Sunrise

This morning I took the dogs for a walk and one of the most beautiful sunrises I have seen awaited. This is one time that the picture fell far short of reality. Part of it is that the camera can only capture so much of the sky, so you don't see the dark blue fading to light blue then to the oranges and yellows of the new day. Also, Mt. Rainer cast a shadow into the clouds, which I have never seen before. It was nice enough to call my neighbor who also takes pictures and we'll have to see who took the best. Here are a couple that I took. They are mostly the same thing, but I was very blessed. How can you not feel exhilarated and ready to go to work after the Lord puts on such a show?

After about 15 minutes, the glory was gone, but you can still see the looming shadow.

Reindeer, plants, and cold weather...

It was another cold dry weekend, so I checked up on our winter garden. Not much had changed, but the slow motion growing is happening. Still no sign of life from the carrots, but I believe. Someday, someday soon, there will be a leafy surprise breaching the surface of the dirt.

On to more exciting news, Donder and Blitzen have taken a week off (or are on strike for higher wages) and happened to be at the local Watsons Greenhouse. We heard the news, so we trotted along there as well. Lucy didn't know what to think, but after getting a candy cane was happy to be there. Blitzen came over to say hello, hoping we had some raisins, and after ascertaining there were no raisins to be had and formalities concluded, went to the back of the stall to think things over. Donder was having a long discussion with a soccer ball and wasn't to be disturbed. All in all it was lots of fun. Then, as we were already there, we bought a few more houseplants.

Helen (7 months) in front and Lucy (20 months) behind her. Lots of fun!

Donder

Blitzen

Lucy is picking out which poinsettia we should get

Another Calathea

The variegated tops of the leaves contrast well with the dark purple undersides

Just one more of Lucy

"never forget to look under the leaves for signs of plant disease"