Pic Today 1/5/13

MEET THIS SEASON'S

KILLER VIRUS

Under the microscope,

it doesn't look like much.

But this year's H3N2 variant virus

is especially nasty.

Flu cases are on the rise now

across the U.S.

The CDC has just warned

that the severe flu season has

just set in (through March '13.)

Emergency rooms are knee-deep

in flu and pneumonia cases.

The old and very young are so vulnerable.

Here's the good news:

The flu vaccine is an exact match 

for the strain of influenza that's spreading.

And it's not too late to get your flu shot.

Do it.   Please.

(And wash your hands.)

 (FIRST PHOTO) MICROSCOPE IMAGE COURTESY OF

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL,

INFLUENZA LABORATORY

Pic Today 1/4/13

SHADOWS

IN THE SNOW

A sunny day

creates winter patterns

 in the park.

There's a show

when there's shadows in the snow.

The only colors were the blue, blue sky

and a piece of birch bark turning gold

in the last rays of a winter sun.

Pic Today 1/3/13

A SNOWY WALK

IN THE PARK

A fresh snowfall

creates some new forms

and fresh tracks in the sculpture park.

Just the rabbits and me . . .

Pic Today 1/2/13

NEW YEAR BRINGS

FIRST SNOW

The new year came in

with our first real snow.

Big fluffy flakes dropped

a blanket of soft white winter

on our city.

A beautiful way to say

Happy New Year!

Pic Today 1/1/13

CHEERS

Whether it's sparkling cider
or bubbly champagne,
here's a toast to the new year.

May 2013 be lucky and full of sparkles
and surprises in the new year.

But mostly healthy!