I began to write that something resembling "real" winter is here, but before going on I thought I'd better look to see what might be predicted for February. (On the other hand, I'm typing this on Friday morning, 1/29, and it's supposed to go down to near zero tonight, first time I think that's happened this winter.) At least two meteorology sources suggest that it'll be right back to the mid- or even upper-30s in the next few days.  And goodness knows we usually have a lot more snow than this on the ground.

I'm grateful for the snow, but also for the moments or even days of blue sky and sunshine coming in through the office windows, and I'm counting the days until I can finally meet more of you in person.

Amanda Mangiardi has done beautiful work - as usual - putting together this month's Beacon, bright with the colors of Valentine's Day and, perhaps, already anticipating spring.