This afternoon the clouds had an incredible jigsaw puzzle effect as the mild autumn days continue across the U.P.

(the week started snow-covered and slippery, ended clear and dry... the exact opposite of last week.)

Mary B. in her moose antlers greets the holiday shoppers today in Houghton.  June-like weather (in the 50's) made it a banner day for merchants.

(the clown to the left is a guy named Ronald)

How odd it seems to be able to walk in the woods after turkey dinner this year.  The Copper Country finds itself without snow for Thanksgiving.

(but we still have plenty to be thankful for)

Sunny this afternoon on the MTU Campus.  And quiet, too, with all the students gone for the holidays.  All who remain could probably work on their tan.

(though normally at this time we would be thinking about saunas)

The sun peeks out late this afternoon and casts the shadow of the PastyCameraman on the back side of Econo foods in Houghton.

(standing on the hill by Shopko, looking back toward the lift bridge... still no snow)

(that's why the extra hardware at the Phoenix store)

An afternoon drive finds the Pasty Cam in Toivola, where the Country Oasis is all dressed up for the holidays.

(check out their neat "zoomable map" of the Copper Country)