Nature Note:Back To Cold

After a mild Christmas,the New Year is coming in like a snow leopard.Indeed,a snow squall blew in from the mountains,and there is snow in the forecast for January 2.Wind is the headline of the day as gales from the north firmly take control.Leaves are hurled about with great velocity.I got some raking done before the gales arrived,watching a dramatic sunrise develop.As the sun emerged,gray clouds streamed down,trying to obscure it.In the end,though,it dawned clearly,cheering those buffeted by the northern big cat.