Happy Winter Solstice!

The shortest day of the year. It seems so strange that we're at this time of year again. This time last year I was at daughter's house, and we were waiting for the birth of Baby A. How time really does fly! On this day of the year, I always feel a little hopeful. Days are going to get longer, and the darkness will give way to lighter days. It is strange how it seems to take so long for the days to get lighter, but they really got darker quickly! 

This morning, I was treated to a beautiful sunrise. It was really cold and there was a thin layer of ice on parts of Asylum Lake when I went for my walk. I wasn't expecting the sunrise, as it was really dull when I first got there with no hint of colour in the sky. Suddenly I could see the colour peeking over the horizon and, just as quickly, it was gone. It's these moments that make it worth getting up early for. 

The beavers were out trying to keep the little space in front of their lodge free from ice. It always amazes me how hard they work at keeping some water open. It's supposed to be another cold night (15F/-9C) so the snow and ice will still be around tomorrow. 

I got a little distracted by the beavers - they were out quite late this morning - and husband and I started shopping late. We got a lot of the list checked off. One last little shop on Monday and everything will be done (hopefully). 

We participated in the party with daughter and SIL's family. I was a little sad we weren't here, but I'm telling myself to enjoy the moments I can and to make the most of them. It was lovely to be included. 

The rest of the afternoon I spent doing a bit of wrapping and more than a little procrastinating. 

Things are slowly coming together. I'm still not in the Christmas-y mood, but that's okay. I don't have to be jolly. I can just be in the moment and enjoy the small things. It's less than two weeks before we will visit daughter and Granddaughter. That's not long at all! 

Happy Winter Solstice!

I am always excited by the winter solstice. I know there is still a long, cold and snowy winter to go, but knowing that the darkest day is done and the days will only start getting longer is a comfort somehow. It was actually quite a nice day today. The sun was shining quite brightly when we went out. We took a quick drive to the lakeshore and managed a few photos of the melting ice. It was actually quite quiet out walking. I think most people were shopping. I avoided shopping today. I've done a lot of holiday all week and wanted one day just to relax and enjoy.

I Skyped with my Mum. She is all prepared for the Christmas holiday. She received the calendars and cards that I sent as well as the GC I ordered from W.H Smith (bookshop in England). They are always really prompt about shipping. Mum loves watching out for the 1/2 price books they have on offer. My sister was at Mum's flat when the postman rang the doorbell which was good as sometimes Mum doesn't always hear it too well as she has an upstairs flat (it does have it's own door leading outside). I ordered her a couple of books from Amazon UK that will arrive at her post office on Monday - it's easier for Mum to pick them up as the post office is quite close to her house. I shall talk to her again on Christmas Eve.

This afternoon I did some crafting. I have fallen a little behind on my December daily so worked on that for a while as I am all done with anything else Christmas-y. I do have to put away all the holiday in my craft room but that's for another day.

I might try to see if I can see anything of the moon tonight. Or I might not. I am currently toasty warm as I've had a lovely bath and am in my PJs so might not venture outside lol.

Today's photo - a lovely snowy walk in the woods. This was taken yesterday before the snow started to melt. I might not like driving in the snow, but there is something lovely and peaceful about it.