We got that early snow and nasty cold -- the kind that can make the commute more of a chore than a joy. You know, the days where it seems it takes you longer to bundle up than to ride. That is, until you've been riding for 20 minutes and realize that the grease in your hubs is trying to solidify and your commute is going to be long. It is dark because these days it is dark both ways. Blah...no fun...the industrial park/stadium outflow parking/canal scrubland you ride through to avoid traffic feels particularly cold and menacing. And then....

A bird swoops down in front of me. White as white can be....owl shaped? I'm too far south and too urban for a snowy owl? Can't be. Cold must be getting to me. Next day, the bird is back. Yep, definitely white. Definitely owl shaped, but I only see glimpses.

Later that night, I read the news article...yep, snowy owls have moved into the area. Never would have seen it if I had driven a car. Gotta love even the "ugly" winter commutes.