Winter Thunderstorm

As it rolled in last night....

After-the-Storm

Wild thunderstorm with hail tonight.

Snow Wishes

Really. We're supposed to have snow in Boise in December. This picture is from last December. Lots of rain today.

It's 100 Degrees? Wait...

The temperature the other day. Brr.

Critter Clues

Critter tracks in the tiny bit of snow we awakened to yesterday morning.

Bah Humbug

You may need to click for the enlarged photo to see the message. I wonder what the story is?

Cleared for Take-Off?

As seen along Chinden Boulevard.

Cookies for Santa

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

Hard to Believe this is December

The "white" is missing.

Boise's Resident Reindeer

Free to see every day of the year. This is one of the smaller ones, who was very friendly yesterday. They're behind Cloverdale Funeral Home.

Don't Tread on Me...for Christmas

Seen on a military-themed tree.

Christmas Collage

Are you ready?

Nothing Says Christmas Like a John Deere

Oh, didn't you know Santa drives a tractor in some areas of Idaho?

Christmas Movie Week

Which movies will you be watching this week?

Junior "Santa"

Santa suit races at a local elementary school for the school Christmas party.

Santa Baby...Doll

I wish I had this cute set in my collection.

He's Comin' to Town

Santa and his helpers getting ready to meet with kiddos.

Pink Reindeer

I never knew there was such a thing :)

What on Top of Your Tree?

A salute to A Christmas Story - seen at the Festival of Trees.

House Finch

If you have a backyard bird feeder, you know this one well. He's always looking for a snack.

Protest Campout

One of the signs at the Occupy Boise camp in front of the old courthouse. Only a few folks camped out the night we strolled through. It's been awfully cold.

Saturday Caturday

See the ferocious fluff in the background?

Bus Art

I consider it a lucky day when I see this art-wrapped bus. I wish we had more of them in the fleet.

Wild West Christmas Wreath

Maybe better described as an antler swag. This creativity won a prize at the Festival of Trees.

Shopping Rage?

And if you can't beat them...use pepper spray?

Hauling the Tree Home

Have you done this yet? I did some reporting for my real job this year about the resurgence in popularity of 'real' trees. Another tidbit: the first artificial tree ever produced was manufactured by a toilet brush company.

Capitol Tree

The Christmas tree in front of the Idaho Statehouse. The tree is "donated" by someone who has one that's overgrown its space - so it's not always a perfect shape. But I love that it has so many lights.

Free Shopping Tips

As seen downtown...

Holiday Windows

A sample of Downtown Boise holiday window art.

Barbie Gets a Mammogram

Mobile mammogram display at the Festival of Trees. There were a couple of pink ribbon-themed trees this year.

Purple Potato Soup

I wish I had grown these. Bright purple potatoes were a feature in my Full Circle organic delivery box this week.

1. boil sliced potatoes in salted water
2. drain and cool slightly
3. lightly saute minced garlic and onion (shallot if you can get one)
4. add potatoes and garlic to a food processor
5. pulse in about a 1/2 cup of sour cream and 1 cup of chicken broth
6. adjust seasoning - salt and white pepper and a little bit of horseradish
7. stir in a swirl of heavy cream
8. top with grated cheese and fresh ground pepper
9. re-heat, if needed

Boise Hole: Your Days are Numbered?

There's a new plan for The Hole in Downtown Boise - a building is planned. The hole has been walled off with art for years, but it's easy to peek through the edges to see the pit filled with rebar and weeds. The site was once home to the Overland Hotel, and later the Eastman Building/Hotel. It burned down in the mid 1980s.