"Do I have ice crystals in front of my eyes?"

Yes, Bethany did indeed have baby icicles in front of her eyes as we wandered the streets of Bemidji in frigid temps today.

Today, as yesterday, we tried to cover our eyes with sunglasses, even though our mouths and noses were covered with warmers that were meant for ears and necks, and which fogged up the sunglasses.

"I can’t see you."

Bethany gave it a shot, but eventually scrapped the sunglasses plan. I kept going for about half the walk, until the cold no longer felt like icicles of air hitting my forehead.

By the time we got back to my apartment, we were much warmer. Bethany had taken off her gloves, and both of us had uncovered our faces. But Bethany still couldn’t see very well.

"My eyeballs even seem foggy."

I wondered if part of that was because the lighting in my entry is really weak, compared to the blinding sun. Not that I’m complaining. We had so many cloudy days in the fall, and the worst is a cloudy day in winter. At least when the sun is out, things are pretty.
 

Here it is Bethany’s turn (you can see in the background we’re not the only ones who ventured outside on foot today) to create something in the snow:

The Trail mix mark!

We tried to come up with good things about winter today. The main thing we came up with was Christmas. After that, the attributes dropped quickly, although we admitted that it’s pretty to see big fluffy snowflakes falling. And I said I could understand the attraction for those who like to go sledding, snowmobiling and skiing, but that I would be happier in a winter community that was all indoors.

This to me is just wrong: happy little children swinging in the dead of winter with a wreath and a snowman in the background. They should at least have coats on.

This summer swinging craziness seems to be popular. Here’s another one.

Here’s a sort-of puzzler we had while walking … we both looked down the street at this image at the cross street and I said t looked like Peter Cottontail. Bethany agreed. I also thought what was under the "ears" looked like a pumpkin-themed leaf bag. But then we got closer:

We were a bit off. But you can see how two lawn umbrellas could look like bunny ears, can’t you???

OK, although I have some more interesting photos, I’m going to force myself to stop.

Today’s puzzler is …

Yesterday’s mystery photo was from the Country Store at Cenex in downtown Bemidji.

Have a great Wednesday. It will be one week until Christmas Eve!

– Laurie