Soltice

The winter solstice happened at 12:47 EST. It is now officially winter, and from this day forward, the amount of daylight will increase. At the approximate occurence of the solstice, I stepped into my backyard and took this picture of the river behind my home. It is already deep into winter. Open water on the fast moving stream is disappearing beneath ice. A foot of snow covers the ground.



While many celebrate the faint beginning of light’s return with revelry, we will cosy by the wood stove and offer a quiet toast.

As we begin to emerge from the darkness, I’d like to direct your attention to a couple of “enlightened” enterprises which I have recently discovered. These are complimentary notices.

First, birders are noted for their earth-tone attire and nerdy focus on ... birds. What few non-birders realize, is that beneath the plain exterior, birders can be very sexy. A short notice in the most recent Sierra magazine drew attention to Urban Fox (urbanfoxeco.com) and the hidden opportunity to get risque while remaining a green bird nerd. While no Victoria’s Secret, the company provides “super-cute undies” that are eco-friendly. “All our undies, etc., are designed, dyed, and sewn by hand in the sweet, sweet midwest out of machine-processed bamboo and organic cotton blends.” (Sorry, no photo example.

Second, Birds and Beans (birdsandbeans.com). “We want to make sure that people who enjoy coffee and care about conservation can get great coffee that they know is good for bird conservation, family farmers and the environment. Our commitment to quality and service ensures that fresh roasted, great tasting ‘Birds & Beans the good coffee’™ fly’s straight to your door and into your cup. Birds & Beans® only sells coffee meeting the demanding, independent certification of The Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center. SMBC’s Bird Friendly seal is by far the most rigorous bird conservation inspection. Bird Friendly coffee from Birds & Beans comes from the best managed family farms in Latin America.”

Finally, Mr. Cardinal finally stood still long enough for a reasonable portrait.

Thanks to all visitors to this site, and especially those who take time to leave comments. Happy Holidays!