Some days are golden. Some days are decidedly not. This is just a short post because yesterday was definitely not.

This photo of the backlit golden Water Birch leaf was taken at one of my local ponds last fall. The circular specular highlight in the background was created by the sunlight hitting a small clump of freshly fallen snow on a distant branch.

Golden Water Birch leaf and specular highlight, Salt Lake County, UtahGolden Water Birch leaf and specular highlight – Nikon D500, handheld, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 800, Nikkor 70-300mm VR at 300mm, natural light

Yesterday there were plenty of clouds. Heavy, waterlogged, leaden gray clouds. The kind of clouds that mute any of the available light from the sun.

And then there was the rain. Cold, wet rain that fell most of the day.

To top off the first two weather conditions there was wind. Not super strong winds but just enough wind to be thoroughly annoying when combined with the dark clouds and falling rain.

It’s only the second week of January and this has already been the most overcast and grayest winter since I moved to Utah which makes me wonder what February and March will be like.

We need the moisture here in northern Utah whether it comes in the form of rain or snow. I know that. Whatever precipitation we get now will definitely help when spring finally arrives because our reservoirs need refilling. Additionally, this moisture will help the trees, shrubs, and wildflowers to grow when warmer days return.

Even though yesterday wasn’t golden I know that eventually the moisture that fell will create golden moments for me in the spring and summer.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my wildflower, shrub and tree photos.