My winter rant

Because I grew up in suburban Chicago and know what a real winter is, I can imagine how many of you are laughing at my constant whining about the weather here in northern California. But it is so cold! The temperatures were in the 30s F last night and only in the 40s now. We have become acclimatized to something warmer at this time of year.

Still and all, our labrador retrievers love the cold, it's in their DNA to haul in fish nets in the icy waters of Labrador (get it?) so cold and wet is absolutely enchanting to them.

And what's more weird, I actually prefer winter to any other season - mostly because it connotes coziness, family togetherness, the fun of doing very little slowly, baking for treats and to warm the kitchen, plus, I admit it, a legitimate reason to fuss!