Not often that we miss a stroll out in the woods, but yesterday was that day. Overnight rain combined with ongoing rain until mid-afternoon kept us in. When the temperature is so close to freezing, the protective tree canopy is gone and rain is steady, it just makes no good sense to get out there with two little dogs. We could keep reasonably dry, but they wouldn't, even with doggy gear -- and their size makes them vulnerable to rain and cold penetrating their heat reserves.

So we made do with their romping about madly in the house, while they were in the process of drying off after a long-overdue bath. What they missed yesterday in  rushing about the ravine they made up for today. Yesterday's morose, dark and rainy weather succumbed to nature's blandishment to her elements to behave this day, so we had a full morning and early afternoon of sunshine. Wind and cold thrown in for good measure.

Which also made the trails less muddy due to the return of ground frost, with colder temperatures than Friday. We had he ravine fairly well to ourselves other than for one lovely woman we come across occasionally enjoying the woodland atmosphere and a younger couple for whom regular ravine walks represent more of a premium paid on future health outcomes -- a useful and worthwhile measure -- than born of an appreciation of their surroundings. No meanderings on their part, but a businesslike forging ahead.

A light dusting of snow lay on the ground with more on schedule. And though it was still fairly early afternoon, at 2:30 p.m., the sun was already positioning itself to setting in another hour and a half. Little wonder we feel at this time of year short-changed on light thanks to diminishing days and elongated nights.