Musings on the first day of Winter

 It is officially winter.  We celebrate the solstice today.  But really, in my small part of the world, winter came in October this year, much to libby's delight, and even with the odd chinook to warm things up, the snow has stayed in the back yard, packed down and hard, but great for playing games of "catch the snowball". 

It is a black and white world - winter.  Bare branches point at the pastel sky.   Pine scents the crisp air.  Snow crunches beneath my boots.   A few brave birds sing loud to keep themselves warm but it is a restful time in the woods now.  Sounds travel for miles in this weather.  The woody paths belong to the dogs and their owners now.  Gone for the season are the bikers, skateboarders, and joggers. 

 I was sitting in the lineup waiting for my turn in the carwash yesterday, watching grey, muddy car after grey muddy car go in, and come out the other end red, or blue, or silver, or even black.   Spa day at the car wash.  Winter roads are hard on cars here.

Today is the longest night and shortest day of the year.  It will be dark by 4:30 this afternoon and not light again until about 8:30 tomorrow morning.  Hooray for Christmas lights.  They add cheeriness and pizzazz to the dark.  It's fun to drive around the neighbourhood and see houses lit up from chimney to foundation in coloured lights.  The lawn and garden guys turn themselves into Christmas light installers, and snow removal experts this time of year.  It adds another entire season to their repetoire - very clever of them.

This weekend the kitchen will be busy as we get cookies, cakes and goodies made for Christmas eating.  It's a good time of year.