I am using this photo (taken in the summer) because this is exactly what our shoreline looked like this week, as we had 1-2 days of 50+ degrees and smooth waters on the lake. One of my friends mused that it seems as though our worse months of winter (cold and snow) have settled into January and February in the last few years--a change from former snowy Novembers and Decembers. Despite the non-lake effect weather, we continue to celebrate Advent and see Christmas erupting all around us. The amount of house decorations is greater than ever. Up and down the residential side streets we see roof lines outlined in lights, blown up Santas, deer and all sorts of characters on lawns, and, of course, the traditional decorated trees and nativity scenes. 

Our own inner courtyard's line of azalea bushes have grown large enough and strong enough to hold Christmas lights, too. Finally, in the Christmas spirit many of us are attending local holiday concerts. Manheim Steamroller was in town last week, the Philharmonic orchestra has special Christmas performances, as did the North East choral club this weekend.