The Big Countdowns

When I was little (and same for when my kids were small) we'd count the number of sleeps until Christmas. 

These days I'm more inclined to count the days until Solstice, when the darkness finally begins to recede. With sunsets these days happening around 4, the days can feel mighty short. 

This year will see Solstice occur on the 'traditional' date for it, the 21st of December which means, I suppose by Christmas, sunset will occur a wee bit later, though I'm sure we won't notice much until sometime early in the new year. By mid-month in January, the sun will be rising before 8, and not setting until closer to 5. 

Which means, I suppose, we'll be feeling the return of light, though I'm not sure, following events scheduled for January 20th that things will feel much brighter. 

Remembering

My little vase of winter roses looks pretty sad. But then, today is a day they have reason to look that way. It's the anniversary of the day when a shooter murdered 14 women, all because he decided that feminists were ruining the world. 

For many years Montreal has shone 14 beacons to memorialize those women who were killed, but this year they've added a 15th beacon--this one on behalf of the many women who continue to be victims of violence. 

Maybe those brave little winter roses that reign on the ledge above my kitchen sink (where yes, I spend plenty of time) have reason enough to look a little sad.