winter on the west coast

As I stepped out of the house at 8:15 this morning, this astonishing sight was on the north-north-northwest horizon. About the time it disappeared, the sun appeared above the mountains in the southeast. For more on tonight's amazing full moon, check out Reluctant Nomad.

It was a chilly walk this morning, -2C (28F), but the steeply-angled sunlight on the frost was lovely.

This appeared in my inbox this morning. A little crack by those jealous easterners no doubt after we had our sprinkle of snow a week or two ago (I'd credit it if I knew the source):

Chilled Vancouver commuters faced their second day of winter hell today, as an additional ¼ centimeter of the peculiar white stuff fell, bringing the lower mainland to its knees and causing millions of dollars worth of damage to the marijuana crops. Scientists suspect that the substance is some form of frozen water particles and experts from Saskatchewan are being flown in. With temperatures dipping to the almost but not quite near zero mark,Vancouverites were warned to double insulate their lattes before venturing out. Vancouver police recommended that people stay inside except for emergencies,such as running out of espresso or biscotti to see them through Vancouver's most terrible storm to date. The local Canadian Tire reported that they had completely sold out of fur-lined sandals. Drivers were cautioned to put their convertible tops up, and several have been shocked to learn that their SUVs actually have four wheel drive, although most have no idea how to use it. Weary commuters faced soggy sushi, and the threat of frozen breast implants. Although Dr. John Blathermot, of the Coastal Health Authority reassured everyone that most breast implants were perfectly safe to 25 below, down-filled bras are flying off the shelves at Mountain Equipment Co-op."The government has to do something," snarled an angry Trevor Peaceburton."I didn't pay $540,000 for my one bedroom condo so I could sit around and be treated like someone from Toronto."