Counting down the days -

The Winter Solstice ~

For the northern half of Earth (the Northern Hemisphere), the winter solstice occurs today, December 21 (The Southern Hemisphere’s winter solstice occurs in June.) The winter solstice is the day with the fewest hours of sunlight in the whole year, thereby making it also the “shortest day” of the year. After we reach the winter solstice, the days begin to grow longer again until we reach the Summer solstice—the first day of summer and the longest day of the year.

Brrrrrrrr, a cold morning on this shortest day of this year. This sparrow was just one of many birds searching for water. After refilling the feeders last weekend the birds have been busy in our  garden. Several have been hanging out on the front porch. A plain little female finch is spending the nights in one of the hanging baskets. Despite the Boston ferns looking somewhat tatty and sad now, we like to keep them up to provide shelter. Usually the pair of Carolina wrens tuck in the baskets but this winter, so far, they must have discovered new accommodation!

Inside the cottage it's warm. Our winter maintenance was done yesterday to make certain the HVAC is ready to deal with the extremely cold weather expected here over Christmas. The firewood was delivered and stacked. There will be a fire on the hearth most evenings when we're at home.

For me 'decking the halls' is done but I admit I have more things to check off my 'To Do' list. Mostly kitchen/food related, I have an apron close by and am ready to cook.

Glittering windows in the mall

Stopped in at the mall yesterday - going really early as we dreaded being caught up in the traffic and shoppers. I needed a battery in my wrist watch - I still like a regular (now considered old fashioned I fear) timepiece despite having an iPhone in my bag.  I loved what the jewelry store did - instead of charging for the battery and labor to install, we were asked to make a donation, in whatever amount we preferred, and it would go to 'Toys For Tots' providing Christmas gifts to needy local children.

While there, hovering over the display case showing diamond jewelry, chatting with the sales lady, I tried on beautiful diamond studs. . . . . . . but my personal 'Santa' took off on his sleigh in double time when he saw the price tag!!! I've really never craved a pair, and have always been saddened by stories from the diamond mines and the entire diamond mining business. Now of course there are lab-grown stones, less expensive and just as beautiful. . . . . . and wow, did they ever sparkle with my now silver hair.