Every morning I go out about sunrise and walk for little more than an
hour. My solstice according to time.*** is 11:19 p or in a few minutes.

I am out before the school buses and kids kids walking to school in
the dark. Time stands still for about two weeks or until Jan 6. The days do not really
get longer until about then. Maybe the twelve days of solstice (Xmas)?

So, the sun finally starts to rise later on Jan. 6th and my next goal is
groundhogs day when winter is half over and it starts getting warmer.

The cold beauty of nature from the solstice to groundhogs day is
appreciated - cold and free. Beer tastes the best on my return
and reading DU with the ventless glowing ten feet away.

Retirement is great but getting out of bed gets tougher every day.
I love the challenge.

It is so peaceful. Happy Solstice and retirement to you.

It is a great feeling. My retirement was may hearts desire and
I was already paying Social Security in 1966. Many miserable
years, especially after I was drafted in 1967.
The part I missed was too many years thinking about myself
instead of others, always thinking they had it better than myself.
The problem I have with doing things over is that our capitalistic
lifestyle does not give you time for repose until you are retired.

We really have to bust ass to survive. Now, the years fly by and
I really appreciate living!

And, of course, good tidings to you.

Erlewyne

I like observing the solstice. Religious ideas were created by human culture, but Nature is sustainer of us all.

Sometimes Nature can threaten and destroy, but renewal is always part of that process. Managing Nature has brought us many boons, but it is best to always keep an eye towards working with Nature, rather than trying to flout its power.

What is happening in the world today is the result of taking without respect and understanding. For all our cleverness as a species, Nature is going to have something to say about that.

Goddess knows, we need to listen. She even sent us a child to lead the way: