Ups and Downs of Minnesota Weather

Let's start with the down.  On Sunday, January 5, 2014, I took this photo.

The photo below is the view from my window during the polar vortex.  Yes, that is ice (and a pirate of the feminine persuasion).

Here's the up.  On Sunday the 12th I took this photo. I didn't use photoshop on any of these photos. Sometimes the truth really is stranger than fiction.

In the interest of full disclosure, the below zero photo is on the north side of the house, which may give it a little cooler reading.  The above zero reading is on the south side of the house, which warms up in the sun. But you get the idea.  It was really cold.  And then we were embarrassed to be seen in our parkas.  This is the craziness of living in Minnesota. 

Hidden Maples

A Minnesota blizzard strands murder suspects in a bed and breakfast. Deputy Sheriff Emmett and Magnolia (a friend and maybe something more) work to solve the mystery as tensions rise. When the power goes out, who will be the next victim?  This mystery novella is available on amazon.com as an e-book for 99 cents.  I had a lot of fun writing this book because I love mysteries.  This story is not gross or especially violent and might even be rated G if not for a murder.  For some people, that's not a big selling point, but for a squeamish me (I can't watch the body scenes on the television show Bones), it's the kind of thing I enjoy. I hope you enjoy it, too.  

P. S.  Sorry for the interruption of the normal gardening topics...I will resume when the weather cooperates.  Perhaps June?  That's a joke (I hope).