Two burly days, heaved with heat, came out of nowhere and broke the back of winter. From knee-deep to bare ground over a handful of following days, the landscape collapsed in a time lapse of melting snow.

It’s just beginning to lighten into a cloud-covered, gently snowing day. I’m watching a small bunch of deer playfully skitter

The shadows of pines notched the edge of the meadow; the expanse of snow, like a bowl in its middle, was creamy-white in the moonlight.

It’s true. January might be my favorite month (ah, yes, until October comes…)