A small world

Midwinter spring is its own season
Sempiternal though sodden towards sundown,
Suspended in time, between pole and tropic. 

from Little Gidding,  T.S. Eliot

  Camellia Yuletide

Some of the rain and wind hitting the Northwest this week originated in those giant Pacific typhoons.  It's strangely warm for December and the temperature this early morning hour is close to 60.  The weathermen have whipped themselves into a frenzy over a potentially major wind storm Thursday.  It's unclear if the Puget Sound area will be affected, but the Oregon coast is in for a pounding.

Years ago we planted an expensive winter-blooming camellia called Yuletide which didn't live up to the hype.  Most winters it just sits there like a green lump, but this year the thing is covered with flowers. Camellias thrive in the southern states, so they should like our new climate.

The nice thing about camellias is they bloom when few other plants do -- in late fall, winter, or early spring.  The bad thing about camellias is you aren't out in your cold, sopping garden then to appreciate them.  That's why people used to plant them smack up against the front door.  I cut a few for the house and they last a long time in water.

Here's another cheerful winter sight, sent from Amanda.  Nova posing with their beautiful Christmas tree.