January 28, 2013 Photo of the day: "January Thaw"

When I started my Project 365, I resolved to post a photo each day of something that inspired me to slow down and take a closer look. I never promised that every photo would be beautiful.  Some days are harder than others to capture beauty, and January Mondays are particularly difficult. Yet, today brought the annual "January Thaw" to Southeastern Wisconsin. I don't know why, but we always have a few days of unseasonably warm temperatures near the end of January when everything turns dull and soggy. Despite the warmer weather, I actually prefer the beauty of the clean white snow. Besides, I know that the climbing temperatures are only a tease, a clearing of the old snow to make way for February, often our coldest and snowiest month. Tomorrow, the forecast is for 55° and thunderstorms, followed by a low of -6° on Thursday! Winter in Wisconsin is far from over, yet if I squint my eyes at this icy slush on the sidewalk, I can almost see foamy waves breaking on a sandy beach.
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