Odd Connections

Tuckaway Hall's quince flowered today despite snow and dropping temperatures. It's been blooming for quite a while now, blossoms coming and going, coming and going. Curious about the hardy bush, I looked it up and discovered that it's a member of the rose family (Roseaceae). 

Quince flushes red and pink as my face, nose, and ears do when I've had a drink or when I've spent time sitting next to a fire. Rosacea makes my skin burn, especially on a cold day: my body -- sweatered inside wool, mufflered, hatted, and gloved -- flowers in response to dueling temperatures with its own florid blush.

Because I hate taking my own picture, this one will have to do. 

Self-portrait: A Study in Rosacea