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It's northern California, not to be confused with southern California. Here we get numerous days below freezing. I've always appreciated any plant species that endures through the winter intact. We have certain trees that have not lost their leaves, though all the other deciduous trees have. They kindly shelter us from unsightly views... but that's not all they do.
I've left my dining nook bare of curtains because it is essential for me to see the outdoors. These trees, now in brilliant red, are the star attraction of the back yard. I can see them while sitting in my recliner in the living room. I know I'm losing heat, but they treat me to a taste of natural beauty and connection to the outside world that is equally valuable to me.
On sunny winter days I have been known to brave the cold and soak up some vitamin D next to these trees. They shelter me from cold breezes. In the summer time, they provide shade from the harsh afternoon sun. Silent and stalwart, they watch over us.
The trees were there when we brought our firstborn to get to know his Grandpa. They were here when we celebrated Great Grandma's 90th. They stood guard as subsequent children arrived on the scene, and played in the lifeboat that was Grandpa's makeshift swimming pool. The colors change from season to season, but always, there are still leaves.
That would be terrible!