We just returned from a week at Long Beach where we were treated to a big winter wind storm, high tides and storm surge. Amazingly, Jello and I were able to get in our morning and afternoon walks, with only one being in a torrential downpour!
From the safety of our deck, the swelling and turbulent surf was stunning to observe.
An adult Bald Eagle, its feathers riffling in the wind, didn’t spend much time on its perch.
This wave chased me back up the berm when it came rushing in while I was engaged in watching the birds!
Stormy ocean spray formed drifts along the shoreline, as the wind whipped away pieces forming rolling balls of foam that swept across the beach.
Black-bellied Plovers, in non-breeding feather, probe for food among drifts of foam.
This December was my turn to have the holiday gathering. Coming as it did, after the midterm election (the results of which I continue to celebrate), I am pleased that our tradition of civility and good cheer endures. 
Lindy Low LeCoq 