Within our dreams and aspirations we find our opportunities. ~Sue Atchley Ebaugh
Within Our Dreams
The Warm Colors
The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts. ~ Marcus Aurelius
The view from my window is white and blizzard-y, but I photographed lots of bright flowers in the conservatory last week — just to add some color to the first week in February.
February in Wisconsin is always wintry, but this year may be a record setter. We are shoveling and plowing from the first of the two storms “scheduled” for this week. We only had six inches of the white stuff fall in the last 24 hours, so this storm isn’t much of a challenge for Madison’s veteran snow handlers. Tomorrow there is more snow heading our way–12+ inches–but it’s not the snow that will cause difficulties, but the wind and drifting.
But if all goes as predicted and planned, the roads should be in fine driving condition as we head south on Friday, and then take a turn towards the west on Saturday. After a few more southerly and westerly maneuvers on Sunday, we should be pulling into Tucson Monday afternoon!
After almost a year of planning, I can hardly believe that my Tucson adventure is almost ready to begin!
The World Within
Purple Moth Orchids
The orchids are in full bloom in the Bolz Conservatory at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison. I went into this tropical paradise to escape the snow and cold, and ended up with some wonderful botanical subjects and I found a peaceful setting that calmed my racing heart, and my racing around as I get ready for my (half) a cross country trip.
One of the nicest things about living in Wisconsin. No matter what direction you go to explore the United States, a destination in the 48 contiguous states is never more than a half country away. No cross country trips for me!




