This morning was a rude reminder that we are nearing the first day of Winter, and, that despite being an average of 25 degrees above normal the past few weeks, Mother Nature likes to show you she is in charge.

Since it was at the freezing mark when I left for a walk, I switched to a down parka and added a scarf to my clothing repertoire, but I was still cold and found myself walking at a brisker pace than usual.

I noted, as I walked down Emmons Boulevard, that the pooches going for their respective promenades were sporting cold-weather garb. I saw a few dapper-looking hounds in plaid flannel jackets, cinched tight at the belly – they looked a little uncomfortable in my opinion, kind of like how you feel in tight jeans, where you want to unfasten the snap – ahhh, that’s much better.

Then there were some smaller dogs encased in warm, woolen sweaters, and not the ugly Christmas sweater variety. I cannot believe the story on the news today that ugly Christmas sweaters for dogs are a hot item this year – just what man’s best friend needs, a green-and-red sweater emblazoned with “Feliz Navidog”.  At least a half-dozen dogs I passed on my walk were decked out in their finery.  Only one dog was just relying on his fur for warmth, while looking with disdain at his doggie counterparts, those namby-pambies with their toasty togs.  Well, that’s because he was a large pit bull terrier, wearing a muzzle.  Well, ‘nuff said.

I love the holiday décor on the stately homes on Emmons Boulevard and I’ve taken many pictures over the last week. I hope to share them in future posts as we enter Christmas week.  One house near the railroad tracks has quite an assortment of inflatable ornaments that fill the entire front lawn of their home.  I really like Mrs. and Mrs. Snowman pictured above.  They are as tall as the roof at this home.  Their presence made me wonder if kids are missing the snow and the opportunities to build snowmen, pitch snowballs and make snow angels … perhaps they are content to get their snowman fix by watching “Frosty the Snowman” on TV.

I added another four miles to my total and am keeping the (snow)ball rolling as I strive to get to 700 miles, which hopefully is in the very near future. That feat of my feet will make me, just like Frosty, a very happy soul.