A walk around the neighborhood or forest will confirm winter is here. Of course there are the recent thermometer readings and the shorter days.

Other signs are the thicker coats on animals which by choice or situation must remain exposed to the elements. Some, like the native reptiles and amphibians, are absent from sight having retreated to a safe location to “sleep” the winter away.

Rudolph is polishing his nose and checking the intensity just in in case fog rolls in. Santa Rosa County’s children are ticking off the minutes and are, basic inclinations notwithstanding, on their very best behavior.

Last minute Christmas bargains are being hurled at prospective buyers through every conceivable mass media channel.

Winter officially starts in Santa Rosa County Monday, Dec. 21. The shorter days and lower temperatures are the most obvious traits of this annual cycle.

The local birds and animals are aware of the difference more keenly than the human residents, mostly because of the reduced volume of available food.

It is correct to say the shorter days are the impetus for the leaf loss on most hardwood trees, but the subfreezing temperature and gusty winds in the weeks to come will finish off any foliage stragglers.

Sweet gums, maples, dogwoods, and many others are starkly exposed to the elements.