Dogwood Winter

Well, the weather forcasters didn't lie. We had cold temperatures and snow flurries - you might see a little snow action in the glow of the streetlight. But the snow only dusted the tops of roofs and cars. This is what is charmingly known around these parts as "dogwood winter."

These Are Not Snowballs

No, really, they're not. They are images of a couple of snowballs. And if Monsieur Magritte was still around, he'd tell you that himself.

I was walking at the park in sunny, 65 degree weather (that's 18 degrees for my Celsius friends), and rounded the path to see the grass littered with large, random snowballs. It was the most surreal, silly sight I'd seen all week. Seriously. I had to sit down on a bench because I was laughing so hard. But then I took this photo to share the surreal world of Knoxville with y'all. Only a little man in a black greatcoat and a bowler hat could make it more complete.

This also told me a lot about my fellow Knoxvillians. Apparently we're consistently two snowballs shy of a snowman.

Snowy Trees

Snow is a word that strikes panic into the hearts of Knoxvillians. The one inch dusting of snow that fell yesterday closed all the schools in Knox and surrounding counties. But to be fair, the roads around here are hilly and winding, secondary roads are not treated or cleared, and no one has snow tires.

Let It Shine

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!

- " This Little Light of Mine", gospel spiritual

All the wonderful little lights in this photo are our future hope. It was the most appropriate photo I could think of to post for Inauguration Day today. This was one of many scenes from yesterday's Martin Luther King Jr memorial parade, a two mile, snowy, joyful march down Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue from Tabernacle Baptist Church to Greater Warner Tabernacle AME Zion Church. Over 2,000 people participated and I had the privilege of marching with the Knoxville Interfaith Network.

Can I show you more than one photo today?

Yes, I can.

Here's my group, Knoxville Interfaith Network. That space behind the banner is where I'm supposed to be standing instead of taking photos. The parade and the snow were just starting.

One of the floats shows what it's all about - remembering Dr. King and, this year, looking forward to President Obama.

Too Darn Hot

The temperature is crawling up to 97 F (36 C) today, people, and there's an air quality warning too. So I need to think some cool thoughts and stay indoors. Snow is cool - so here's an archive  shot of flurries on the square taken in February '08.