… like these two above. But, for sure in these cold temps, you won’t want to “bare” it. Yikes! This morning it felt like Winter was here with a vengeance. It was blustery and downright cold, but dry, so off I went once the sun was up and it was light enough outside. I thought there might be some black ice from last night’s rain, but it was fine. Now that it’s cold again, it takes forever to get dressed and ready in my multiple light layers. Of course, the furnace always has to kick on while I am sitting tying up my shoes next to the register, all suited up and just needing to grab a coat to head out. Ol’ Sol wasn’t warming up the Earth much this morning, and, despite my layering up, I flipped my coat hood over my head and huddled down into my coat as I walked through the neighborhoods. Exhaust poured out of cars while they were warming up and kids ran out of the house wearing heavy parkas and mittens, their back packs strapped on and looking ten pounds heavier than they did yesterday at the same time. Down at the Park, only the diehard walkers were present this morning and the wind was chilly and had a bite to it every time you rounded a loop. I had packed a half-dozen Pink Lady apples and a big pack of peanuts for my furry friends. It felt like I should have packed some heat as well – no, not a gun, though I could quip that we are having a .38 Special type of weather forecast for the next five days – 38 degrees for a high each day. The first complete perimeter loop around I was loaded down with treats and there were no takers – perhaps the squirrels wanted to skip the early a.m. foray and stay tucked up high in their nests with their main squeeze. However, on the second trip around, some inquisitive squirrels came out to see what I had for them and I was happy to strew some peanuts on the path and set out some withered-looking apples. I bought those apples awhile ago and then kept getting cider every time I went grocery shopping, and putting those apples aside. Oops. They were all wrinkled up and soft, but that didn’t matter to the squirrels. After two complete loops I headed home, eyes smarting from the cold air and if I may be so cheeky to say – there were two sets of red cheeks from this morning’s frigid weather. It was worth the effort though – I added five more miles toward my goal.