Weather
- Temperature: 25°F
- Conditions: Mist
- Barometer: 29.87 inHg
- Clouds: Overcast
- Wind: Calm
- Visibility: 2 miles
- Sunrise: 7:39 am GMT-8
- Sunset: 4:12 pm GMT-8
Photos
Dec
22
Q. One the average, how long did it take settlers to travel to Tumwater from Independence, Missouri?
Filed Under Washington Trivia | Leave a Comment
A. Nineteen months.
Dec
22
Longest Night of the Year
Filed Under Journal | Leave a Comment
The shortest day of the year… has been celebrated in cultures the world over for thousands of years. This start of the solar year is a celebration of Light and the rebirth of the Sun. In old Europe, it was known as Yule, from the Norse, Jul, meaning wheel.
The sun appears at its lowest point in the sky, and its noontime elevation appears to be the same for several days before and after the solstice. Hence the origin of the word solstice, which comes from Latin solstitium, from sol, “sun” and -stitium, “a stoppage.” Following the winter solstice, the days begin to grow longer and the nights shorter.
I read that the winter solstice is sometimes referred to as beginning of midwinter, I like that. Even as the days begin to grow longer we still have a couple more months of winter to endure. With subtle lengthening of daylight hours it gives a sense of renewal.
Our winter solstice is starting off with the predication of more snow through Christmas day. This last week it warmed up and most of the snow in Spokane melted away. While at our house the snow melted and re-froze into a crust of white earth. Going down the driveway in the morning is like driving those little bumper cars that run on tracks with the added attraction of the bottom of the car hitting uneven crusted snow.
Enjoy your short sunlight and long evening.
Dec
19
Orange Crush - The good neighbor
Filed Under The cat | Leave a Comment
Last week I received a email from my neighbor Maxine. Maxine was wondering if I had a dozen eggs that she could buy. At the end of the email she mentioned that her husband, Dale, loved Crush as….
"he is keeping all of the mice out of our house and especially his(Dale’s) cabin. He never seems to mess with the birds at all. I think the mice keep him busy 24-7.
I just about fell out of my chair when I read this. I never imaged that Crush could be thought of as a good neighbor. I must say that Crush is a rather clever cat. He has managed to come and go outdoors against the elements of winter. He has mastered living with 3 large dogs without any damage to himself or the dogs. And now I learn that my cat is considered by my neighbors. Do you think he has a charmed life? I do, he is very self assured and even tempered. Crush continues to amaze me.
Dec
16
At Year’s End
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Half way through December all ready. Eight days until Christmas; five days until the Winter Solstice and fifteen days until New Year’s Eve. I always wonder at this time of year, do you look back or do you look forward? A mixture of both is probably what I do, though I have been having more trouble looking back as I can hardly remember what I did yesterday.
My biggest goal for the new year is to improve my physical well-being. I have gained more weight that I am willing to admit. I am amazed how the extra weight has affected my mental well-being, as well as my endurance. I understand that I am getting older and that will have some effect on my life. Recently, I have had pain in my right knee I am not sure what is causing this the extra weight or arthritis or both. I have an appointment to see my doctor in January.
I am also looking forward to my vegetable garden, hoping that I can expand it. I would like to replace the raspberry plants that didn’t make it from the summer before last. I would also like to replace my asparagus plants into a raised bed to keep them from the voles. The raspberries will also need to be planted in raised beds. I am amazed when I look at the pictures of my vegetable garden from this year. There is such a sense of well being and achievement when I look at what I did. The whole garden thing can be overwhelming at times which only adds to the joy of achievement.
All that I know is that as this year winds down, I am winding up for the New Year.