As DC braces for some really nasty winter weather later today, we were treated to a cold but beautiful sunrise. The icy surface of the tidal basin created the perfect reflective surface for low clouds this morning. With only a small number of birds and other intrepid photographers venturing out in the cold, it was one of those peaceful and serene moments that I seek to find calm in the midst of the city.

The cold overnight also snapped a streak of more than 1,000 days with out dipping below 22 degrees. We’ve had a series of extraordinarily warm winters over the past few years. I’m quite happy when the real cold temperatures break out in the winter months. The clear air and crisp bite in the morning awakens the senses in a way that the warm weather doesn’t.

“In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in Winter enjoy.” —William Blake