Thursday, December 21, 2006

What is winter?

Who's asking: Henry Lavinder, Mechanicsville, VA

Henry is three. They haven't really gotten to seasons of the year in his preschool yet, although he knows all about fall.

Winter is the coldest, darkest time of year, except along the equator. In the Northern Hemisphere, winter begins on December 21, the winter solstice. The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year; in Gardiner today, the sun rose at 7:11 a.m. and will set at 4:02 this afternoon.

Here outside Richmond, where I am today, the day's a little longer: sunrise at 7:20, sunset at 4:54.

My original plan had been to run up to Washington today, but I don't think I will. I am fighting off yet another cold, and really don't want to be sick for Christmas. "We all have snotty noses," Henry said yesterday, and that includes me.

I, at least, have mastered the art of blowing my nose.

11 comments:

Linda Brown said...

Ah, but does Henry snore?

Linda

Ellen Clair Lamb said...

No, but he insists on sleeping on the floor instead of in his bed. He can't explain why.

Linda Brown said...

He's three years old -- I think I'd be more concerned if he did have a rational explanation.

After all, consider our President, who apparently believes "we're not winning, we're not losing" to be a rational response -- to ANYTHING!

Anonymous said...

Hope you feel better soon, Clair.

Can I put a question here, or do you prefer to get those via Email?

Ellen Clair Lamb said...

Either way, John -- feel free to leave one here!

Anonymous said...

What is your favorite Beatles song? And why?

This is one everybody can answer. I'll post my answer.

Ellen Clair Lamb said...

Ooh, excellent -- but very difficult -- question!

Anonymous said...

Challenging, I know. Many to choose from. But should get some good answers. I can tell mine if you'd like.

Did you see my Lennon triubte this year?
http://www.journalscape.com/jtschramm/2006-12-08-12:59

Ellen Clair Lamb said...

Ah... I can't believe it's been 26 years already. We'll use this question tomorrow, and you can post your favorite then -- thanks!

Anonymous said...

Happy Holidays to you.... and here's news that I put up a web site, and would be tremendously pleased if you would link to it. Hope you like it.

Steve Ettlinger
www.twinkiedeconstructed.com

Comments welcome -- is under construction. Will be adding exerpts in the new year.

Ellen Clair Lamb said...

Cool, glad to! Happy holidays...