We have been visited the past month by a steady parade of stormy weather. After the dry conditions earlier this year in California, the rain is welcome, but can lead to a cooped-up feeling.

We were surprised today by a pair of coyotes on the hill behind the cabin. They were in sight for too short a time to get a photo, but what a treat. We don’t have any livestock to be concerned with, so Sam and I were able to appreciate them for their graceful movement and beautiful coats. The telltale signs that identified them were their large ears and fluffy tails.

This photo is courtesy of Dreampusher.

Later in the day, we drove to Nevada City to see the Victorian Christmas. The downtown area was blocked off to traffic, and craft and food booths were set up in the middle of the street. Children and adults played their instruments along the sidewalk, and a light drizzle did not prevent steady foot traffic.

This photo is courtesy of Nevada City Chamber of Commerce.

We stopped into Pete’s Pizza for a slice and some ale, warming ourselves enough to venture outside again. It was a great way to spend a cold, wet afternoon, and chased away the stale indoor air from our lungs.