A bit of blue sky at last.

Sunday morning and the temperature has finally risen enough so that both a bit of the garden has now come back in view and there are bits of blue sky here and there...tempting to be sure, but it's still close to freezing with the wind chill factored in. 

Our Bianca, who has been suffering feline cabin fever finally went out this morning, but decided to come back in after about 20 minutes with a shake and shiver..."too cold for me" she said and was happy to be wrapped around my neck for a few minutes to warm up. 

More snow is predicted for around Hogmany/New Year's but we are so glad for a respite. 

Duncan

A most wintery Christmas morning...

Just in from clearing the bird feeders as most had been clogged due to the heavy wet snow that fell overnight.
The views from our warm home are of snow laden branches, birds in a feeding frenzy and banks of snow where ever the eye can see. Even though we are in a cul-de-sac with houses nearby, the snow on the ground and the light snow from above seem to give us more of a rural feeling than usual.

We have opened our presents, and now my sweetie Kim is reminding me that she has put a Christmas movie on....so I bid a Merry Christmas to one and all and with my cup of coffee I am heading for the living room.

Blessings,

Duncan

Some long nights...

Having finished 8 out of my 9 nights this time around on my work schedule and having a little trouble keeping my eyes open (will head for bed very soon), I wanted to share this image of a Green Man Druid in the dark of the winter time as a reminder that although the trees may be bare of leaves, there is a deep and green vitality that is always present around us all.

There is much to enjoy in the darkness, for without it, we would not cherish the light as it will slowly come in it's due time and bring the Wheel of the Year around once more.

Bright Blessings,

Duncan

Post Scriptum: I post this image with the regret that I cannot recall the wonderful artist who created it...I will attempt to locate him or her and give honor where it is due.

The Shortest Day

As the Winter Solstice approaches here on the west coast in about two hours, I do want to share the poem by Susan Cooper entitled "The Shortest Day":

And so the Shortest Day came and the year died
And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world
Came people singing, dancing,To drive the dark away.
They lighted candles in the winter trees;They hung their homes with evergreen;
They burned beseeching fires all night long
To keep the year alive.
And when the new year's sunshine blazed awake
They shouted, revelling.
Through all the frosty ages you can hear themEchoing behind us - listen!
All the long echoes, sing the same delight,This Shortest Day,
As promise wakens in the sleeping land:They carol, feast, give thanks,
And dearly love their friends,
And hope for peace.
And now so do we, here, now,
This year and every year.
Welcome Yule!

And an especial thanks to Aine Minogue whose wonderful harp website not only has this poem but riches of poem, music and lore. Visit her here: http://www.minogue.com/

Bright blessings to all,

Duncan

Waiting for the Storm

Well, so much blogging on a regular basis! Working nightshift on the psychiatric ward with 17-19 patients along with the cold weather has left little time to jot even a few words.

It's about 11:15AM on Saturday, the 20th December (Solstice Eve) and although the Sun is shining brilliantly, the temperature outdoors is a chilly 1 degree F. (I know, I was just out to mail my sister and my niece a Christmas card and so glad to be back in).

We have predictions of a major snow storm to blow in this evening with high winds and up to 6 or 7 inches of snow. I plan to make to work at the hospital (four nights to go), but don't know if I will be coming home in the morning or staying over somewhere.

However, it's one way to welcome in the Solstice, and if I have time I want to post the lovely poem by Susan Cooper entitled " The Shortest Day". If I fail to do so--go and look it up (easily available on the web) and see if you get goosebumps and shivers once you have read it. And read it out loud--much better that way.

And I note that I have a following...thank you for your kindness Tricia, I did not expect to have any following, and not so soon. And please bear with me as I find my way in blogging and in being a wee bit more regular in posting.

If for some reason I do not post for a bit, I wish one and all a Blessed Yule, a Merry Christmas and a renewing Solstice.

Beannachaidhe (Blessings),

Duncan

The One Eyed Bianca

Speaking of the one-eyed sweetie, thought I had better post a picture or two of her. And here's Bianca!

And one of her and me, taken by my wife Kim while I was blissfully unawares! Kim had just brought her home, having found her being offered in front of one of our "big box" stores by a caring young lady, and Kim could not resist this dear kitten.

A long cold night to come

As is common with Washington Weather in the Northeast corner, the snow did not make an appearance, but we are now facing another night with the cold arctic wind upon us, with gusts already skirling around the hoose and rattling the windows.

Our one-eyed white cat, Bianca, is soo wanting to go out as usual, but once the door is opened, she goes into quick reverse and with her one eye fixes me with an intense stare and asks why I haven't fixed the weather yet?

In time, in time, I answer her....but she stalks off to find comfort sitting on the heat vent.

The Winter Storm arrives

A winter storm has arrived in the northwest...not always expected in the sometimes moderate climate of Washington state, but we are preparing for a long and cold one this time.
Current wind chill is only 6 degrees F. and wind gusts are up in the forty to fifty mph range.
A light frosting of snow on the ground with a bit more to arrive today.

Went out this morning to fill the bird feeders...to the delight of the chickadees, towhees, sparrows and even a sap sucker or two.