A little taste of winter is just about perfect on these still mild January days. The cold and snow will come soon enough, we're sure.

Out walking, we see our own breath in the air and appreciate something essential about what it means to be alive. Somehow this season even reminds us of the dance of darkness and light, as the days grow longer and sunset, not starlight, becomes the sky's accompaniment to the drive home from work.

We'll settle for a brisk walk, and then a mug of hot coffee by the woodstove, and the sweet sensation of returning warmth.