A confession: For all the chest beating I did last night about the unseasonal weather, you must know I'd be a fool not to rush out and embrace it today. I mean, it's rather pointless to wallow inside as a form of protest when a stretching golden arm of sunlight insinuates itself through the windows and entices you out. I have to be honest--it was glorious today.

I had to run errands today, being Saturday and all, so it was necessary to go out anyway. The day offered a passive breeze and a vibrant blue sky one often sees on a late summer day on the great plains. Lulled by the siren of the balmy weather, the notion of descending underground to the subway's lair was appealing not at all. It was a fine day for walking, even though my errands meant strolling 70 blocks downtown. I took to Broadway and strode forth with studied intent.

I was not the only person who thought this was a fine idea. The further south I went, more people amassed on the wide swath of concrete of Broadway's sidewalks. I walked past Columbia University and Barnard College, past St John the Divine church, past Zabar's and H&H Bagels and Barzini's and Citarella. I lingered at the front of Artie's and looked in the window to see who ordered their famous matzo ball soup. I toyed with buying a pair of skull embossed rain boots at Jubilee. I tried on fur hats at one of the street stands. I went in to nibble the Saturday cheese samples at the Westside Market and bought some Cotswold cheddar with onions and chives. And I hadn't even gotten to my real errands yet. What's the rush?

There was something about the day, with the sun caressing your face like an old friend with it's impetuous rays. The multitudes of humanity strolling the street were visibly rhapsodic over the generosity of the weather muses. The old people sat on their park benches and watched pedestrians pass. The restaurants hastily moved their tables and chairs onto the sidewalk to accommodate al fresco dining. People were in short sleeves and sandals and even shorts. I even saw a Mister Softee truck open for business and doling out AstroPops. It was such a lovely day and me in no hurry to get home till the light of day started to recede.

It's supposed to cool tomorrow to a chilly 50 degrees and, well. that's just fine. Despite the lapse to El Nino's seduction today, I remain committed to what I hope will be our eventual winter. Still, what a pleasant surprise--more than anyone could have expected, but one which was fully appreciated.