This week brought frost and the tiniest bit of snow to Puget Sound. I love the textures and patterns of frost, almost more than I love snow. Thanks to a Christmas present from Andy, I can now keep my feet warm in style by wearing wool socks with birkenstocks, the epitome Pacific Northwest fashion. We spent most of the week on Whidbey Island, and instead of our usual beach walks, this time we went for several "frost walks" where we poked about in the woods taking photos of the frost until we were thoroughly frozen. Then it was back to the cabin to warm up by the wood burning stove! Whidbey is the most wonderful place to ring in the New Year. I vastly prefer the calm, peaceful beauty to the crowds and noise typical to a New Years celebration.