Today's tale: Day 1: Today sings a different tune: No union of broom and snow. Brightly, the Andon lanterns glow. Toddlers trot sandal-less on snow. It is still cold - Winter's last whispers usually leave last in the air. Under the vermillion gate, I see her, a wild creature draped in a wisteria kimono. Foxy girl, foxy eyes, fox tail swishing.

"Hello, little thing, what brings you here in this freezing weather?" I ask.

Silver-tongued, she replies, "I seek warmth, dear maiden. Tails of mine, they tremble in the cold."