Jelly-filled doughnuts are so in this season. With Hanukkah starting this weekend, these year-round confections, once again, get special status as one the many winter holiday delicacies.

A hot bowl of udon is one of the delectable cures to this season’s cold-weather blues. The cold, stormy evenings brought on by Hurricane Sandy’s landfall to the Washington, D.C-area was one of those opportunities to try these Japanese noodles made from wheat-flour noodles.

A few DCist Flickr pool contributors got to experience this thrilling ride in Washington sports history. Thanks for sharing these wonderful photos.

A few DCist Flickr pool contributors got to experience this thrilling ride in Washington sports history. Thanks for sharing these wonderful photos.

Caroline Angelo’s bright and dewy contribution is the Sunday pick.

Today’s reads: Federal judge releases opinion on why she demanded Metro to display controversial ads; Mayor Gray unveils development plans for St. Elizabeths in Southeast; D.C. plans to spend millions in playground renovations; millions of dollars spent in the Maryland ballot measures battle

Michael Morse’s first post-game tweet at 3:13 a.m was “Not going to say much .. Just thank you DC.” But the Nationals’ outfielder nicknamed “The Beast” ended up tweeting more to fans.

Tidbit on the praying mantis: They can turn their heads 180 degrees.

Today’s reads: Metro ads countering the controversial pro-Israel ones; Corcoran and GWU may be teaming up to keep the gallery at its current home; a military doctor who survived a blast in Afghanistan is now prepping for a race; possible deer hunt in Montgomery County

Clothing swaps continue to gain popularity during these tough economic times. At these large events or intimate private gatherings, people (often women) can take their unwanted items that are still in good condition and pick out other used things in the same condition without buyer’s remorse.