Renee Fleming can sing

Of course, from my perspective, the song Shenandoah never made since - it the actual river was right over there -- you know, go up on the hill and you could see it, whereas the wide Missouri was, well, who knows, it was apparently far away in an unknown land.

Sublimating bombogenisis

Yep, we got some weather. Tedious subject, I know, as this is now the second post in a row where I have mentioned it. Oh well, it's too freakin' cold to talk about anything else.

Went for walkies Wednesday evening, it was brisk out, a bit dampish, and when I got home I found that the recliner was calling my name. I wrapped myself up in a blanket, started watching Serpico, when next thing I know I get a call that there is a blizzard going on. No way - I was just out there, what are you talking about - sure enough - there was already over an inch of accumulated snow.

Next day dawned clear and bright:

But since then it has been below freezing, with temperatures drifting into single digits. Those whose job it is to sensationalize the weather are now saying that we will set a record for the longest sustained period below freezing EVER! Well, in 30-something years, anyway. It won't get above 32 until Monday, and I know many of you are all like "Dude, heatwave!"

So, how cold is it? I just went for another walk and it's so cold that everyone I saw out walking was wearing a parka. That's how cold it is -- we are wearing freakin' parkas! In the South! Cue Ron White! We all look like freakin' Frosty over here! 

But enough about that -- how about something completely different, Renee Fleming singing Casta Diva from Norma. The architecture, the 3+ minute long pan shot that opens this video, not to mention the sublime singing warms my heart.

Renee Fleming is an American treasure. What coloratura - I am in awe.