Darkest Part of the Year

[pegkerr]

I'm a tad bit late, but wanted to wish all light and blessings for the winter solstice. I smiled smugly as I walked past my seasonal affective light stand this morning and thought, "Not much longer."

The cards are out, and the shopping is all done. A good many gifts are already wrapped. I went to the grocery store with the girls today (an event in itself; usually Rob does the shopping). I bought decadent and extravagant things: Artichoke hearts. Whipping cream. A pomegranate. Candied ginger. Small, tightly closed white mushrooms. All for various and sundry dishes which will be consumed with a great deal of pleasure the next couple of days. After putting away the groceries, I turned the lights on the tree, made myself some wassail and opened and read Christmas cards.

[Peg's Wassail: No measurements; I just do it all to taste. Heat red wine in a saucepan, add a dollop of orange juice concentrate, brown sugar, cinnamon and cloves, and enough cranberries to cover the surface. Bring mixture to a simmer and squish the cranberries against the sides as they split. Pour into a mug. Personally, I love to eat the cranberries, but you can strain them out if you prefer.]

I invited elisem and her husband John (Juan-mammal) to go see That Movie so that I could use up the tickets I'd purchased in expectation of kijjohnson and her husband seeing it with me (kijjohnson ended canceling the trip because she was so ill with a sinus infection. So you see, kijjohnson, I got to go with simpatico company after all!) On the way to the theater, elisem told me a solstice story, which had served as the basis for a solstice service at her church. It sounded lovely.

I feel a warm glow, which I send out to all of you. It's partly the knowledge that I'm pretty much done with my Christmas preparations (I knew I would get into the mood eventually) but also, it's wonderful to know that the darkest part of the year is past us now.

Cheers,
Peg

Comments

[elisem.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the movie. It was fun to go off to the theatre with you!

[http://users.livejournal.com/_lindsay_/]

Happy Christmas, Peg! I intend to go do much the same thing shortly. :)

RE: Darkest Part of the Year

[debellatrix.livejournal.com]

it's wonderful to know that the darkest part of the year is past us now.

I never took note of this until I moved from Florida to Colorado. I imagine it's even more significant in MN, when the days get drearily short. But oh, those everlasting summer days......
The Wassail sounds delightful.
Happy Solstice & Merry Christmas,
V.P.

[eulonia.livejournal.com]

i adore candied ginger.

[friend of mine linked to your journal. hello]