You know it's officially winter when...

DOGS WEAR COATS!
The other day when mom and I were heading out for a walk we saw the funniest thing! Our village dogs were wearing coats!

Mom gets fussed at quite often for not dressing me warm enough these days. As we go on our walks we have to pass by the village grannies on our way to the road. There's no way around them and usually I love to smile and cut shines for them as they pat my hand and say, "be be, be be". One lady says, "good boy" and another says I'm "beautiful". Well they were all out there in their stocking caps and gloves when we walk by and they started shaking their fingers at mom and rubbing their arms motioning "cold". Did I mention it is still 75 degrees and sunny?! Mom just smiles and pretends not to understand. They must think she's nuts!

For our walks we usually go up to The Wishing Tree and look at fish and parrots. I like the fish but those birds make the most awful noises! When they are quiet I love to look at them and watch them move but when they start squawkin' I nearly jump out of my stroller!

Last week I had a close encounter with a dog. I actually love dogs. I have a little blue puppy that I sleep with, a big St. Bernard that I give all my hugs to and a little St. Bernard that I love to carry around with me. Whenever I see a dog outside I reach for it and grunt like I want to go see it. Well, there happened to be a nice yellow lab running about with his owner and mom decided to push me close so I could see it better. Wouldn't you know it that dog came right up and licked my face! Now I said I liked dogs but that was a little too close. Immediately I started crying and mom had to pick me up. But then we knelt down together and pet the dog and I felt a little better. Mom was afraid that I might be scared of dogs now but a few minutes later we saw another one and I was reaching and yelling for it again. Dad says when I get bigger we can get a real St. Bernard! I can't wait!