Lots of snow fell, but now it begins to quickly melt. The last half of winter is tough on snow as the stronger sun heats the hard surfaces.

And all the snow fell, lots of shoveling ensued, and the sun came out. People return to a somewhat limited existence. Icicles begin forming, snow slumps on roof edges, and it feels like winter is really here. Next up? SPRING!

Big change in about 12-15 hours! And still snowing.

Here’s the view just as snow was starting for Snowzilla Storm. Looks pleasant enough and reasonably calm.

Another gray dreary evening walking the dog. The path is quiet, everything is asleep for the season. Not even the sounds of kids, since the pool is closed. Happier days are ahead, but this cold darker winter is needed before spring can erupt and life return. I’ll take it for now and try to see it as a more restful season for myself too.

The beginnings of an ice sheet on the pond in the development. I think this usually happens around Nov or Dec, but is just starting now. It’s shallow enough that it doesn’t take long to ice over as long as the temps stay low.

Taking Cody on his afternoon walk and noticed that what us the hottest time of day in July is nearly sunset in January. The short days are hard to adjust to, so it’s important for me to get out and do something in the daylight when it is sunny.

Winter has begun to arrive with a color a raw day outside. This is what January should look like.

The early daffodils have been fooled by the warm weather this month and have started poking through the earth…look closely. While they are a very welcome sign of spring to me, they are up way too early to mean anything other than adjusting to winter will require quick change in mindset! A warmer than ever before December is leading to a normal cold January. But alas, when else will I see signs of spring on the last day of the year? While the flowers are disturbing, I sure have enjoyed the warmer weather to date!

. Starting my Photo365 in 2016 quest Here is a view from Weverton Cliffs on the AT in Maryland from autumn. Not really a photo from today.