On his Facebook wall, SR buddy Jesse Tinsey writes: "Salmon and baby back ribs on my smoker. The calendar says winter but the grill says 'spring.'" During my noon waterfront walk today, I saw most of the benches overlooking City Beach filled with sun worshippers, including a kissing couple. Also, I saw a number of older couples walking hand-in-hand. Altogether a brilliant day to be outside.

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Huckleberries numbers (for Thursday, Feb. 14): 7430 page-views/4228 unique views

Question: When do you plan to stage your first barbecue this winter, er, spring, er whatever it is?