Solstice

My world is white outside this morning. Light snow has fallen, which I expect will be gone by noon.

It's the first day of Winter and, in a sense, the first day of the New Agricultural Year. The light, which has been waning since the Summer Solstice, will now increase by small increments each day. As a result, more eggs will be laid. The plants in the greenhouse will begin to put out new growth. All animals and plants respond to the light, despite all the technological advances we live with.

Hope and optimism are the watchwords of the Winter Solstice. I will light a candle in tonight's darkness to celebrate it.