Madison, WI

Started walk at 6:15 a.m.

The weather was fairly mild. However, just 40 miles north of Madison it's been a different story. That area of Wisconsin has been hit by "black ice."

The walk was basically uneventful yet my eye did catch a glimpse of a rabbit's white tail as it raced into the brambles. But, in the low light, I could not see the body that was attached to the tail. Follow the bouncing tail.

On the return walk I watched two crows do air battle with two other crows over possession of a tree. This particular tree is near a house with a dozen bird feeders in the backyard and is probably a prized perch. Could it be that they were really fighting in pairs? Crow gangs! I also saw the hawk flying this morning. Without the snow cover, it must be prime hunting.

The Mallards were making dramatic landings around the island . The wind blew ripples on the open water which is quickly expanding.

The coffee was good -- Costa Rican. Rhubarb muffin today -- good and moist. I couldn't continue with the Cranberry muffin. Although I had half heartedly considered a running commentary on this specific bake good, I was not prepared to sacrifice my tastebuds.