Snowfall!

This is the view onto my deck this morning. If you realize that the space between the seat of the chair and the arm is about 6 inches, you'll have an idea of how much snow there is. It was up to Robinson's tummy when he went out for a pee.

I love the silence. I also love the enforced relaxation (except for the shovelling). I shall hole up in my cosy little house, toes to the fireplace, and take photographs of my Christmas tree for Photo Face Off's scavenger hunt today. Last night, I started a jigsaw puzzle. I haven't done a jigsaw since before my Mum died. I went grocery shopping yesterday to be sure that I had milk and bananas and things. I have a ton of snacky food and curry left over from movie night.

ETA: oh, and I shall light Solstice candles tonight.

There's more snow expected today - the warnings are still up. I don't know if this is going to be like the blizzard of 96, but it's certainly getting there. The weather conditions are in fact almost identical... The winter of 96, we had an influx of California sea-lions. Something to do with el nino or el nina, I forget which. It was so quiet then that I could hear the sea-lions barking from Dallas Rd waterfront, several miles to the south of me.

Solstice Candle

I salute you! There is nothing I can give you which you have not;
but there is much, that, while I cannot give, you can take.
No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today.
Take Heaven.
No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present instant.
Take Peace.
The gloom of the world is but a shadow; behind it, yet within our reach, is joy.
Take Joy.
And so, at this Christmas time, I greet you, with the prayer that for you,
now and forever, the day breaks and the shadows flee away.

--Fra Giovanni, 1513