It's Winter.        Wow.   Cold in Stockton, nights in low 20s.   Highs in mid 40s.     We are not used to this.     Deck and steps were blanketed with diamond glaze of frost that glittered in the sunlight this a.m.      I do not go down those stairs until it's melted, and even then I creep down carefully, hanging on to the railings just in case.      Dogs, once they understand they have to go down, just make a dash for it and are soon right back up again looking for a warm blanket to snuggle in.        

I check the snow at Timber Trails.       So glad to enjoy it online with web cam.    I'm not the least interested in being there this time of year, although it's very beautiful.       Reminds me of  a time about 15 years ago when little Candis and I made a trip up to see the  snow.   We stopped and bought a big gallon jug of hot spiced cider and she hugged it while we rode along and then as soon as we were back to the car after tromping around in the snow a bit, she again used it as a hot water bottle.      We didn't open it until we got home to share it with the family. Can't you just smell the cinnamon?

We replaced the furnace in the house this year.    Just in time for this cold snap.      It sure feels good to have an improved heating system when it get's this time of year.           Hope you are warm and cozy in your own homes.