Am 24.12.2012 16:39, schrieb Dan Espen:
Willi writes:

I took the pic today. It is the warmest 24th here [Central Europe]
since records began 60 years ago. It's definitely not what we are used
to think of an ideal Christmas weatherwise. So I chose a subject that
features both, the unusual weather, and something that reminds at
least a bit of a snowflake.

Best one yet!

Here on the east coast of the USA we've had 2 years in a row of extreme
tree destruction. One more year and I think all our Tulip Poplars might
be gone.


We had an unexpected load of snow already once at the end of October
which broke off a thick branch of one of my apple trees and a plum tree
as a whole! [... admittedly these were very old trees] In general we are
not so happy with mild winters, because there can be frosts until
mid-May and when the winters are rather warm, the trees will bloom very
early and then be caught by the cold. To prevent trees from early
sprouting the trunks are even sometimes painted white, so that the warm
sunrays in Spring are reflected and cannot be absorbed. I'm speaking of
48° latitude north and continental climate.

Best wishes, and Merry Christmas!