THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS . . . . FRIGHTFUL? I DON'T THINK SO!
Iknow it's January, and I know this is New England, but someone forgot to tell Mother Nature! The weather outside is reminiscent of a cool fall day instead of a frigid winter nor'easter. As a southern girl, I'm not complaining. As a mother, I'm ecstatic. Warmer weather means Holbrook can be outside, running off that excess energy, getting tired so he will sleep like a hibernating bear. Okay, realistically I would settle for his visiting the sandman like a semi-conscious teenager, but even his older brother wins the prize in that race. Right now I'd just like him to visit slumber town for a continuous eight hour vacation.

Because the calendar says it's winter, we benefit from a decrease in ticks. While the ticks are still out there looking for a good meal, the fact that we are covered with more clothing than in the summer and the weather is colder means the ticks are not as quick to the buffet. Take advantage of their lethargy and take your child on some walks that you would normally shy away from because of the hour of tick removal that would follow.

A good walk for toddlers, or mothers with children who enjoy baby carriers, is to Altar Rock. Prepare a picnic that will fit in a backpack, and don't forget the water. Winter may be warmer than usual, but the air is still very dry.

Take Polpis Road past the University of Massachusetts Field Station on your left. About 50 yards past this is an unmarked right turnoff to Altar Rock, and there are two grassy areas to park. This is an unpaved walk and the path is usually filled with potholes and ruts that make a stroller more an albatross than an asset. The majority of the sand is hardpacked, but there are many areas of soft sand that make stroller pushing an Olympic sport.

The path is a little less than a mile, so take it slow and pace yourself with your toddler. There are many things to see along the way, and if you are lucky you might come across some sun bleached deer bones. If you go after a wet day you can see deer prints and of course a multitude of dog prints. Once you get to Altar Rock your toddler will be able to see Nantucket Harbor and hear the ocean. Spread out your picnic and enjoy the pristine solitude that makes winter on the island a thing of beauty. By the time you get back to your car your toddler should be ready to fall asleep for a long winter's nap. The only caveat is to avoid this trip if it is a very windy day. The wind whips at Altar Rock, and the temperature can be five degrees colder than on the road. There's nothing like getting to the top of Altar Rock with a screaming belligerent child, knowing that you still have the walk back.

Another beautiful moors walk is near the new VFW building. Drive down Milestone Road and turn right onto New South Road. Go to the end of the road, past the VFW building, and park. Once again you should pack a small picnic since, as any mother knows, a hungry child is a force to be reckoned with, along the lines of an angry pack of killer bees. Walks in the moors are beautiful and quiet; well, as quiet as a toddler will let it be. You will see deer prints and dog prints, flora that you don't see in your yard, and nature you forgot calls this island home. Once again, windy days are not moor walking days because the wind uses the moors as an uninhibited freeway of speed.

If your toddler likes to draw, bring some paper and colored pencils. Sketch a deer print, or the colors of the scrub. Lie on the ground and watch the clouds drift by, getting the perspective of those rascally rabbits. Draw the shapes you see. Keep a sketchbook for your child of the different trips you take and the drawings you each make.

Make the most of this winter warm-up while you can. I don't mean to be a pessimist, but I'm sure Mother Nature still has a few tricks up her sleeve. I'm looking forward to February with trepidation, keeping those layers of clothes, hats, scarves and mittens ready. I'm also searching for indoor games that tire out a toddler

without tearing up my house. I