Yes, even the moon looks cold at -28'.  It's not fit for man or beast.  Enough said.

The last peony in the garden -- it was hiding on the back side of the peony "hedge" -- it was about 8" across and beginning to fade -- the scent was at it's peak.

I'm starting with my 15 favorite pictures of 2009.  Need batteries for the camera ... go figure!  This was taken Memorial Day Weekend -- the replant after the wind blew and the flying sand cut off the corn.  Sometimes I really don't notice just how close town has become.  Once we get behind the grove we are in the suburbs -- although this time of year the watertower becomes a nightlight.