New York City, December 20, 2015

★★★ Finally it was possible, if not strictly necessary, to try out the new parka. The sun was strong enough to feel warm where it landed, though the cold nipped through the socks over the top of the low sneakers. The bustling on the sidewalks and shops was energetic, not desperate. People were still bareheaded, coats not all zipped. The parka didn’t need zipping. The groceries could be toted in ungloved hands.