Winter

 "He who marvels at the beauty of the world in summer will find equal cause for wonder and admiration in winter  . . . . In winter the stars seem to have rekindled their fires, the moon achieves a fuller triumph, and the heavens wear a look of a more exalted simplicity."  John Burroughs

I know we are not in winter in the northern hemisphere according to the calendar, but as I look out the window, it seems winter to me.  We have already had record-setting snow levels in October and unusual cold this December.  That means slick roads, snow to shovel and plow, warm clothing to find and put on --- it also means exquisite stars at night.  The cold, crisp air allows the stars to seem almost within reach.  The snow on the trees during the day sparkles like gems.  So, the good and the bad of winter; just as in everything.