Today the sun rose at 8:43 and set at 4:22 giving us 7 hours and 39 minutes of sunlight. Today was overcast and we had a high of plus 2 C( 36 F). When I came home a few minutes ago it was still plus 1 C(34 F).
These photos were taken between 2 and 3 in the afternoon.
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| Even with snow cover it's still very dull |
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| Typical winter cloud |
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| Looking directly west about 2:30 in the afternoon |
I like reading about the solstice from ancient times and the celebrations they had. They looked at it as mid winter and they knew that winter would wind down. I could never understand why we were told it is the first day of winter. Different cultures also had a variety of celebrations. Now I'm thinking, was the solstice an important date in the tropics?
My mood will brighten now for the rest of the winter.
My aunt used to say that the weather of the first day of the season dictated what it would be like the rest of the season.
ReplyDeleteSomebody should do a collection of similar sayings. The other thing is the reason behind such sayings.
DeleteI don't think we pay much attention to the solstice. I never noticed the days growing longer or shorter as a child growing up. I do now though, even here in Hawaii.
ReplyDeleteYou do get change in daylight hours but you're right , a kid probably wouldn't notice.
DeleteHi Red
ReplyDeleteSolstice or no solstice it still is Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! to me.
Have a wonderful Christmas and hopefully some sanity will return to Earth in 2015.
Weather predicts a good Christmas day here - no sauna like weather, so I guess outdoor Christmas BBQ and picnic gatherings at beaches, pools and parks will be the order of the day.
Best Christmas wishes to your loyal readers. Your blog entries are always thought provoking.
Cheers
Colin
Thanks, Colin and a merry Christmas to you.
DeleteI enjoy winter but by February I will be looking forward to spring.
ReplyDeleteSo are you telling me that in England you get spring in Feb?
DeleteI attended a celebration a few years where they banged on drums at the beginning. I think it started at 5:04 pm here. Happy Winter Red!
ReplyDeleteThe history of solstice celebration is large. Thanks. I will have a great winter. It's a more meaningful greeting when it comes from somebody like you who spends much time outdoors.
DeleteI think those of us who live Way Up North appreciate the solstice like no one else! Our days are so short, so often cloudy, and it seems very dreary. We did not see the sun for the first 15 days if December at all this year. Anyway, I really love celebrating the winter solstice, usually with a ski out into the woods with friends for a big bonfire and lots of food.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting Hiawatha House. Our skiing is on hold as we had freezing rain so the snow is not great for skiing.
DeleteWe were just talking about this yesterday and went for a brisk walk during our chat about Solstice and then decided to head to the coffee shop to celebrate our beginning of lighter n longer days. We have a new little coffee shop in town called "Something's Brewing" and its lovely and cozy - small, yet big enough for this small town. Cheers Sir Red, you just warmed up my morning. Have a good one.
ReplyDeleteTwo great things: a brisk walk and coffee. You know how to have fun.
DeleteOh I am a bit jealous Red we do not have ANY snow yes you know I live in Canada too not fair I tell you not fair at all:) Hug B
ReplyDeleteOur snow is not very nice as it's very icy. I like dry powdery snow.
DeleteI did not know that's what winter solstice meant...the days getting longer. Then, it is one of my favorite days too! I love longer brighter days! Merry Christmas Red!
ReplyDeleteIt's important here where days get very short.
DeleteFunny - I had the same thought yesterday, thinking that it seemed odd to call it the first day of winter when the days would be getting longer. We've had a thick layer of clouds overhead for the past four days or more. I could use a bit more sunshine and longer days!
ReplyDeleteWe've had our share of sun but it's still dull as the sun is way down on the horizon.
DeleteThe dark days make a difference, don't they? We've had cloudy days for more than a week, all but one. It is dreary.
ReplyDeleteOh I know the dreary stuff. Here's hoping you get some sun.
DeleteMine, too, Red. We gain two seconds in daylight today! Yay! :-)
ReplyDeleteIt takes a while for the days to lengthen very much but once it starts it lengthens quickly.
Deleteso, guessing it is summer solstice beneath the equator? :)
ReplyDeleteHi "TWG"
DeleteIt is - but I'd be surprised if anyone knows. It is no big deal here. I had certainly never heard of the word until I started reading "Red's" blog.
Colin from Brisbane, Australia.
It's all down hill from here!
ReplyDeleteIt's east to say that but we can get brutal weather in Jan-Feb.
DeleteStill looks chilly out there. We haven't had much snow this year, so far hardly any. Take care, and take a spin on the ice for me.
ReplyDeleteWe get used to cold and dress for it. Last day of skating tomorrow.
DeleteSo far winter has been very easy here. Not very cold, and not much snow. I can live with that, but I wouldn't mind a little snow for Christmas. I love that our days will now begin getting longer!
ReplyDeleteWe have 8 hours and 30 minutes of daylight. 8:02 to 4:32. Seems like such a short day but I will stop complaining since you will turn a deaf ear since you are less than me! I love that we gain some everyday..spring here we come:)
ReplyDelete