Winter Break

We’ve had a very mild winter by Chicago standards. In years past it felt like we went weeks without seeing a blue sky or a double digit temperature. But each year, Mother Nature gives us a winter break. A sneak-preview of the warmer and brighter days. Yesterday, February 1st, was a tropical 50 degrees. Practically shorts weather! There’s an unwritten agreement amongst Chicago residents that on days like yesterday you get your butt outside because it might not be that warm again until June.

Of course, we chose to spend our afternoon at Montrose Dog Beach. The place was packed like it was a mid-summer day

Penny wasted little time making the most of the warm weather

Normally, the shore is frozen and buried at this time of year. Penny and her Golden pals enjoyed splashing through the shallows

But even the Goldens thought Penny was crazy for charging out into the deep water for a swim

The sun supercharged Eko. He and Penny wrestled and romped themselves silly

I love panting-smiles. They’re a summertime staple, but I never see them in the winter. Yesterday was a happy exception.

We’re still hoping for one good snowstorm, but we thoroughly enjoyed our taste of spring

It seems Mother Nature beat her groundhog to the punch. Swimming in Lake Michigan on February 1st? Our bet is on an early spring.