My little hometown is going to be invaded by mutant snow people. They're everywhere. The snow we had the other day -- the great big huge enormous snowfall of November, 2003 -- has long since melted away, but the snow people live on.

In my neighborhood alone, there are least nine of them, sitting in semi-formed clumps in various yards. They look innocent enough, but I'm certain they're just trying to lure the people of this fine town into complacency so they can attack us when our guard is down. They're going to break into our houses late some night -- you'd think they'd melt once they come inside, but I firmly believe they cannot or they would have done it by now -- and shove snow into our mouths until we drown.

Then they'll assume our identities and become a lobbying group called Snow People for the Ethical Treatment of Snow, or SPETS for short. They'll lobby against snow plows, snow shovels, and other related equipment. They'll get kids on their side by declaring every day a snow day, and will buy various elected officials, who will draft pro-snow bills calling for federally funded snow preservation programs. They'll go on talk shows and debate the issues. They'll fund scientists who will work to create another ice age. Before long, the Caribbean will look like the frozen tundras of the north. Sun worshipers will be forced to run snow-making machines. Snow cones will become the number one selling product. Anyone sporting a tan will be shot on sight. Anyone caught writing their names in the snow with only the tools God gave 'em will have said tools removed immediately. Spiffy skier Picabo Street will be held at ski pole point until she agrees to be the SPETS spokesperson. "Let It Snow" and "Winter Wonderland" will be played all day, every day on the radio. Skis will be mandatory for all individuals.

The only pluses will be an end to global warming, and skin cancer caused by too much sun will be a thing of the past.

So we have that to look forward to. Should be fun. Cold, but fun.

In other news, I have finally put away the Halloween decorations... all 12 million boxes of them. I even pulled out the animated santa collection, which means, of course, I have yet another set of boxes sitting in the living room. But at least they're different boxes filled with different things. And having them filled with Christmas-related items makes things seem more festive. The photo at right is of Tango the Wonder Kitty sitting next to a few of my santas. Click on him to see my collection from last year.

I'm off to go eat some festive pumpkin pie while I await the arrival of the mutant snow people. Maybe I should find where I put my gloves, and get out the heavy jacket. It's going to be cold, you know. Very, very cold.