unseasonably warm

This winter in Kansas has been unseasonably warm, or so they tell me, as I have nothing to compare it to.  At first, I was frustrated by the lack of snow and the (in my mind) disturbingly warm December temps.  I wanted cold. I wanted Christmas. I wanted what I know.  But as this "winter" has stretched out, I have taken on a new outlook.  I'm happy to have had this nice weather and must try not to take it for granted.  It has certainly provided for many lovely walks in the different parks around Kansas City, giving me the opportunity to get to know the city better, especially its outdoor spaces. 

These photographs are from December 31st.  If I remember correctly, it was one of the warmest days we've had all winter at about 70 degrees.  I don't want to give you the wrong impression, much of this winter has hovered in the 40s.  This day was especially warm.  That sweater and scarf I'm wearing in one of the pictures? Yeah those came off shortly after that photo was taken.  This was definitely a t-shirt weather day. 

I love the colors of the landscape in the winter.  They're so monochromatic and calm.  Don't get me wrong - I'm excited for the vibrant hues of spring, but looking at these images fills me with a sense of serenity, of a slower pace of life, when you have time to stop and notice little details like fungus growing on a tree or the way grasses become almost translucent in the sunlight.  Anyway, I wanted to share these pictures with you before spring is upon us in full force and they no longer feel relevant.  I hope you like them as much as I do.