While my  dark roast is dripping, I took a walk out to the road to get the morning paper.  Thick frost covering everything is evidence of an overnight low in the deep 20’s.  The air is crisp and clean.  Sage, juniper and tall grasses sparkle and bow with a  covering of this airborne ice.

Deck boards are covered with a sparkling and treacherous coating.  It’s time to be wary of where and how you step.  

The slanting light gives texture to everything.  Barely visible wisps of smoke point the way to warmth and waiting coffee.

No doubt about it – officially still a month away, winter’s ambassadors have already arrived.