The Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, and the beginning of Winter was yesterday. So on the plus side the days are going to get longer! And on the downside the weather is going to get colder before it starts getting warmer. So I can go run in the woods and go geocaching without worry about ticks, chiggers, spiders, and snakes. Winter is when I can really relax in the woods and not worry about what I am about to step on or find underneath a rock.
Hey, plus Christmas is just a couple days off. Christmas is great but what I really like is the week between Christmas and New Years. This year I’m going to take the days off and we’ll go to some movies and just kind of chill. In early January we are all going to fly up to Idaho and go visit my Dad. Now southeast Idaho, that is where they have real winter. I don’t anticipate moving up there, ever!!! If anything I want to move south.
This time of year is special because this is around the time of my late Mother’s birthday. Not a day goes by that I don’t miss her. I don’t have very many photographs of her but this old faded polaroid is my favorite. She was smart and sassy and tough as nails and really loved her family. The wife of a Forest Ranger and the daughter of a copper miner and a dyed in the wool old school Democrat with an Irish twinkle in eye. I wonder what she thinks as she is surveying all that is going on these days in America.
Wow! Beautiful winter Solstice sky
From your description, I think I know what your mom would be thinking ….. and probably saying out loud, because she sounds like she was probably braver than I am. Merry Christmas to you and the whole family. And thanks for the gift you give us all by hosting Skywatch ).
The last ten years that I worked, I always reserved one week of vacation between Christmas & New Years. Like you, a couple of movies, a few sales, some bowl games on TV and just generally chilling was the order of the day. I’ll be taking a break from blogging as soon as the 2016 Christmas Music Marathon is done. Enjoy your time off. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to the entire Bates family.
Hello, gorgeous sky and photo. Lovely capture. Your mom was pretty. Happy Thursday! I wish you and your family a blessed and Merry Christmas!
Beautiful sky shot, Alan! I like the photo of your Mom. I can see the twinkle in her eye!! Have a Merry Christmas.
Stunning sunset!
Beautiful.
Great post.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Greetings.
A spectacular sky shot Alan – beautiful colours and shapes. Wishing you and wonderful Christmas with those you hold dear (including your late mother – if only in spirit). Thank you for your steadfast hosting of Skywatch.
Lovely post. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and for hosting skywatch for the rest of us. 🙂
Beautiful sunset, beautiful thoughts. My wish for you is a happy holiday season and thank you for hosting Skywatch. It’s become an enjoyable part of the week for me.
wonderful sunset. I am looking forward to longer days :-).
I wish you and your family happy holiday season and a pleasant trip to Idaho.
Lovely shot of your mum – and what a great sky! Wishing you much joy and light!
Awesome sky! Holidays are the best time for wonderful traditions and doing things that make you happy. I’m sure Mom would approve.