Snow white and spring green

The lichen on the oak tree, puffy from the rain, was laced with sparkles.

One of my favorite sounds in the world is the patter of rain on the roof as I fall asleep. A common occurrence for a late winter's evening in the Pacific Northwest, this was happening last night at 11 PM. This morning, though, there was the distinct muffled atmosphere that only a thick snow can bring, quieting the birds and any passing traffic. Snow! A belated valentine from Winter, blown with a frosty kiss towards Spring's mild face. A perfect storm: not serious enough to ice the roads but enough to turn the muddy back yard into a fairyland, if only for a few gorgeous hours.