November sunrise, from inside

These are my morning views. When I get up at about 6:15, it's still completely dark outside. This month and until the end of January, we have the shortest days of the year, and they are very short. Today the sun will rise at 8:00 a.m. and go back down at 5:18 p.m.

Above and below, the view from the front windows at 8 a.m.

Fact is, however, that this November is, so far, the warmest November in France since weather records have been kept. That's what the news and weather people were telling us yesterday. We've had a good amount of rain over the past two weeks, but not even a threat of a freeze, and no frost.

Pull back the curtains for a better look.

Callie's walk schedule makes photography difficult when the days are so short. It's still pretty dark when we go out in the morning, and it's already pretty dark when we go out late in the afternoon. Only once in a while there's an especially sunny morning or afternoon when there's enough light for the camera.

And then take a closeup.

I envy people who are new to France, or just visiting, and who are out and about visiting the sights and sites. Here's an example. They have a lot of pictures to show, and they have all that enthusiasm that overtakes you when you're exploring a new environment, a new country. It's too bad we can't all live like that all year long. But we'd all be exhausted. Our photos would be nice though.