blowup. Learn to extend the life of your emergency radio and how to keep diesel motors running. The Millenium Bus Company in Chicago is offering a retreat in Iowa with a return to Chicago Jan. 1 "if it is still there." There are even recipes for making gourmet meals with Spam and Velveeta.

Now, an annual event that many of you look forward to: Jewelry designer Ross Dalrymple will be bringing her new collection of original pieces from Australia for her fall showing. She uses silver and gold, often combined, and favors Australian opals and pearls. Nature inspires many of her works which hold memories of the sea and the forests. There is also an Oriental feeling reflecting the years she lived in Japan. Hers is a welcome combination, appealing originals at affordable prices. You can see Ross' millenium collection Nov. 5-6, at the Axis Gallery Annex in the Axis building, (03) 3582-4268, a few minutes' walk from Roppongi. There will be an opening party Nov. 5, 5-7 p.m. although the gallery will be open from 11 a.m. that day, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 6.