We're talking seriously cold feet. An enormous crowd turned out for the annual Polar Bear Plunge at Easton's Beach on New Year's morning. This was the biggest crowd in memory. Or in my memory, anyway. Never mind that there was snow on the ground; I suspect that increased the appeal. Never mind that the water was 38 degrees; air temperatures were balmy in comparison. Flocks of all ages and sizes (and bathing suit sizes) were out in full force and very pink skin as they emerged after their dunking. And, with parking lots jammed, traffic was blocked from coming down Memorial Boulevard. We (Mr. Betty and I) ran into a few friends, and waved to a few others, while standing in the middle of the street. It's astounding (and astoundingly obvious) — the change without traffic. The only other time that happens — that traffic is halted on the boulevard, if memory serves — is for the Boy Scouts' Soap Box Derby in mid-summer, or early fall, or whenever that takes place ... somebody help me (please!). In any case, the only way to get to First Beach on Saturday morning was on two feet ...
