Recently deployed 'Grit' hoppers are a sure sign of winter. in my corner of the world. They contain grit, or rock salt mixed with fine sand, and serve as filling-stations for the gritters making the roads - and, sometimes, the pavements - safer when frost, snow, and ice reign.
NEX-5N Monochrome, Voigtländer Skopar 25mm f/4 S. By the way, this humble lens is a hidden gem.