This is going to be another beautifully clear night here at the pond. I just looked out my kitchen window and saw the moon - couldn't resist sharing with you.

Then, because they are so pretty (and fragrant), I took a picture of the paper whites a friend gave to me at Thanksgiving. I didn't get around to pot them for a week or so, but they have been blooming in my kitchen for at least two weeks. Before the buds actually popped open, I was smelling something very familiar whenever I was working at the sink, but with the snow blowing and wind whistling around the corners of the house, the spring fragrance simply didn't register right away. I was delighted when I finally discovered the first small buds and I've been enjoying both their distinctive smell and beauty. I may not get my January thaw right away, but every day in my kitchen it's spring!