Bbbbrrrr-bye 2017!

And good riddance.
Personally and politically (hey, I love science and the environment) this year has been a bit less wonderful than some others. Not an annus horribilus, as Queen Elizabeth II would say - but I'm looking forward to a happier and healthier 2018. 

Wintry walk today.

As I write this it is about 16 degrees F in southeastern VA. Thank the jet stream and climate change. I thought tea, fireplace, book. Ted and Toby thought otherwise.

We bundled up - wind chill 11 - and went for a five mile walk at Northwest River Park. 

I was wearing three layers…how is he not cold? But he's not. He loves this weather.

Tomorrow I will be running in a 5k "Resolution Race". Expected wind chill is 8 degrees. However snow- or champagne - is a deal breaker. 

Accuweather is no longer predicting snow. So I will likely be freezing my glutes off tomorrow morning. Ushering my 61st New Year in with some running style.

And then getting out of Dodge - to Florida! It was my Christmas gift - two weeks in the sun and warmth when winter is at its dreariest. I'm so excited about escaping from Virginia in a few days. Toby is coming with us to masquerade as a beach dog.

Happy New Year, friends. I hope 2018 holds lots of happiness and excitement and excellent health for all of us.

Christmas Day, a cardinal devouring seeds in our front yard.