Winter Solstice

Tonight is the darkest evening of the year. Or at least the longest night. The winter solstice arrives a half hour after midnight. For the past few days we've had ominous clouds. Take a look at these from  Monday evening: 

Is the big cloud swallowing a smaller one?

Is this cloud really a giant hand?

These clouds are moving from north to east.

To the west, the clouds open in a circle.

These clouds over Chestnut Mountain just look creepy.

This morning was drismal. The cats went out but didn't go far. Most came back in at midday to escape the rain and wind. Only Jim-Bob, who apparently had lots of cat-work to do, stayed out until late afternoon.

Olivia, Eddie-Puss, & Dylan sat on the deck for a while.

Eddie-Puss and Chloe.

The tiny white dot at the right is Jim-Bob. That space is his office.
His sister and mother are on the deck.

The pin oak holds a few leaves yet.

Chloe visits Jim-Bob in his office.

Shavings clinging to Melody's hair show that she slept in last night.

Superstitions and traditions cling to the winter solstice. For instance, the winter solstice is a time that ghosts might be active.

This morning, I took several pictures of Melody grazing. Only one looked odd. Did a giant snowflake fall and I didn't notice it at the time? Or what?

Your guess is as good as mine. But it's the winter solstice, so strange things can occur.

~