For the greater part of the Northern Hemisphere, February is the coldest month as the Earth gives up the last of her warmth and the Northern Wind establishes his realm of snow and ice. Snapping with crystalline teeth, the Arctic Air pushes down from the polar north, a necessary pump, driving movement of air and flow around our planet; cleansing, purifying.

For those who do not follow the sun to warmer realms, an impasse is reached.  Small creatures hide under a blanket of snow, sap does not rise, and in snow clad woods, the humble grey-green lichen becomes a bounteous feast.

There can never be a triumph over winter, but endurance, patience, remembrance.