As a few snowflakes fell on ice-glazed branches, friends walked the path leading to the warmth of Gene and Marianne Allen’s house for one main reason – sweaters.

The small group had come to honor their dear friend, Marge Wirth, by celebrating her love of sweaters and choosing a few they would wear in remembrance of her.

Arranged in rows and covering the entire dining room table, in every color and weave, were the sweaters, waiting to be admired.

Among the ooohs and aaaahs, Marianne Allen urged her friends to try on their favorites.

“These are so warm,” she said, while unfurling a gray mohair cardigan. “No wonder Margie never wore a winter coat.”

Everyone recalled how Wirth wore a different Christmas sweater every day, starting just after Thanksgiving, while she taught English at Northwestern.

Seeing them gathered together filled the retired teachers with nostalgia befitting the season. In their newly selected finery, the friends enjoyed holiday snacks surrounded by collections of holiday ornaments, Santa Claus ornaments and miniature houses.

The friends likened the experience to shopping at Hess’s Bargain Basement of years past, but with one exception - the addition of tender affection.