Shyla and I were out at "sunrise" this morning, although clouds meant that we didn't actually see the sun until a good bit later than the advertised sunrise time. When it finally appeared, the sun made a beautiful sight.
Today is the Solstice, the day when the sun is furthest south in the sky, making our day very short. It's a time of year that can be tough due to short days and long dark nights. However, for me, the Solstice means hope because it is the start of the march toward spring. The days will get longer, imperceptibly at first, and lead us into the season of bounty.
Shyla and I played, with my heart a little lighter, knowing that we have turned the corner toward spring.
For some reason, Shyla has been on high alert in our forest recently. In the photo above, you can see that she was scanning to the side while retrieving. Usually, she's 100% focused on fetching.
In the photo below, you can see that her eyes were like saucers as she stared at something I didn't see. I'm not sure what has her tension level higher than usual. Perhaps the moose are hiding in the dark corners of the forest near us.
Despite the invisible scent that had Shyla's attention a lot of the time, we had fun in the forest. We are so lucky to have such quiet open space behind our house. Every person has certain things that they need to be happy, and wild and empty land next to my home is high on my list!
Happy Winter Solstice!
Happy Solstice! :D Shyla is so cute even if she is on high alert!
ReplyDeleteIt is good to know Shyla is watching out for you in the woods. Thank you for more spectacular pictures.
ReplyDeleteShyla looks very wise in that first photo - it's a look I haven't noticed before with her. Happy Solstice to you, too!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a beautiful place to run and relax!!
ReplyDeleteI always love as we turn the corner to more daylight. With the holidays taking our attention, a couple weeks will speed by, and 15 more minutes of light! By the end of January it's even noticeable!
ReplyDeleteActually, because I am not working right now and can spend lots more time outdoors during the day (and we've had super mild weather), I've been suffering much less from the short days. Definitely a perk to being umemployed :-)
Beautiful sunrise.
ReplyDeleteAroo to you,
Sully
You have good and fun life Ms Shyla
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays
Lily & Edward
Happy Solstice!!! And please bring on the Spring!!!
ReplyDeleteEven though the increase in daylight is in milliseconds for a while, I'm with you. We're on the right track. And that makes me feel good.
ReplyDeleteHappy Solstice!! I also love to think about the days getting longer after the Winter Solstice!
ReplyDeleteHappy Solstice - yes we are ready for the days to start getting longer
ReplyDeletehugs
Mr Bailey, hazel & Mabel
Happy Solstice! We will march towards spring... together!
ReplyDeleteShyla is keeping you safe,, I see it in her eyes!
love
tweedles
It is the longest day where we livd. Love your 3rd photo of Shyla playing in the snow with the exact same toy that Riley & Enzo were retrieving in the NZ summer sunshine today!
ReplyDeleteMeant to write "live" not "livd"
Deleteyou made the best of the shortest day of the year :o)
ReplyDeleteHappy Winter Solstice, Shyla and KB!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your beautiful day☺
It's touching that Shyla is looking out for you. Happy Solstice! :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful fun photos! We are in a neighborhood, surrounded by houses. Someday I would love to enjoy a more remote location. We had that decades ago in Maine - heck we even had the snow :)
ReplyDeleteThat sunrise is gorgeous and so are you sweet Shyla!
ReplyDeleteHappy Solstice! I for one am thrilled we turned that corner.
ReplyDelete