Yesterday morning, I decided to go for an outdoor run, instead of using the indoor track at the health club. I put on some running sweats and just one extra sweatshirt, and I ran about three miles comfortably.

When I got home, I cleaned up the yard a bit, bagging some random leaves and twigs. I handwashed my car outside and swept the garage while the car dried in the afternoon sun.

Did I mention I live in Chicago?

This winter has been extremely mild so far. I shoveled snow only twice. I haven’t even had to salt my sidewalk at all. Granted, it is only Feb. 1 today, but at this point last year, Chicagoans were pounded by several feet of snow and many days of sub-zero temperatures. Things might get messy in February (and even March), but Chicagoans can smell spring right around the corner.

At least most Chicagoans can.

I was catching up with old friends at the local sports memorabilia store when a regular customer entered wearing a hoodie. He complained about how cold it was. I felt the need to point out that it was January and he was only wearing a hooded sweatshirt, but decided the logic would be lost on him anyway.

I know the good can end any day with snow and sub-zero temperatures, but I am enjoying it as much as I can while it lasts.

— John Wroblewski, distribution specialist