Today I saw a hot dog vendor selling in front of St Vinnie's. This is the second time I've ever seen an actual hot dog vendor in town. He had an awfully professional getup, so I wonder if he always sells in that area of town, and I just don't ever see him/it?

Despite a parking lot half-full of cars, I am confident when I say that I was the only person outside at Olbrich. It was 29 degrees out, and I did not go into the greenhouse/conservatory. I gingerly walked along the half-cleared paths. And took photos, all of which had over a foot of pristine snow in the background.

The garden grounds were covered with this immaculate snow, sliced along the pathways. (I should note: the paths were only half-cleared in that they had snow crunched down rendering them slippery, and ice on them in spots. The edging was beautiful.) Except for in some random spots when there would be a phantom set of footprints - only one, and in one direction - connecting a cluster of bushes and the path. It puzzled me more than it probably should. It still is.

I went to the Craftacular at High Noon and I knew it was a bad sign when I could park in the tiny lot. It's not that the wares were bad, it's just that they were all Valentine-themed, and there's only so many hearts and cupids I can stomach, no matter how ironically rendered. Also, I don't quite feel like buying repeat items - many of the vendors show up repeatedly, with very similar products. That said, there was one vendor with exceptionally awesome totes and I am kicking myself for not picking up a business card so that I can purchase one when I feel more flush with money. Alas.

I am still undecided as to whom I want as my Democratic candidate, but Obama's coming to town and I think I will go hear him speak. Clinton, however, seems to be passing by Madison so far. (Not surprising, however - a cursory search for information shows no Clinton events, even supporters-only, planned within an hour of here.) The only thing that I am completely set on is a desire for Huckabee to not be the Republican candidate. Do you think that McCain campaign would appreciate my willingness to campaign for him - but only to beat his fellow Republican? Twisted, I know.

It is February tenth. I think today is as good a day as any to start my Resolutions. I cannot bear to start them on January first, nor have I usually figured out what mine may be then.