Early Stirrings

So I woke up this morning, made my probiotic grapefruit-lemon-ginger juice, started the dishwasher and put a sweater on to let the little furry man out for his morning pee.
I got to the bottom of the stairs, braced myself for the hated cold stone tiles, and opened the door for him. Standing in the doorway, balanced on one foot for warmth I looked out on the still-frozen world.
On the bare branches of a bush, right in front of me, a tiny bright European robin appeared; like a foreign ambassador sent to deliver a message. He cocked his head to the side and looked right at me, hopped to another branch and did the same. His actions were almost clownish, but there was a deep seriousness in that eye he turned upon me.
The European robin is not as big as our American variety, and not quite as brightly colored. He was dressed in a more subtle old-world style. He is about the size of a sparrow, with a rusty colored breast, a touch of blue just under the wings, and a bright and piercing eye.
Even though Sumo was snuffing all around, the little bird didn't show any fear. He just continued to look quite pointedly at me as I stood shivering in the doorway. A slow smile crept upon me as I stood there watching him.
Sumo finished his business and noisily bustled inside, clattering up the steps. I stood there a moment longer with that smile on my face. I thanked him, turned to close the door and he flitted off.