A friend from the East coast called a few weeks ago, grousing about the so-called “Californian” attitude toward winter weather (which, as she duly pointed out, stems the lack of proper seasons in the Golden State). The weather gods must have heard us, because since then San Francisco has experienced unseasonably wet weather, complete with dark skies, constant rain showers and blustery winds.

Now I step out of the house each morning toting an umbrella, darting rain puddles on my way to work. While it was adventurous in the first week, the lingering gray weather has sparked a renewed interest in beating the winter blues with cheery color. This weekend I headed to the flower market and found some lovely quince branches to take home; their pinkish blooms instantly brightened up my day: