Monarch butterflies cluster on a blue gum eucalyptus, waiting for the sun to warm their wings, at the Coastal Access Monarch Butterfly Preserve in Los Osos, Calif. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) ...

In February, I spend a lot of time inside near the wood stove. I love the scenery when it turns sparkling white after a winter snowstorm but knowing it’s 10 below, I appreciate it best from my warm, ...