Flu causing some Texas schools to close | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

It's not the bird flue but it's already causing havoc...Is this what we have to look forward to in the near future? That appears to be what the CDC was telling us when they published their recent "Guidelines".

DALLAS — With flu widespread in Texas now, a handful of schools are reporting enough absences due to flu and other illnesses that they've decided to close.

Flu season in Texas generally runs from October to March, with February usually being the height of the season, said Emily Palmer, a spokeswoman with the Texas Department of State Health Services. She said that flu has been considered widespread in Texas since the week ending Jan. 27.

Source: Flu causing some Texas schools to close | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

Brazoria Wildlife Refuge Panarama

That's my silhouette standing on the observation platform on Tuesday. The day was beautiful, the wildlife was scarce. I had the place to myself. This is a full 360.

Morning Light

You have to love a mid-winter morning that starts out with a temperature of 63 before the sun even starts to lighten the eastern horizon. I expect the sunrise will look pretty much like yesterday's pictured below.

I see from my morning forecast that the Blue Ridge's will be flirting with getting above freezing today. All you folks living on the mountains keep the fireplace going and stay warm.

I have been spending a bit of time over on the Grist site reading Tom Philpott’s take on the new Farm Bill. He makes some good points you might want to check out. This bill will affect every American who eats, so unless you've found a way to live without food you might want to get a piece of this conversation. I don't know about you, but my confidence in Coin-gress doing the right thing when it comes to big money contributors is always slim. Go read Tom's series and then follow the links...You might find yourself getting involved.

Check out this blog I just wandered across - eth•i•cu•re•an n. (also adj.) Someone who seeks out tasty things that are also sustainable, organic, local, and/or ethical — SOLE food, for short.

Time to hit the road for the day job...

Wednesday morning sunrise from my driveway...