Winter continues here in Vladimir, although it's been warm lately. Of course, warm is relative: Temperatures have been hovering between 5 and 15 degrees Fahrenheit, but after the stretch of -5 to -15 degree temperatures, it feels nice. We also have been getting some snow pretty much every day, so the snow cover is starting to get pretty thick (probably about 18 inches on the ground). I love the snow, and it makes everything a lot more beautiful. All the birch trees are frosted with snow and ice, and I see people on the bus with their cross-country skis every day. Here are two pictures of my snow-covered neighborhood from my walks to class this week. My neighborhood isn't exactly the prettiest place on earth, but it could be worse.