Could be. We are almost a week into the shortest month, after which comes March, the month of transition, so it is possible that tonight's below zero temperature will be the last we'll see for a good long time.

Today we made a two-bird batch of chicken barley soup (with dumplings) , one for the returned Arizonans, and one to take with us tomorrow. Then we took Buddy home to his peripatetic family, where he was welcomed warmly.

I do believe Pax liked having Buddy here, but is also glad to be back as the sole focus of attention and sole recipeint of treats.