No One's Gnome

Take a look at the picture of "the oval," central campus, and you'll notice the first gnome that I've seen on this trip by the trunk of the tree in the foreground. I was initially very surprised that a gnome would be out in the morning, but with all the rain and constantly damp ground, I can now see why they'd want to be outside in the day this time of year: perfect harvesting weather and in general, a great view of the whole base that they're responsible for.
Even thought it is winter here, it does not mean things aren't growing or are in a semi-permafrost by Minnesota standards. No, sir! The majority of plants are already budding or pushing through the dirt. There are plenty of pansies and violas growing and plenty of greenery, keeping green.