Well, I could have taken some photos this morning, but I didn't. And now it's raining. And it looks like it's going to keep raining for the next few days. I'm glad I got some shots of the moon last night, because I don't think we're going to get to see it tonight, when it's truly full. Tonight is the night of the blue moon--the second full moon within one calendar month. Of course the moon will be there behind the clouds, but I don't think we're going to get to experience this rare occurrence here in rainy Seattle.

When I arrived at the Viewpoint this evening, there was an impressive almost-full moon. the sky was still fairly blue, and the moon, not officially full till tomorrow, was casting a strong reflection on the lake. Tomorrow I'll go back to see the blue moon.

Nearly Full Moon, Dec. 30, 2009

Copyright © 2009 Paul D. Natkin, All Rights Reserved

Now that we've passed the winter solstice, I expect the days to gradually grow longer. I drove by the Viewpoint a little earlier today. I didn't have my camera with me. It was cold, and the sky was mostly gray or white, with some bands of pale blue showing through. I wasn't tempted to hurry back with my camera.

This morning the sky was overcast, very different from how it was even yesterday, but especially three days ago.

Looking at the View, Dec. 25, 2009

Copyright © 2009 Paul D. Natkin, All Rights Reserved

A photo of the Sentinel and neighboring street from two days ago:

The Sentinel, Dec. 25, 2009

Copyright © 2009 Paul D. Natkin, All Rights Reserved

The play of light and shadow had an almost hypnotic effect.

There were no clouds in the sky this morning, and it was fairly clear. There was just a little haze on the east side.

The Bay at Sunrise, Dec. 26, 2009

Copyright © 2009 Paul D. Natkin, All Rights Reserved

The mountains, the lake and the point:

The Cascades over the Point, Dec. 25, 2009

Copyright © 2009 Paul D. Natkin, All Rights Reserved