Just tottered down the block to the corner donut shop for a chocolate croissant. In line just ahead of me was a large black woman wearing a bright green vest with "S.F. Parks and Recreation Department" stencilled upon it (Golden Gate Park is two blocks from here), happily crooning — not over-loud, but definitely not to herself — "Walking in a Winter Wonderland." (I mention her race because it was evident from her lovely singing voice that she was not unfamiliar with the Gospel music tradition; indeed, I would bet money I haven't got that she was a member of her church's choir.)
Interrupting her carol, she turned to me with a grin.
"Greetings and salutations, my friend!"
"And to you likewise," I replied.
A few minutes later, her business at the counter successfully concluded, she gave me a wink and took up her song again.
Later on, we'll conspire
As we dream by the fire...
This time I interrupted her. "You know, we used to sing it "Later on, we'll perspire / As we dream by the fire."
She gave a laugh worthy of Mrs. Claus and nodded.
"Yeah, perspiration surely happens there too. Merry Christmas to you!" — and she was out the door, still singing.