Winter Solstice ...

The River Hidden By A Blanket Of Fog

Winter begins today and the hours of daylight will grow longer and the nights shorter as the days pass on into the New Year and the summer solstice, when it all reverses again. I feel extremely fortunate to be living where I do in Virginia. Here the weather has not been bad in the last weeks. We've had temperatures bounce up and down from warm to cold and warm again, mostly cloudy skies, some rain and a fine mist that keeps everything outdoors wet. There was the possibility of freezing rain last night but it never materialized.

Up north in New England where most of my family lives they have been through the mill with a terrible ice storm,a heavy snowfall and more heavy snow expected today. Many people are still without power from the ice storm over a week ago. I heard on the news that power company linemen trying to fix the situation are under attack from very angry customers who have no heat, running water or light ... in that climate, an unlivable situation. Most of the the northern tier of the country has been suffering through this weather and I'm sure it's making what is supposed to be a happy holiday season, one of misery.

With the money crunch we are all staying home, snug in our own little corners of the world this year. Fortunately we spent a lovely week with our grand kids in early November and then a quick trip to New Hampshire to see my brothers and families just before Thanksgiving. But we will not be at a loss. Our son and his wife who live very nearby will come for Christmas morning brunch and we will spend Christmas eve and New Years Eve with friends.

On Friday, I sent off the last of goody boxes to the rest of the family and now I'm just enjoying the peaceful quiet. I wouldn't mind a little bit of snow but I won't complain if we get none.

I wish each and every one of you Happy Holidays and a New Year filled with peace, light, warmth and justice for all!! Excluding no one, especially the creatures who live with us and around us on this beautiful planet ... the sleek red fox who passes through our yard in the morning ... Big Blue the heron who fishes off our dock ... the skunk who leaves his scent about the garden and even the stray cat who lurks in the shadows!