Winter textures

In case the second image puzzles anyone—it is minnows underwater. The next question is where. It was taken today in the same Eramosa River where I photographed the ice crystals in the first image. The minnows swarm in a short, wide ditch bearing relatively warm effluent from the storm sewers. It's an awesome manifestation of nature's fecundity even under the crust of winter. I've heard that marine habitat under polar ice shelves is one of the most productive and diverse on earth.

After a few dull days of frozen bare ground when snow seemed always imminent, it finally came yesterday afternoon, suddenly as a belch from heaven, about 8 cm (4") in four hours. This afternoon the sky was blinding blue.

Photographic sweets

manhattan posted this link in her journal, but many of my other friends will find it interesting.

Christopher Burkett: photography gallery

And here's info about Burkett.

This is the photographic equivalent of Christmas candy, nature at its almost unbelievable loveliest. If I look at it too long, I think my eyes will rot.

Shortbread

They say its taste improves after sitting around for two weeks. I wouldn't know, even though I make shortbread every year. These will be lucky to last three days. I might have to make another batch.