The days in the Northern Hemisphere will soon be at their shortest. That turning point is always something to look forward to – The winter solstice. This is the time at which the sun appears at noon at its lowest altitude above the horizon. This year, 2013, it is on the 21 of December – one week left.
Today there was a thin rift in the gloomy skies and a pale ray of sun shone through. It lasted for about five minutes. They were precious. I will show you…
I only had my phone today, because I wasn’t in the mood for photography in this fog and darkness.
Anyway, we finished our day in a little town nearby, buying Christmas presents. On a shelf, these two gentlemen resided (together with three more) Which made NZ and the charming Lonely Dog in Auckland pop up again! https://lagottocattleya.wordpress.com/2012/01/20/lonely-dog/ Sweet memories!
On our return, 3-4 p.m. it was pit black.
Leya 
Between you and Viveka I want a puppy! Lovely post!
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your winter scenes are beautiful … and you have reminded me that our summer solstice is also close … I love these long days, and summer holidays with evening walks on the beach … enjoy your cosy dark days Ann Christine xx
Oh, I will. Another of the advantages with blogging – news and tidings from around the world reminding us that we are all one and that we only have one Earth to live on together!
indeed, I really love that feeling of being connected to people all over the planet, one small precious world that needs our loving care … best wishes of the season for you 🙂
The same to you! Enjoy your lovely summer days!
Days are getting shorter here as well, but not by very much. Adore those ‘gentlemen’ 😀
Aren’t they grand! Just like Lonely Dog in Auckland!
How precious is the light when it is already dark by 3pm.
Yes. If the sun was shining we might have had another hour or something. Everything is really grey, and this weekend I’m all alone here with the boys. Husband in Turkey and the children will not come home until Christmas. I was thinking of maybe a movie…Peter Jackson’s about Smaug started off here last week. But I guess I will save it for Christmas. Have you seen it?
No I haven’t seen the movie but I did read a very positive review in our Press this week. Not long now till Christmas; keep smiling 🙂
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A little welcome sparkle in the hedgerow !
Not long now for that turning point Ann Christine .. keep those candles of yours glowing indoors 😉
That’s important, yes! Have a lovely Sunday!
I can’t wait for longer days here and we have light until 4:15. Sorry yours disappears sooner than that. 😦
It also depends on the weather. No light and sun here right now. Soon it will return even if it seems hopeless right now.
Great shots….and all with a phone, amazing 🙂
I love the jewels of light in the second photo Anne Christine
Yes, they are OK, thank you. Sometimes the phone is a blessing…Otherwise – no jewels and nothing to remember the rather pleasant walk it became anyway.
Those two doggie ‘gentlemen’ look very austere indeed. It does look somewhat gloomy, Ann Christine, but really I love your tree pics. So beautiful! 🙂
Gloomy – yes! I’m glad you liked the trees though! Have a great Sunday!