Midwestern Snow, Dec. 27

Saturday Sun, Before the Rain

A virtual filmstrip, if you will, of our sunny morning and early afternoon, a brief respite from the spate of rain we are gratefully receiving.

First, my kingdom for a tall building, so as to have photographic access to the INCREDIBLE mountainscape that lay before our eyes this morning. This is about a once-in-a-decade sight. All of the mountains to the north of us were blanketed in brilliant white. We're usually breathtaken at the taller peaks covered in snow. But this -- this was amazing. Sadly, I could not get high enough to take a representative shot...at least not without driving for miles. Click on this photo, and you'll have a taste, at least.

Second, the new railroad fixtures at renovated crossing. I have always been in love with railroads and their accompanying features. I think they speak to the wanderer in my soul -- of possibility, of potential, of progress.

Third, poles and the coming clouds that are currently watering our urban hamlet.

Fourth, dear friends' son, baby CB, is learning how to suck his thumb. Prodigy! (Be sure to note the Michelin-baby wrist.)

Fifth, attitude development, at 12 weeks, no less!

Sixth, baby CB finally naps.

Seventh, incredible tree in incredible sun, downtown Orange, post-brunch.

Eighth, my favorite potato bush and go-to photo subject, up against the garage.

Ninth, guava tree in backyard. The word that comes to mind every time I behold this specimen is "pregnant." We've been bingeing on the guavas this month.

Tenth, the blood oranges are ripening, the blood oranges are ripening! I can hardly contain my excitement. We have about 15 fruits on our little tiny whiskey-barrel tree. The sad part is that I have about 15 different recipes I want to try with them, so that's probably not enough fruit. I guess I'll have to be choosy.