Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Day One

Alaskan SolsticeYou know what today is don't you? It's the day when we officially start accumulating day light. A few seconds each day at first and then slowly we'll work our way into grabbing a few minutes more then finally we'll be up to nearly half an hour each week.

Somehow life is easier when there's more light.

I went out to collect my mail at 4:15 yesterday and this is what it looked like.

But tomorrow, it will be just a tiny bit lighter a tiny bit earlier and that is progress. Happy Solstice, folks!

***

Congratulations to Gina from Cambridge, Minnesota for winning last weekend's Snapgifts.com giveaway and to Anne from Greenville, South Carolina for winning the beautiful red earrings from Alison Kelley Designs this weekend! May your days be merry and bright and may all your Christmases be white.

Sponsored by Pak Naks--decorate your stuff!

22 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh wow! That is . . . dark!

Robin said...

Happy solstice :). It's dark just after 5pm here - much, much too early. Bring on that extra daylight, every second counts.

Suzi Dow said...

I live in the bottom of a canyon about 12 miles north of our border with Mexico in the Mule Mountains of Arizona. I used to complain about the sun "setting" at 3:30 (it actually drops behind the mountains so there is some light for another hours or so) until Robin moved in next door. She suffers from SAD and comes every winter, staying through the end of February/early March. Her "real" home is Fairbanks, AK. Even on our coldest days, Robin can be found knitting on her deck, soaking up the sun. Your photo explains why she leaves family and friends for three months to live near me.

I don't complain anymore.

Ann On and On... said...

May your days be Merry and Bright....

Happy Holidays!

Congrats to the winners!

An Almost Unschooling Mom said...

How funny - My husband commented on it being the shortest day of the year yesterday, and I made some comment about being happy, that now the days will start getting longer - looking at your "day", makes me pretty glad for what we've got - even on our shortest day!

Mommy, I'm Home said...

I thought that photo was shot in the middle of the night!

Anonymous said...

Sunlight is definitely a good thing! Looking forward to playing outside AFTER dinner!

Stephanie Frieze said...

Here in Western WA it get dark pretty early, too. I don't mind, but enjoy all the seasons so it's nice to have the days lengthening even though Spring is a season away.

[Stacia] said...

Summer solstice is my absolute favorite day in Alaska-can you say Ultimate Frisbee at 3 am? But Winter Solstice is by far my 2nd favorite day and definitely the most hopeful! You're on your way to brighter days-yay!

Shannon said...

Thank Goodness! Here in Germany it is fully dark by 4:45 and in the morning the sun doesn't bother to come up until almost 8. I have never lived this far north before and it driving me nuts!

GR said...

Picked up eight whole seconds of light today. On MLK day we'll get direct sunlight on the house!! YAHOO! Oh who are we kidding. Four long months 'til breakup. yay.

Janet said...

I would never survive that much dark.

Aleta said...

Bring on the sunlight!!! I can't wait!

The Texas Bakers said...

I have been living Outside for almost as long as I was a permanent resident of Alaska. I STILL anticipate the Winter Solstice with joy! Hooray for the days getting longer!

CM said...

Hang in there, it will be Spring before you know it!

Ok, maybe not, but at least you will have a little more sunlight soon!

Stephanie said...

Happy Solstice to you too, Michelle...and Merry Christmas! I don't know how you Alaskans do it with so little sunshine. ;)

stephanie@metropolitanmama.net

Unknown said...

Happy Day 1 day - I love it too, although probably just as short a day here in N Ireland.

Merry Christmas to you and yours :)

Patois42 said...

Oh, I know you've got it much worse than me, but I start counting the days at the solstice as well. So happy that it's staying lighter just a twinge each day.

Anonymous said...

Wow! That *is* very dark. I had no idea.

wartaislam.com said...

very wonderful

peggysue said...

I really look forward to this day of the year too!

The Chappell Fam said...

Ah! My husband is in Anchorage at this moment interviewing for jobs . . . I am a little nervous about the light . . . I am so glad to have randomly come across your blog in my searching for family fun in the winter time. My hopes are rising as I read each post. :)