I took my first walk of 2014 that was not a head-down-against-the-chill/cold trek from car to store or store to car. I wore a sweatshirt and an earwarmer and was comfortable. When I came back inside I immediately had to take my sweatshirt off and had some sweat in my hair. The sky was a brilliant blue and I passed a couple of people walking dogs – both dogs had their noses to the ground continuously. I think they had forgotten that the earth and smells were still there.

After I passed one house, I heard a rustling behind me but didn’t think anything about it until seconds later when a dog whacked into the back of my leg and an angry shout of a name rang out. I didn’t look back and just kept walking. Living with my own herder leads me to understand how these things happen.