The Dog Days Of Winter

Barley, a dog, stands amid mulch and shrubbery on a sunny winter’s day.

We’ve had some downright pleasant winter days this last week, provided the walks aren’t too long and sufficient layers have been donned. While it’s been cold, there’s also been a lot of direct sunlight, without too much wind to spoil things. At these temperatures, Barley seems more invigorated by the cold than anything else, lively and light on her feet. This is a far cry from this time last year, when Barley was having Bad Times facing wicked cold snap and subsequent ice storm. Here’s hoping we’re past the worst of it, although I wouldn’t be at all surprised if we got ambushed by freezing rain some time in February.