Weather: Unbelievably cloudy and gray, 36°/WC36°. Went out to Point Gratiot Park a little later than usual, about 9AM. I thought it was going to rain or snow, and the pavement looked dicey, but I decided to take the risk and got in about 1.6 miles, a little shorter than the 2 miles I usually like to do. Yankee Bob was in the park, but he was just finishing up and was done by the time I got walking. The morning was truly gray and dreary, perhaps the apex of what days are like in the winter in WNY. However, the walking wasn’t too bad. There was, however, a strange absence of birds - not a single goose, seagull, hawk, turkey vulture, or eagle did I spy. Their absence made the trees feel even more barren. In fact, I didn’t even see a squirrel! Quite unusual.

I decided to take a number of pictures, which is also unusual, as I don’t like to break stride. Said good morning to a man walking a tiny dog. I can see the appeal of a tiny dog for older seniors, as they provide companionship without having the strength to pull you along. My daughter acquired another cat yesterday (her third), and it made me long for a pet of some kind. But I am not sure at this point that I want that responsibility. Pets can tie you down, and right now I prefer the freedom I have of being able to leave the house and not having to get a pet-sitter or travel with one. Looking forward to the Feast of the Seven Fishes tonight!

A shallow, icy puddle surrounded by snow and dead leaves on grass.A solitary bench sits between two trees, overlooking a cloudy and tranquil seascape.Two benches overlook a calm body of water with bare trees nearby.A solitary bench is positioned between two large trees, overlooking a cloudy lakeside scene.A patch of melting snow is surrounded by piles of brown leaves on a paved surface.A grassy area with patches of melting snow and puddles of water surrounded by trees.A picnic shelter stands surrounded by patches of ice and snow in a park with bare trees.A solitary bench and a leafless tree stand by a wintry lakeside under a cloudy sky.A patch of partially frozen water is surrounded by grass and bare trees under a cloudy sky.A partially frozen puddle sits on a grassy landscape with bare trees under a cloudy sky.A cloudy day at a beach with a muddy path leading to the water, sparse vegetation, and a sign in the distance.