This is a picture of the family last weekend at our home in Massachusetts. Yep, beach weather. Didn't use to have beachfront, but with all this warm weather, well, this was our lawn and forest last October. [Go property values.] Was it some quirk of nature? No way. In case you haven't noticed, since we've been advising Winter, things have gotten a lot better. This may go down as the warmest winter in recorded history… thanks to our ongoing counsel to the Old Man. We may go down as the greatest agency in history.

Actually, it validates the role of agencies everywhere. Good ones can be agents for positive change.

Of course, we may have gone too far. Some bees showed up last weekend. I heard that some cherry trees in DC are in blossom. Snow fell for the first time today in New York City… the latest date that's ever happened since about the day somebody bought the place for some pop beads. I overheard some folks in the grocery store this weekend complaining about how unnerving it all was. There's no pleasing some people.

Dogs are getting stuck to fire hydrants.

When your family is snowed in, help your kids find shelter from the storm in a snow cave. To make the winter hideaway, all you need is snow, snow and even more snow.

First, shovel snow into one big pile and pack it down by stepping, jumping or even rolling over it (this is fun). If it is very cold and the snow does not pack well, leave the pile for a day to harden.

Once a solid, a round pile has been made a little wider than it is tall, dig a doorway at ground level. Continue tunneling through the entryway into the pile, shoveling the snow onto the top of the cave and packing it down. When the space is big enough for you or your child to crawl inside, use a smaller shovel to dig snow out of the center, all the way down to the ground. Stop digging when the cave feels big enough; the walls must be at least a foot thick.

Set up camp by covering the floor with a straw mat or an old blanket. The kids can poke air holes in the ceiling or dig out windows from the walls. Outside, they might build snow furniture and set a bandanna flag on the cave top. If properly made, the structure will be sturdy, but it's always good idea to keep an eye on your cave kids.

Now, you're ready for a snow fight - HAVE FUN!

You need defrosters - just to have a good cry.

We had to chop up the piano for firewood…but we only got two chords.

As the chill and darkness of winter descend, many of us turn to food for warmth and comfort. (Yea you! I can see you sneaking to the fridge for another piece of grandma’s cheesecake while you’re reading this…)
 
Unfortunately, the foods we favor in winter tend to be more calorically dense than the lighter foods we choose during the warmer months. In addition, deterred by inclement weather, some of us cut back on physical activities and burn fewer calories than when balmier days of summer invite us to spend time outdoors.

All of a sudden it’s the holidays – and guess what? Loosen the belt for more treats and sweets. Replete with the stress of too much to do and high-calorie temptations at every turn - you’ve become so fat that when the family has their picture taken, you’re the background.

However, winter cannot be at fault for this. Blame yourselves people! Self control – ever hear of it. If you don’t have that extra helping of cookies and egg nog it’s not the end of the world.

I say enjoy winter and the treats of the season in moderation. Don’t let them cause your belly to get so big that it jiggles when you brush your teeth – you’ll only undermine your health as well as your psyche.

Hitchhikers are holding up pictures of thumbs.

Tell me you don't want to be right here in this picture right now, arm in arm, with someone who loves you and that you love back madly. This is a Tolstoy-grade love scene. This is, "Oh my gawd, I hope I haven't lost that diamond. I'm in the moment. I so love this person, this time of year, this scene."

Winter is the most romantic season. Don't deny it. You have to hug just to stay warm. Quilts. Comforters. Feety pajamas.

After you walk this walk, you go back to your apartment or home, put a fire in the fireplace, throw on some chestnuts from Europe, mix something wickedly toxic from the alcohol family, insert the Handel disc, and, well… the rest of the story is up to you.

You owe it all to Winter. It blows into town the 22nd. Welcome it. [Welcome the September babies, too?]

Love Winter. Winter loves you!