An Unexpected, Freezing Early March Walk around the Block

Today, I went to take Yoshi out around noon for his midday potty break. In cold weather, he is usually very efficient and doesn't like to linger. Hence, I went outside wearing a hoodie, t-shirt and no socks. I did have on pants and shoes but my ankles were exposed. He must be mentally ready to put Winter behind him because, the minute we got outside, he was on a mission and he was going for a walk. I had his leash with me so, after it became obvious he intended to go for a walk, I snapped it on his collar. And, even though he shivered, he happily walked along smelling everything whilst I froze. I didn't have the heart to stop his fun. He even indicated, by standing immobile @ the corner of Valentine and Pennsylvania, that he fully intended to go on what my son and I call the "Washington Route" which is usually reserved for the best weather days. The thing about being a 10 lb Chihuahua though is that I can pick him up and place him in the direction "we're" going. I guess he's as tired of Winter and being stuck inside as the rest of us. I heard a lot of little birds today too on that walk. Maybe, they have calendars in their trees and they know it's March 1st because they were singing. In fact, even though my hands and ankles were very cold, I felt encouraged by the pretty songs of random birds and my shivering but happily energetic Chihuahua. Spring is in their hearts. I also saw either a Downy or Hairy Woodpecker up in a tree today and I could hear him or her drilling their beak into a branch and not getting a concussion. I will have to do some research as to whether here in Kansas City, it would be more likely to be a Downy Woodpecker or a Hairy Woodpecker.