Madison, WI

Started walk at 6:10 a.m.

There was a light dusting of snow during the night and the morning sky was grey. As we started our walk it was dark and as we finished our walk it was dark. The temperature was mild and as we passed the duck pond we heard an owl hoot in the distance. The hoot was so clear and deep that it cut through the whining pitch of the passing cars, the chaotic quacks of the ducks and the high caws of the crows. Even Chance discerned the difference and turned in the direction of the owl as soon as he heard the hoot. Hey Dave! that's not a duck -- is it?

I lost my Nissan Thermos when I bent over to do my civic, politically correct duty -- pooper scooping. My bag of choice is a blue New York Times bag. They are perfect for, "All the Poop That's Fit To Scoop."

Luckily I found the Nissan on my return walk. It was a big relief.

The photo of the island is rather dark as it was taken about an half an hour before sunrise. So be it. I'm showing you what I see -- blobs taking shape in a gray haze.

Coffee -- Costa Rican -- OK -- but less quantity without my Nissan Thermos and not as hot. My muffin today was blueberry -- although I asked for cranberry -- I liked it.