Cold Tuesday Morning

Daylight comes late at this time of year, and my watch registered a few minutes before six o'clock when I awakened this morning before sunrise, not so very early for a winter's day (or any day for that matter). In summer I keep the same routine, rising early to enjoy a leisurely mug of coffee, watch the sun come up and greet the day, potter around in the garden and listen to the chorus of birds in the old ash trees at the back of the yard.

There will be no leisurely pottering in the garden this morning. The sun is just a ball of fire on the horizon, and the sky promises to be a brilliant cerulean blue today, but it is cold here, so cold that Fahrenheit and Celsius readings on the thermometer are equivalent - this morning Celsius and Fahrenheit met face to face along the trail and waved to each other in passing.

Cassie is moping on the sofa, having already sensed that our walks today are going to be brief, and her mournful expression, soft grumbles and occasional deep sighs speak volumes. German Shorthair Pointers have short glossy fur which provides them with little or no protection in winter, and they need some sort of warm winter garment, but my dear, constant and very vocal companion absolutely refuses to wear her lovely (and very expensive) padded fleece coat, and we will not be able to remain outside for long today, sunshine or no sunshine.