Mid Winter Gathering

Solstice means: standing-still-sun.











Above: My uncle Ron tending to the bonfire

For the last few years my family has celebrated the winter solstice at my aunt and uncle's house in Valatie - upstate New York.

I am not sure how the idea came about but it has been an annual event in which my uncle prepares a bonfire on their property. My aunt provides edibles, spirits and warm drinks such as hot chocolate and hot cider. My contribution has

.been ingredients for s'mores and also getting a little dirty as I probe




What I find fascinating about Winter Solstice is that the earth is closest to the Sun in January than any other month of the year. Something about the tilting of the axis - exact calculation is " 23 degrees and 27 minutes off the perpendicular to the plane of orbit" All the science mumbo jumbo gives me a headache so I will spare myself the pain of explaining it.




Above: My brother Ed and John bringing more fuel for the fire.

In anycase, I hope that Noah will be able to appreciate this event as he becomes older. It is one day in which our ever growing family can become attuned to the astral observance and be with our loved ones.

Creative Holiday crafting

As if I needed another project on my plate, I decided to take on the daunting task of making holiday cards this year. I wanted something more of a keepsake than a card so I made a versatile tree ornament slash decoration.

I chose a family picture from Noah's first birthday and found all the supplies at Michael's, which also included a circle cutter. How crafts have evolved. Perhaps the next time I will make sure the paper is recycled. I went to CVS Photo store and printed out the wallet size pictures - 8 on a sheet for 29 cents.

Despite the long hours of cutting circles, trimming pictures, gluing and writing personal messages on the 20+ cards I felt accomplished and extremely satisfied. It was heartwarming to see the ornaments on their Christmas trees.

I think next year I will think of a less complex design.