Well That Was Depressing...
I can't believe I have to rewrite my opening. Meanwhile, here are some photos of the weather we've been having:
The view from work, last week:

Walking to the train station the next morning:


At the train station:



Trees at the train station:




A couple of days later I was on this street:

And I saw some late geese!:


As well as a frozen magnolia:
The view from work, last week:

Walking to the train station the next morning:


At the train station:



Trees at the train station:




A couple of days later I was on this street:

And I saw some late geese!:


As well as a frozen magnolia:

Comments
And your opening ... well, I thought the way it was, was great. But you never know - a re-write may make it even better! Good luck.