Solstice

I’m always a bit relieved when I make it to this part of the year, although this year I kind of gave up on trying to see the sun or get any air the last few months. It was a choice. I did get exercise — the pool, a bit of climbing in the gym, even using the weight room at work — but just not as much stuff outside as I would like. I would go for days leaving home in the dark, getting back in the dark, then when the weekend finally rolled around and I could see my apartment in the daylight, realizing that I really needed to vacuum.

It’s all looking up now, though. Longer days will soon arrive!

I have some free time before my partner and I head south for a few days. I would like very much to have finished a few projects before going, so we’re both hanging out in our own homes for the moment. And I’ve taken the time to go for a few walks. For a while I was having these foot problems so it wasn’t really the best thing to do, but now I want to build up the ability to hike again. I’m more or less in shape (see “going to the weight room/swimming” previously!) but every activity is specific. Walking is different but oh geesh does it do me good! Just hearing birds, the few that stick around this time of year, seeing the dried leaves poking out from the snow, beautiful green pines trees, all of that fills my heart and soul with peace. And the sky, oh the sky! There’s no other words for it.. It’s just fantastic.

Hang on, I’ll show you some photos: